.45 ACP Reloading Report

[doc540]

My first effort to reload .45ACP

loader: RCBS Rock Chucker
dies: Lee carbide
bullets: 230gr LRN
powder: Win231
OAL: 1.25
primers: Winchester LPP
brass: tumbled Rem and Winchester
loads:
4.3/4.7/5.0/5.3
pistol: Colt CCO (Bar-Sto match barrel) - Commander length barrel and slide

at both 25 and 50 yds from a rest

4.7 was most accurate
average fps: 730

[TahoeTim]

10-4
I came to the same conclusion with HP-38, 4.7 was the answer.

[doc540]

10-4
I came to the same conclusion with HP-38, 4.7 was the answer.

good to know, thanks

5.3 was almost as accurate, but not enough to justify the recoil and extra powder burned when powder is scarce

[ptmn]

I found 4.7 gr 231 the most accurate in my guns too. I'm using the Berrys 230gr plated, Win LP primer, mixed cases, seated to 1.260".

[CAL.BAR]

4.7 of HP-38? That seems to be about the bottom floor in terms of power. Tried that same load, and had a stovepipe jam (which I never get with larger loads)
I usually use 5.0 or even 5.2 and it approximates the factory ammo I have shot before.

[mindwreck]

What gun are you shooting out of?

4.7 of hp38 with 230grn extreme bullets @ 1.25 will barely even cycle my ria 1911 and m&p45. almost no power at all. accuracy was terrible. Pass 40 yards they just nose dived. 5.0 and 5.1grns was the sweet spot for my guns.

[ptmn]

I'm using 4.7gr 231 in a bone stock HK USP Match. Cycles my gun 100% and I can shoot fine out to 50 yards. I'm using the Berrys 230gr RN at 1.260" with Win Lg Pistol primers. Accuracy is great and follow up shots are fast due to minimal muzzle rise

[K2theG]

What gun are you shooting out of?

4.7 of hp38 with 230grn extreme bullets @ 1.25 will barely even cycle my ria 1911 and m&p45. almost no power at all. accuracy was terrible. Pass 40 yards they just nose dived. 5.0 and 5.1grns was the sweet spot for my guns.

Interesting. I've been having issues with stovepiping lately, using 230gr. RMR FP's and 4.8gr. of HP38. I've been forced to reduce OAL from 1.26" to sub-1.25's (avg. 1.22") due to the FP's binding inside the magazines (M&P 45). Seems to happen consistently on second and third rounds (not crimping either). The first 500 rounds I loaded were 200gr. FMJRN at 5.0gr (HP38) and those cycled perfectly.
So, this may not be an OAL issue at all but a need for a higher powder charge instead.

Any input is appreciated, thank you.

[huckberry668]

Those with malfunctions might want to check your recoil springs and give it a little crimp. 16lb spring should work. I loaded about 800 rounds of Missouri #1, 200gr SWC with 4.5gr of W231. Shot Steel Madness with it this past weekend. Cycled my Sig P220 (20lb spring) perfectly (except 1 FTF from a Pro-Mag).

BTW, on the Missouri bullet quality. Shot 2 unofficial 5-shot groups at 46 yards off the bench top just to get a sense of overall accuracy. 1 group went less than 4" and a little over 3" for another. I'll try 4.7gr of HP38 or W231 next.

The Wolf primer I use isn't too good. Had a total of 4 light strikes from the P220 (unmodified). But the bad rounds fired from the HK USP. I believe the primer cup may be too hard.