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Author Topic: Some opinions on loading the 45 acp  (Read 691 times)

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Offline deerman12

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Some opinions on loading the 45 acp
« on: April 23, 2013, 09:46:25 AM »
I have been loading rifle bullets for a long time.  I am getting ready to start loading 45's for a Kimber and Para Ordinance 1911.  My first question is I assume .451 diameter is the slug I want?  Do I need to crimp? What powders do you prefer? O.A.L.?
Thanks guys
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Offline tacklebury

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Re: Some opinions on loading the 45 acp
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2013, 02:56:27 PM »
My best luck in .45 has been loading 200 gr. to 230 gr. RNFP Lead bullets.  I buy them sized to .452 and my go to load is 6 gr. Unique for the 230 gr. or 6.5 gr. for the 200 gr.  Super accurate.  I have loaded a few with 4.5 gr. Bullseye also and have had good luck with them as well, but my gun loves unique.  ;)  I use the oal on my die package as that always fits magazines including aftermarket.  ;)
 
***edit***
Oh and one other thing.  I ALWAYS use a taper crimp die like LEE's FCD for the .45 auto to smooth out any wrinkles/bumps.  Before using the FCD I had a lot of issues getting good feed.  Since using it I almost get 100% feed and the occasional miss seems to be if I miss one.  lol  This has been the case for several other reloaders I know.  I will say that .451 dia is fine for jacketed bullets like Hornady's 230 gr. XTP etc.  ;)
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Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.

Offline FPH

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Re: Some opinions on loading the 45 acp
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2013, 03:01:41 PM »
My charge bar is set for 4 gr. of Bullseye under a 200 gr. cast bullet.  This is what my SWAT friend and his group practice with and what he recommended I get with my press.
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Offline Larry L

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Re: Some opinions on loading the 45 acp
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2013, 05:24:18 PM »
I primarily use a 200gr Rainier on top of 6.3grs Unique. To really dial in accuracy though you'll need to play with OAL. Mine likes it long, as in near max OAL. Yours may be different but groups well under an inch at 25 yds are common from bags. I also use HS-6 powder and AA5 with the same kinda accuracy. HS-6 and AA5 will feed like water thru a measure if that's how you intend to load. Unique goes thru my measure great but that's not a common thing as others complain about it. In regards to crimp, mine is very light on crimp. Just snug it up. For carry ammo I'm packing the 230gr Golden Sabre on top of a near max load of HS-6. Accuracy is the same as with the 200's. About the only bullet I can't get decent accuracy from is the 185gr Nosler and it's bad......REAL BAD.
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Offline deerman12

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Re: Some opinions on loading the 45 acp
« Reply #4 on: April 24, 2013, 05:18:39 AM »
So .451 or .452 will work ok? 
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Offline Luckyducker

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Re: Some opinions on loading the 45 acp
« Reply #5 on: April 24, 2013, 05:55:03 AM »
In 45ACP is use a .451" jacketed or a .452" cast lead bullet, all 230 grain.  My most accurate load is 5.8 grains W231 with the cast lead RN bullet.  This is listed as  max load for this application.  I am sure decent loads can be found with Bullseye or Unique but they burn too dirty for me to like them, and yes I have used these powders personally.
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Offline tacklebury

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Re: Some opinions on loading the 45 acp
« Reply #6 on: April 24, 2013, 12:32:45 PM »
New Unique formula is much less dirty.  I know the old stuff was pretty bad, but if you haven't bought some more recently, you might want to revisit it.  ;)  Bullseye isn't sooty at all for me.
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Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.

Offline ole 5 hole group

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Re: Some opinions on loading the 45 acp
« Reply #7 on: April 24, 2013, 01:48:38 PM »
Quote from: deerman12 on April 24, 2013, 05:18:39 AM
So .451 or .452 will work ok?
As previously stated - the 451 jacketed or 452 cast works fine.  Some jackets might be 0.4515, which also works great in a 1911. 
 
I have found 0.451" cast will usually lead a 1911 barrel, some barrels more so than others.  I've had no leading problems with 0.452 or 0.453 cast bullets and the accuracy seemed the same.
 
The 1911 45ACP shoots a lot of loads very well, but I have found VV N310 to give me the best groups but we are only talking about 1/4" better at 50 yards, which may or may not be important depending upon your use.
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Offline deerman12

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Re: Some opinions on loading the 45 acp
« Reply #8 on: April 25, 2013, 10:11:03 AM »
Thanks guys
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Offline theratdog

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Re: Some opinions on loading the 45 acp
« Reply #9 on: April 26, 2013, 09:35:53 PM »
+1 on 231 and lee crimp die. :)
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