Does bullet weight really make a difference in punch?

[HHI 812]

Trying to develop a good load for packing in the bush, in my 1911 45ACP. Does bullet weight make a difference say between a 230 LFN and a 250 LFN, doing say 1200 fps? The 230 LFN would obviously be more controllable and  preferable, because of the less recoil and stress to shooter and gun, and probably more practice fun time. 

[Veral]

  With the low velocity limits of the ACP, definately stay with the lighter bullets to get maximum punch on live targets.  A 220 gr LFN would be my choice if recoil were the concern.  Elsewhere I talked about my super loads with slow powders and a 260 gr bullet, which produced 1200 fps and very mild recoil, just enough to work the action.  If I were really concerned about defense against big mean woods creatures, but not too many shooters would feel comfortable doing the load workup, probably.

  Everything is relative.  Heavy bullets have more punch than light if two bullets with equal meplats and velocity but far different weights are considered.  However if velocity has to be too low because of weight, more speed to get DV up is mandatory to fastest kills.

[jhalcott]

  more PUNCH isn't the only thing you have to consider with the 1911. All the punch in the world will not help you if the gun doesn't feed properly. I personally don't believe that 20 grains will make a HUGE difference if you can put both bullets into tiny groups at 25 yards at 1200 fps. I do NOT think the recoil will be tremendously better either. BUT I don't shoot any thing but factory in mine.

[Veral]

  What you think would change dramatically if you were to try it.  The reason recoil is so low with such a stout load is because the recoil rap is so slow and mild, compared to higher pressure fast powder loads which are standard for the ACP.  When the load is right the slide will just cycle smoothly and fast enough to insure perfect feeding and prevent stovepipes.  The slide absorbs so much of the recoil that it is stunning.

[HHI 812]

Veral, how do I safely work out a load to do what your saying?
Thanks,
Dennis
e-mail at dennis.madriaga@gmail.com

[Veral]

You'll have to have a 250 to 260 gr CAST bullet.  The powder is 296 or H110, and you can't get enough into the case to cause a pressure problem.  Start with the case not quite full and work up till the gun feeds and cycles 100%.  I used a compressed load with the 260 gr LFN, which givies more powder space than any 45 bullet I know of, which is important.  The powder will not burn completely, so these loads dirty the gun quite fast, but it isn't intended to be a shoot a lot play load.  I worked it up to make a safe magnum out of the ACP, for serious defense work, and it does that.

[Anduril]

Veral,

where do I find your info on 1200 ft/sec loads with 260 grain bullets in a 45 acp

thanks
..

[Veral]

  Read the post above yours carefully and I believe you'll find all pertinent information is given.

[Anduril]

OK, I see a case full of 296 or H110. You also said

Elsewhere I talked about my super loads with slow powders and a 260 gr bullet, which produced 1200 fps and very mild recoil, just enough to work the action. 

Where is elsewhere?
Sounds very interesting.
I would like to know more about it.

[Veral]

  Scroll down to the post   Duplex loads          posted on July 27, 2007

  Right now it's on page 4 I believe.  It took me a while to find it myself as it is one of those posts where I got running a bit beyond the question asked!