Need Velocity Best Guesses - .45acp LRN Lee Tumble Lube Bullet

[Joshua M. Smith]

Hello,

I'm having trouble begging or borrowing a chrono locally.  Not many people reload, and those who do watch for pressure signs.

I cast using a Lee Tumble Lube dual cavity in 230gn LRN.  My powder disk measure will throw 4.5, 4.7, or 5.1gn of Bullseye.

I'd like to get over 800fps - at least 830, but no more than 870 or so.  That should do for my uses.

I am a college student again, and am carrying three majors, one of which I'm almost done with.  The inexpensive chronos are sold out, and the more expensive ones are beyond my budget at this point in time.

Can anyone give me the published velocities for the above listed loads (standard primers)?  Or maybe best guesses?

I'd really like to see some hard numbers from a chrono.  I realize that every barrel is different, but it'd give me some idea of what I'm getting.

The 5.1gn load feels pretty stout, and I'll go with that as I have my 1911 set up to handle stout loads, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so - like achieving desired results with a lower velocity.

The main role of this load will be woods defense.  We have family land, about 5 acres, and I've needed the pistol out there before.  Varmints of all sorts.

While I'd be better off carrying a JHP, and I do when I go home, they are expensive, hard to find right now, and generally not needed for what I encounter out there - snakes, coyotes, and the occassional uppity 'possum or raccoon.

Any help would be very appreciated.  I might go to a flat point mould in the future, but for now, this is what I have.

Thanks,

Josh <><

[Larry Gibson]

5 gr of Bullseye was/is the standard service load with 230 gr hardball.  You are probably getting 820-840 fps which is equivelent to GI hardball.  BTW; the .45 ACP 230 service load is suposed to be "stout".

Larry Gibson

[JustaShooter]

Interesting, Alliant doesn't even list Bullseye for the 230gr LRN anymore, but used to list it at 4gr MAX for 810 FPS. 

According to some entries on Handloads.com (http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=45%20ACP&Weight=230&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=) 5.0gr of Bullseye is anywhere from 860 to 900 FPS.  I'd tend to believe the 860 FPS as closer to reality, but of course it all depends on the the firearm, case, primer, lead alloy, lube, ...

Just a shooter

[Larry Gibson]

I've chronographed a lot of .45 ACP loads back when it was required to see if the load made "major" for IPSC matches.  I've used Oehler chronographs.  With a 225-230 gr cast bullet 5 gr of Bullseye always produced 810-830 fps out of 5" M1911s.  With Joshua's 5.1 (if his Lee is really throwing that) he should get 820-840 fps as stated.  Lyman Manual shows 5 gr with the 225 gr cast at 815 fps using a 5" test barrel.  That's about what it will be.

My standard load for the 200 gr cast SWC is 5 gr of Bullseye which runs 880-900 fps out of my 5" Colt and Para M1911s and 915-920 fps my Comp M1911 with 5.75" Wilson match barrel.  That is a "major" load BTW and also very effective on critters.

Larry Gibson

[Joshua M. Smith]

Thanks folks.

This is what my Lee disk is actually throwing on the .57 hole.  The .53 hole is giving me 4.7 +/- .1. 

For general use, I like to keep the bullet above 800fps, but below 850fps.

I really like Bullseye because of the lack of muzzle flash.  I also traded for some AA#2 yesterday which I hope will do the same thing.

As well, I like the way it's economical, and doesn't require a large dose to get it up to speed.

I wouldn't run it in a progressive press, but I have a Lyman turret press.  Each shell is visually inspected for powder before the bullet's seated.

It's a slower way of doing things - I can load maybe 50 per hour - but it's much safer.  I am not comfortable with the idea of a progressive cranking out any of my ammo, as there's no real way for me to inspect the quality of each round at each stage.  Stopping the press to do so would kinda' defeat its purpose.

The turret type is just about right for me, and MY idea of what's safe.

Thanks,

Josh <><

[Savage]

Josh,
As long as you don't shoot a lot the turret will keep you supplied with ammo. I load on a progressive and still do a visual check of each powder charge. Easy to do, just look in each case as you place the bullet in the case mouth.
A charge of 5 grns Bullseye is indeed a stiff load with the 230 grn bullet. It should get you in the velocity range you're looking for. FWIW a 230 grn bullet @ 840fps gives you a PF of 193. To make major, you only need a PF of 165, to put it in perspective. The 4.7grn BE load will kill anything the 5 grn load will, and a lot easier on equipment.
Savage