Question about reloading 45 ACP, powder.

[cannondalem600]

New to reloading and have recently purchased a Lee Classic Turret Press.

Installed the dies and now running brass casing through to check for bullet seating depth, overall length, etc. I've reloaded some of the primers in to the brass.

I'm using Bullseye powder with a 230 gr Winchester FMJ bullet.

I'm getting various information on how many grains of powder I should use...the Lee Die Set says Start grains 5.0, NEVER EXCEED 5.0. Alliant says for TMJ 230 grain max charge is 5.7 grains.

I want to start conservatively and realize I shouldn't mess around with the power charge.

I'd like to know what a good load would be to have less recoil than factory loaded 45ACP, 230 gr FMJ bullet from American Eagle or Remington, which I've shot and have the brass for.

Thanks for your help. I hope I've included all the relevant information.

[XDRoX]

I have not used BE in 45acp, but according to my manual 5.2gr to 5.7gr would be fine. If you're looking for something with less recoil than factory I would load them to 5.3gr or 5.4gr. I have used BE in other calibers and really enjoyed its recoil, so I think you'll be pleased.

However, I would never recommend BE to a new reloader because of its low volume and because it's such a fast burner.
Accurate as hell though.

So good luck and be careful.

[bruce381]

ALWAYS start with what Powder mfg says they will have a starting and MAX load LOOK them up on the web what i use may not be OK in your pistols etc be safe
bruce

[chim-chim7]

Same load I use 5.3-5.5 gr Bullseye. About Bullseye not being safe for a new reloader that's a bunch of crap. I started reloading with Bullseye and it has become my favorite overall powder. Have fun and be safe.

[nimbus]

I've also used 5.0gr of BE under a 230gr FMJ. Shot great and manageable recoil. I've even shot a few with 4.8gr to see how it went, and it shot fine. The gun is a RIA 1911.

[cannondalem600]

Thanks for your responses. I've loaded about 10 rounds at 4.5 grains and will try this weekend. Starting out conservatively low and will adjust accordingly.

Shooting out of a RIA Tactical 1911.

[Jerm]

Bullseye is my flavor of choice I have stuck with the 5.3 on 230 grain 45 good load and bullseye goes further than most powders! Have fun just watch out for a double charge that is the main problem with bullseye because it takes so much less than other powders.

[jdogg2000]

While testing, I loaded 4.3 grains as well as 4.7 grains of Bullseye under a 230 grain FMJ Remington bullet and they all worked perfectly fine for my plinking session in the desert.

[Mikeb]

Hornady 49th ed says 3.8 to 5.3 grains
take care
Mike

[XDRoX]

About Bullseye not being safe for a new reloader that's a bunch of crap. I started reloading with Bullseye and it has become my favorite overall powder. Have fun and be safe.

Just because you started out with it and didn't have an accident doesn't mean there aren't safer powders out there for newbs. It's possible to double charge a 45 case with BE. It's not possible with other powders. That's all I meant by saying a wouldn't recommend it to a newb.

I've had good luck with BE. Accurate and low recoil. However I don't use it any more because there are way better powders out there that are just as good and burn way cleaner. BE is one of the dirtiest powders on the chart. I can get the same recoil and accuracy from WST and it's super clean.

For people that shoot 1k rounds in a session or don't like to clean their guns after every trip, WST is superb.

I use WST in 9mm, 45acp, and 38spl. Great powder. BE is outdated IMO.

[Fishslayer]

Same load I use 5.3-5.5 gr Bullseye. About Bullseye not being safe for a new reloader that's a bunch of crap. I started reloading with Bullseye and it has become my favorite overall powder. Have fun and be safe.

I don't load 'em that warm but yeah, BE is my favorite .45ACP powder. Try throwing a double charge. It won't overflow but if yer paying attention it's obvious.

Distractions & not paying attention can make bad things happen no matter what powder you're using.

[Lead Waster]

Just so you know, TMJ and FMJ are not the same!

FMJ = full metal jacket. Metal jacket, usually with the bottom exposed

TMJ = Total metal jacket. Probably copper electroplated with a thin layer of copper, but the entire bullet is enclosed.

Since the load data shows a higher load for TMJ, it might not just be plated.

[Hornet_RN]

i think the most underrated powder for .45 ACP is IMR Trail Boss. it was designed for Cowboy Action Shooting, but it works pretty good with the .45 ACP too. i use 4.5-4.7 gr with 200 gr lead cast semi-wadcutters.

pros:

1) it's great for the beginner because it's much bulkier than Bullseye, so it'll be easier to tell if you accidentally double charged it a cartridge.
2) also, it burns pretty uniformly and gives pretty decent groups.

cons:

1) this powder is designed for use with non-jacketed LEAD CAST bullets ONLY!!!

[Chief-7700]

5.0 grains of Bullseye under a 230 grain FMJ= the Old Military Ball Ammo.

[MAC USMC]

Great suggestions - I load 4.6 grains of Bullseye under my 230 fmj bullets and get super accuracy. For a carry load I would load much hotter - up to 5.2 grains will do the trick without heavy recoil, etc.