My 45ACP Load Question

[Iggy]

I just started loading for my 45 and I think I found the load that matches my factory round. The alarming part is the amount of powder is way over what is book max, but there seem to be no signs of over pressure.

So here the steps I took and my results.

1. I did a ladder test in .1 grain increments of Bullseye, checking for pressure signs and the amount of soot blowing into the chamber and over the case wall. I loaded up to 5.5 grains successfully.

2. I feared that this load was way too hot. Alliant's site states that the max for a 230 grain bullet is 5.0 grains of Bullseye. However it was the load that resulted in the least amount of soot, which is a sign of a good seal. My main goal was to match a Federal load of 45 with a large pistol primer. It has shot great out of all my guns.

3. I shot some of these Federal factory loads and inspected the cases and I was surprised how clean the cases were. Further research showed me that Bullseye is dirty, but the 5.4 and 5.5 were almost close to what the federal cases look like.

4. Finally after hating all this guess work and not having factual numbers for my work, I decided to chrono my rounds. I shot the Federal ammo first, then 5.0 to 5.5 in .1 increments. Here are my results.



It looks like 5.4 grains is identical to the Federal load. There were no over pressure signs, and loads felt equally as powerful.

My question is; is this load safe? I have read all over and some state that 5.0 is the best load all the way up to 5.4, but the book says 5.0 max? I don't understand, but maybe someone can shed some light if I am going to blow my face off.

Here are my load details:
Rainier 230 grain ball
Mixed Cases
CCI LP Primers
1.260 COAL
Taper Crimp

Shot out of my Kimber TLE II

[Noonanda]

Also remember that Load manuals will differ, and some of them are conservative as well. For example the Midway USA .45ACP loadbook lists Winchester 230Gr FMJ with a Bullseye max load of 5.8 Gr while a Speer 230Gr TMJ and sierra 230 Gr FMJ at 5.5. So it depends on the bullet and the load manual, and bullet manufacturer

[zfields]

Ive loaded up to 5.4, no issues. Books tend to be on the light side, have to remember they will be a bit scared of liability if some dummy blows up his gun following what they consider "safe".

[Iggy]

Thanks for that guys!

Well then it looks like I found my load to match the good Federal stuff. I hope this helps others since it has some numbers behind it. I know it took me forever to get a straight answer on 45 loads.

[bigstones]

The reloading manuals will be especially conservative where there are a lot of old guns or a lot of military guns that shoot that particular cartridge. Since the 1911 is the principal gun to shoot the .45 ACP and it is 100 years old, you would expect more conservative loads than for say a more modern cartridge like the .40 S&W.