200 gr vs 230 gr 45acp

[BMartin1776]

Im new to reloading and am curious for purposes of getting range time in is there really a difference in bullet wt? Granted you may want something heavier for self defense (230) if you're going to just go plinking is it better to get the lighter weight rounds to cut costs or should you stick with heavier rounds?

[Bastard]

all depends on what your gun likes - I personally use them both, 230 jacketed ball & 200 cast SWC

[ExtremeX]

Its just preference.... I shoot both 200 and 230gr

I use 200gr just for range steel / volume loading. Using WST I have a nice light target load for shooting fast.

I use my 230gr with W231 and I load so it feels similar to my defense rounds for practice.

If you are chasing velocity on the upper end of the spectrum I would take the 200gr over the 230s

Try both and see what you prefer using whatever powder you have.

[BMartin1776]

see I don't know Ive always shot 230 but now that Im starting out in reloading don't know what to use if its just to get range time in and keep costs low..

[CalTeacher]

I prefer the recoil of 230gr bullets for competition. They feel like more of a push than a snap. Some prefer the faster recoil of 200's. It's all personal preference. Pick one and practice.

[Bastard]

if you are just starting out, I would recommend just going with a 230 gr jacketed and once you are comfortable with that give the 185/200 cast SWCs a try

[Fishslayer]

I use both. The 200gr SWC make nice big holes in the paper.

Additionally I like the 200gr RNHB from Bear Creek. VERY accurate in both my 1911s.

Most fixed sight .45s are set up for a 230gr bullet at 850-ish fps (IIRC) so you might have to tweak your loads with 200gr.

If you're starting out I would say go with the 230gr plated or FMJ. Loading plain lead can be a bit tricky till you get the hang of it.

[ExtremeX]

Considering you are just starting, and have only shot 230gr in the past, just keep it simple and stick with that for now till you get the hang of it.

Part of the fun of reloading is experimentation and trying different thing... no need to limit yourself to one or the other.

Plus there isn't a huge cost difference between 200gr and 230gr bullets... for the brand I use its about $8/1000 difference... I would stick to what shoots/feels best to you.

[wild_weasel]

I use Cowboy 200gr Lead RN-FP's in my 45ACP, 45 Auto Rim, and 45 Colt. The are not as pricey and shoot as well as 230gr or 255gr bullets. My favorite powders for 45 are Bullseye and Unique.

[BMartin1776]

Considering you are just starting, and have only shot 230gr in the past, just keep it simple and stick with that for now till you get the hang of it.

Part of the fun of reloading is experimentation and trying different thing... no need to limit yourself to one or the other.

Plus there isn't a huge cost difference between 200gr and 230gr bullets... for the brand I use its about $8/1000 difference... I would stick to what shoots/feels best to you.

Thanks thats what I'm figuring since I'm new to all of this to stick with the round I know before experimenting... suggestions where to get 230grain plated round nose? From what I her that is what I should use to keep cost low for shooting paper target vs FMJ

[MR_X]

My 1911 loves 185 gr pills but I use 200 gr because accuracy isn't affected that much and it keeps me in major loads. It hate 230s though. I would suggest that you get some Xtreme plated bullets on other weights. They are not that much more expensive that lead bullets.

[Bigtls1]

If you're in the So Cal area I am hosting a Xtreme bullets group buy. You can always grab a thousand or 2 of each and try them out.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=901267

[Chief-7700]

200 grain LSWC for me.
Chief

[MR_X]

^What he said

[DougJ]

200 grain LSWC for me.
Chief

^What he said

Yup, I now load these almost exclusively.