loads for the 45 acp, 1911

[irold]

I'm sure this is a topic that's been hashed on before, but my search didn't come up with what I was looking for.  I've been shooting my Springer 45 GI for a year or so , all with factory ammo, ball type of I suppose modest power levels.  ( Magtech blue box, Winchester white box, and a few American).  I've been a reloader for 20 some years, some rifle, some revolver, 44, 357, 38, and recently 460 and 454. I'm ready to take on the 45 acp, I'd like to use a  bullet type that will fill the bill on defense and practice, I suppose some form of lead wad cutter ??  I'd like to hear what others are using and what performance they're getting .  Remember I'm using a Springer GI model, not sure what bullets it will digest.  Thanks for your input.  Mike 

[John Traveler]

An all-around bullet that duplicates the GI ball is Lyman's 225 grain RN, RCBS 230 RN, and the Lee 230 grain RN.  Cast from wheelweights and lubed with Alox-beeswax lubricant, it is a good substitute for GI ball and feeds very reliably.

Many like the 200 grain Hensley and Gibbs SWC for target and small game shooting.  This s a favorite of target shooters for a couple generations.  The relatively long nose makes for reliable feeding in an unmodified M1911.  If you go with other Lee, Lyman, RCBS SWC you may have to "throat" the gun for reliable feeding.  This is a relatively painless polishing and smoothing of the feed ramp on the receiver and the barrel.  It can be done easising a rubber abrasive polishing drum in a Dremel tool.

Before deciding which mold to buy, may I suggest you buy and load several samples of the RN or SWC bullets available and see which you like.

[jd45]

Winchester offers as a reload component, a 230GR HP configured identical to hardball for reliable feeding. You can use that for practice, then load the Speer GDHPs for defense. (devastating, to say the least!) That's what I do for my Colt Combat Elite. Make that first shot count!!! jd45

[myronman3]

i use lee truncated cone 230 grain bullets and some 255 gran semi wad cutters that i buy in bulk occasionally.   mostly the 230 t.c.'s though.   they feed great, and hit with authority.  oh, and they are cheap.  lol.

[Questor]

Irold:

Jacketed 230 grain hard ball ammo of course will work, but it's expensive. I would try using 230 grain hard cast lead bullets. These are made to duplicate the hard ball bullets as much as possible. I would be very surprised if you couldn't get them to work reliably with your GI model. You may have to tweak the OAL until you get the magic length.

One of the keys to loading 45ACP is to get your OAL and taper crimp just right for reliability in YOUR gun. Don't just buy a box of 500 bullets and load them according to a recipe. Make 10 at a time in a couple of different OALs and take them to the range. See how each works before making more.

When using taper crimps, use a light taper crimp. It's all that's needed.

I have found the 230 grain hardball style cast bullets to be widely available in my region.

Another option would be to try the even more widely available 200 grain SWC. It's worth a try if you want neater holes in your targets. But start with the 230s

[Questor]

And try starting with a taper crimp of .468 to .469"

Try using an OAL that's identical to hardball ammo you have on hand now.

Use a fast powder. It's hard to beat Bullseye for 45ACP.

[irold]

Thanks guys for the feedback, I'll give your advice a " shot"....  I was aware of the taper crimp for auto-loaders, I quit using bullseye a few years ago....do use a lot of Unique though...have to check my manuals, I'd think it would be suitable.  Again thanks,  Mike