1911 .45 preferred bullet & weight

[SoCal1911]

200gr SWC (Bearcreek) 5.4grs #231 works very well in all of my7 1911s, Full size to comanders. Since #231 is hard to get, I have worked up new load that is pretty good 200gr SWC 3.9grs titewad, which is a published load data.

[ptmn]

The following loads are safe in my guns, but I make no safety claims for anyone else's guns.

My most accurate loads:
Zero Brand 230gr FMJ RN, 4.6gr AA#2, Win LP primers, seated to 1.26"

Berrys or Xtreme 230gr Plated RN, 4.7gr W231, Win LP primers, seated to 1.26"

Berrys or Xtreme 230gr Plated RN, 4.4gr Titegroup, Win LP primers, seated to 1.26"

I have a 200gr LSWC load that uses 4.4gr Bullseye, but it's on my other hard drive, so I have to post it later.

[maxx03]

My 1911's love 200 gr SWC.

[biggestez]

Ive been messing around with the high tech coated bullets this year from black and blue bullets. Both 9mm and .45. For my .45 SA loaded I've used 185 swc 200 and 230 rn. With great success . I also like the fact that I can use different colors as a quick reference at the range to distinguish between the different weights.

[thenodnarb]

In a .45 ACP anything will work. Lead, plated, jacketed, whatever. The velocity is so low it just works well with everything. I prefer 230 grain since that is what the gun was designed around. You are making a mistake by not casting. You can get into casting for less than a box of bullets and forever after be making bullets for free, or at most 2 cents each. Yes it adds time.

[sghart]

Since casting is off the table and you don't sound too excited about lead I would go with Xtreme 230 gr RN. 5 gr of Bullseye is good. I don't use Titegroup so I don't know what the equivalent charge would be.

When you want to try lead but don't want to cast get some 150 gr LSWC from Dardas. I load them over 10.5 gr of AA #5. It makes 1150 FPS out of my 1911 and my son's HK USP. Basically a 357 in semi auto.

For cheap 230 gr LRN I would go with Indiana Bullet Co.

My son's and I shoot a lot, I mean a LOT. We go through 300 lbs or more of lead a year, mostly cast in 45's. If you are not shooting that much then jacketed would be good.

There are a lot of misinformed people on this forum when it comes to lead. Go to Cast Boolits and read, read, read.

[oregonnative1968]

I have 1 45 that is picky about lead, but the other one will eat whatever I feed it. Since you reload, you can try the whole spectrum and see that you and the gun agree on. I primarily use bullseye powder since my mentor had used it to kill the dinosaurs.

[Sheldon]

I have always loaded with lead bullets because of price. I started casting and have used the 200gr swc as well as the 200gr flat point round nose. Both work fine but the swc cuts a nicer hole on paper. I just use a light charge of whatever power I have on hand and they have always worked fine.

[wild_weasel]

I use the same 200gr LRNFP bullet in 45 ACP, 45 Auto Rim , and 45 Colt. It functions perfectly in my Springfield 1911A1, Ruger Blackhalk, and S&W 1917.

[jcourson]

You can get into casting for less than a box of bullets Yes it adds time.

You need to share where you buy your smelter and molds!

[bruce381]

tite kaboom I mean tite group is OK in a lead 45acp 200 gr use 4.8 or so.

or look up never take anyones load in the web always look up mfg of powder for there recomendation.

[Khromo]

H&G #68, a 200 grain lead semiwadcutter. In a smooth gun they are 100% reliable, they are accurate as anything, and they can make Major with no leading problems if your barrel is smooth. I get them from different vendors, including Missouri Bullets Co.

I'll be running out of W231 soon, and then I'll probably migrate to Bullseye. You can load baby loads with these, and shoot all day with no fatigue. When I was practicing regularly I used to go through as many as 400-500 in a session.

[xrMike]

Fan of the 200 grain lead semi-wadcutters from Missouri Bullets also, target hardness. Makes big round holes in practice targets and IDPA cardboard sillouhettes.

[foxtrotuniformlima]

I like the 200gr lead SWC bullets too. Lots of shotgun/pistol powders will drive these to 850 fps safely and accurately.

I've only ever used the ones from bulletworks.com but they are the standard H&G 68 profile.

[sammy]

The #68 H&G has been the staple for accurate .45acp loads for decades. 3.9 (with reduced spring) to 4.5 grains of Bullseye is a proven tackdriver. SNS Casting's bullets are very high quality and you can't beat the price. They cut very clean holes which help in scoring as well. http://www.snscasting.com/45-acp-200-gr-swc-45_200swc/

This is shot offhand at 15 yards with a Glock no less.