.45 ACP Reloading Error

[GypsmJim]

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I have been reloading long enough to know better, but mistakes happen I guess. I reloaded 100 rounds of .45 ACP with 230 grain lead RN bullets and I had intended to use 4.2 grains of Bullseye, my standard load. When I was finishing up I realized that I had used the Unique powder can by mistake.

My books show a load as low as 5.0 grains of unique, so I'm off by about 16%. Naturally, I'd rather not have to pull all those bullets and start again, but if safety is a concern I will. I have used reduced loads on other rifle calibers with success, but never on a pistol.

I realize that it may not be powerful enough to run the slide all the way back, but I'm not against manually ejecting each round if need be.

My question is would there be any pressure problems that might lead to a gun problem?

Also, I have a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 ACP, so I could use that gun if need be.

[jhalcott]

http://www.alliantpowder.com/about/contact.htm
  You COULD call Alliant and ask the experts. I don't THINK I'd shoot them in my auto.

[Questor]

Personally, I would throw them out or disassemble them, it's just my personal policy with reloading errors. But I don't think you'll have high pressure problems with them.

[Catfish]

What you have loaded will not be dangerous, but as you said, that may not have the pressure nessary to work the slide on your auto. If not, just shoot them in your revolver. Suggested starting load in just that, a place to start, I have found load below suggested starting to be the most accurate in some guns. I have never seen a gun blow up because of low presure.

[yooper77]

GypsmJim,

I would not hesitate and pull the bullets to start over.  I would not shoot them!  Reloading components cost enough these days.

Thank you,
yooper77

[Savage]

If your recoil spring has 6 or 8k rounds on it, the loads will probably cycle the slide of a full size 1911. If they were mine I'd shoot them. It's scary tho, that you used the wrong powder.  Be careful!!
Savage

[GypsmJim]

Here's a follow-up to my post for anybody's interest...

Range report:

I tried them in 2 different 1911's and a Ruger Blackhawk revolver.  I noticed a slight reduction in recoil and report.  The slides did seem to close a little slower, but that's just a perception.  Accuracy in the Blackhawk was actually quite good.  One of the pistols was a Colt Sistema, which usually shoots high.  With these rounds I was actually able to hit the bull with normal sighting.  No visual problems with the spent cases.

Both 1911's had new springs within the past year, and one was an extra power spring besides.

Yes ,it was scary.  My son had given me some primers and a new can of Unique for Christmas.  I picked them both up "without thinking".  I'll just chalk it up to old age and too much familiarity (I've been reloading for over 40 years).  I never had a bad load before and this will be my last mistake!  I promise.

Thanks again for your help.