OK, I've had the chance to test out that combination, and I have a few questions about it.
First, they shoot great; benched, they printed a 4" 18-shot group @ 25yds. To be fair, I take into consideration the combination of me, and the fact that all the cases are not the same brand. Also to include, I have had no cycling problems so far with these loads.
Second, I got the chance to chrono them yesterday, and I was wondering as to whether they might be a little bit high pressure.
Here's the deal, average velocity for 10 shots was 867.2 fps. I believe the extreme spread was around 50-55 fps. The load data I used, was carefully pondered and selected from the Speer #13 manual. I used the data presented for the 260gr. JHP bullet (yes, for 45 ACP), and figured I'm using a bullet that is 10 grains lighter, and made of cast material rather than using a bullet with jacket material. The bullets used are Oregon Trail Laser Cast, 250gr. FP and .452" diameter.
The recoil is stout, as expected in a 45 w/ 250gr bullets, but not extreme. Mind you, I have been reloading for over 10 years, and have done thousands of rounds without serious or minor mishap due to me or Mr. Stupidity.
Here are my other observations; the primers have some amount of pin wipe from ejection. If you don't know what I mean, "pin wipe" is the slight gouge created by the firing pin on the primer and the inner edge of the primer pocket on the case. This is usually caused by the slide cycling and ejecting the case before the pin has time to retract back into the slide.
Finally, the starting load listed is 5.4gr. of W231 (with a velocity of 756fps.), and the maxmum is 5.9gr. (847fps.). Remember, this is with the 260gr. JHP bullet. Also the test firearm they used was a Sig P220, same as mine. The load I found most satisfactory in accuracy, and which presented the chrono results above, is 5.6gr of W231 (using the 250gr cast). Ironically, 5.7gr. of W231 is what I use when loading my 230gr. plated bullets.
What I am looking closely at is the relation of velocity between what I was shooting, and comparing them to those in the book. What do you reloaders have to opine on my thoughts, and questions?
Thanks alot for any input.
**As always with my reloading posts, the loads and combinations stated are the result of my own research, the knowledge gained by my past experiences, but most importantly, carefully thought out and extensively compared to/with reliable reloading sources. I don't recommend anyone to use them for starting points, nor present them as suitable loads to be used in their guns. Always, ALWAYS use and compare reliable reloading manuals for loading your own ammunition; always start low, and work up.
