Heavy Bullets in .45ACP

[Savage]

I seem to remember that someone on this forum has worked up loads using the heavier bullets in the .45ACP. I recently came into some 255 LSWC bullets. I loaded up 5 rounds using 4.5 grains of Bullseye with Winchester SPP in mixed brass @ 1.21 OAL. Recoil was mild, as was the report. The rounds were fired in a Sig 220. The only problem I see with this load was a bit of firing pin smear on the primers. This tells me that the barrel is unlocking before the firing pin has retracted. I'm assuming this is due to the fast burn rate of BE. I know it could also be a weak firing pin spring, but doubt that at this time. I have data for a load using 4.9gr of Unique with this bullet that I might try next. I have a couple of the 4.5 BE rounds loaded to try in a 1911 as well to see if there are any pressure signs there. Does anyone have any proven load data or experience loading this bullet in .45ACP that they would like to share with me?
Savage

[Luckyducker]

The only loading I have done with the 45ACP has been with 230 grain bullets, both jacketed and cast, but I think the load you tried might be alright although it sounds as though you may need a stronger recoil spring in your pistol.  That heavy bullet and a fairly hefty load of fast pistol powder might be hammering the action back too hard and too fast.  Just a little advice that may save the life of your firearm in case you plan on continuing shooting these kinds of loads.  Now you can tell me to mind my own business if you like and that is no problem, I just wanted to give you a little heads up.

[Lone Star]

In my Midway LoadMAP book for the .45 ACP, using a 250-grain LSWC bullet a maximum load with Bullseye is 5.5 grains.  You are well under maximum with 4.5 grains at just 15,300 cup.  The "fast burn rate" of the powder probably has less to do with slide retraction than the additional recoil of the heavy bullet.   Do not go below 4.7 grains of Unique, that is the minimum load in the Midway book.    Get a new spring and buffer.


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[daddywpb]

I used 255 grain SWC's in a Glock and a S&W 4506 for bowling pin matches. It was years ago, and I can't remember the exact load, but I used Unique powder and I had to experiment a bit with the OAL to get them to feed 100%. Velocity was only about 800 fps, but that load knocked pins off the table with authority, and fed like butter thru both guns. I was using the now defunct Pin Grabber bullets. I'm not sure if they helped, but the saw teeth around the hollow point sure looked good.

[Savage]

Thanks for the replies guys! I still haven't tried the sample Unique loads I brewed up. I fired two of the BE rounds in a 1911. The primers looked normal. Good comment on the recoil spring in the Sig. I bought it used, I bet the springs have never been replaced. Function was fine in both guns at 1.210 OAL.
Savage