Best powder for top end 45 acp loads using 230 cast

[rickt300]

I want to get the most performance possible out of my 45 acp which in this case is a Hi Standard clone of the 1911.  I am installing a 22# spring and the bullet I will be using is the LEE 230 gr. truncated cone bullet.  This load will be used on feral hogs and deer at ranges of less than 50 yards.  Generally it will be used as a backup for finishing feral hogs and I would like to reach 1000 fps with the 230 gr. bullet.

[BRL]

I've always been interested in the same...1,000 fps with the 230gr. in an ACP for small deer in close. Keep me posted with your results.

Thanks!!

[pozoutdoors]

I really like powerpistol powder!!! I get about 1,100 fps out of my .45 acp encore barrel using 230gr xtp's. I would NOT shoot this load in an auto though!! If you set you auto up to shoot .45 super loads and use .45 super brass, then it would be ok!!!! This group is at 50 yards, I have it sighted in at 100 yards!!!

[Lloyd Smale]

for top end acp loads i tend to use power pistol or unique.

[rickt300]

I have some Unique but if my favorite gunshop has some power pistol I'll get some.

[wncchester]

"I want to get the most performance possible out of my 45 acp which in this case is a Hi Standard clone of the 1911."

Personal opinion; Striving for 1kfps is certain to batter your nice 1911 type all out of proportion to any small ballistic benefit.  Once we reach the proper design recoil limits the damage potential is NOT a straight line function in which 5% more speed equals 5% more pounding, it's more like 4 times that much and continues to accelerate exponentially with tiny increases in velocity. 

As Mr. pos suggests, what we might do with loads for single shot pistols vs autoloaders is apples to oranges.

[Blackhawk44]

Once you get to about 850-900fps with a solid cast bullet, you will gain little in penetration with more velocity.  In military tests a few years back, they gave up on the truncated cone due to a tendency to tumble after contact and change course rather than penetrate a straight path.  I like the truncated cone for smaller game and find them accurate in my guns.  You could test for yourself.  Actually a round nose flat point like the RCBS 230gr cowboy bullet should make a very nice hunting bullet for a solid.   

Power Pistol could be interesting, but I have had very good luck in full power loads with Blue Dot, preferring it to Unique, both of which I buy by the keg.

[rickt300]

I can buy +P loads that aree rated at 980 fps with a 230 grain bullet. The only difference I can see in my Norico is they hit a couple inches higher at 25 yards and after shooting 100 of them I see no extra wear on my pistol though recoil is noticably more.  It would seem easier to get that velocity with a cast bullet.  I think I will look into the RCBS 230 gr. cowboy mold but as soon as I get around to casting I'll try the LEE truncated mold first and do some testing to see if it penetrates in a straight enough fashion.

[Lone Star]

According to my Midway LoadMAP book, top velocities are:

Hornady 230 RN Lead - 7.6 grains UNIQUE = 991 fps @ 21,000 psi
Midway 230 RN Lead - 7.1 grains UNIQUE = 990 fps @ 21,000 psi
Speer 230 RN Lead - 7.5 grains UNIQUE = 982 fps @ 21,000 psi

All are within the +P limits for 1911-type handguns...but clearly the bullet used matters A LOT!  Simply substituting the Midway bullet for the Hornady bullet could make an overload.

An interesting load in the same book:
Speer 230 HP/GD - 7.4 grains UNIQUE = 964 fps @ 21,000 psi.
Compare this load to the Midway bullet load above.  Those who insist that lead bullets always give lower pressures with the same load than jacketed bullets do, had best forget that tired mantra.


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