Is this load safe?

[dwightlooi]

I fire this is a 1911 style firearm chambered for 45 ACP (Baer)

• Projectile: 185 GR. HDY JSWC
• Powder: Hodgdon Longshot
• Charge: 8.4 Grains
• OAL: 1.195"
• Velocity: 1120 fps
• Pressure: 20,100 CUP

Source: Hodgdon (as a 45 Super maximum load)

The reason for this load is that I load the defense mags with Remington 185 gr +P Golden Saber JHPs. I want a load that is most similar to it in recoil and flash for practice. 185 gr JSWC @ 1120 fps with a relatively flashy powder like longshot does just that.

Now, I see no obvious pressure signs (flattened primers or bulging cases) and the gun hasn't malfunctioned or blown up. Both the 185 JHP and JSWCs feed well in the gun in Wilson ETM mags. SAAMI specs for 45 ACP is 21,000 psi, whereas 45 ACP +P is 23,000 psi. I figure that while CU do not translate directly to psi, 20,100 should be roughly comparable to the maximum for 45 ACP and below 45 ACP +P and hence it should be safe. Is it? I mean has anyone had extended experience with reloads in this class?

[Sub95]

If you dont have any signs of over pressure, you will be fine.

I load 185gr copper just a little faster then that and have had no problems.

[J-cat]

If you wait for pressure signs in a low pressure round, you will end up with missing body parts.

[area51]

If you wait for pressure signs in a low pressure round, you will end up with missing body parts.

yup... why the need for that hot load ?

start on the low end and work your way up. what's your application ?

[dwightlooi]

yup... why the need for that hot load ?

start on the low end and work your way up. what's your application ?

I did. Not quite from the minimum load, but I worked it up from 8.0 grains thru 8.2 to get to 8.4 grains. As I said, no pressure signs, but I want to know if anyone has extended experience with 45 ACP with this or a similar load.

I am trying to duplicate the recoil characteristics of the Remington Golden Saber +P 185 gr JHP. That's my defense load. I am a fast and fragmenting bullet guy, the only reason I am not using the Corbon 165 Grain +P is that I cannot get that bullet or an equivalent mass bullet to make reloads for practice. The 185+P GS does not fragment, but it does dump all its energy fast and come to a stop at 12~13" and I like that. I know a lot of people believe in slow, deep penetrating and heavy bullets for the 45 ACP, but that's not an argument I want to have here.

[Sub95]

If you keep a close eye on the primer it will show signs.

I use federal primers as they are soft.

[J-cat]

I did.

What primer are you using?

[CalTeacher]

By the time you notice flattened or cratered primers you're way over pressure. You generally won't see those signs for ammo loaded to saami specs for 45 auto as it doesn't build enough pressure. Use a chronograph to reach desired velocities and understand the risks of loading beyond published maximum load data. You may be able to reach your target velocity safely, but don't rely on traditional signs of over pressure to gauge how well you're doing with a low pressure round like 45.

[mjmagee67]

By the time you notice flattened or cratered primers you're way over pressure. You generally won't see those signs for ammo loaded to saami specs for 45 auto as it doesn't build enough pressure. Use a chronograph to reach desired velocities and understand the risks of loading beyond published maximum load data. You may be able to reach your target velocity safely, but don't rely on traditional signs of over pressure to gauge how well you're doing with a low pressure round like 45.

Great advice the 45ACP is a low pressure round, Large Pistol primers will take a whole lot more pressure than a 45ACP +P can dish out!! If your seeing pressure signs in the primer your going to have to start looking around on the ground for gun or body parts soon.