.452" out a .45 ACP?

[Masterblaster1]

Is it safe to shoot a .452" speer gold dot out of my .45 acp? I am aware most jacketed are .451"  Was looking to load a 250 grain gold dot for short range hunting. should be able to get 850 fps according to my manual.

[williamlayton]

I don't think so---maybe out of a revolver.
Shell casing thing & rim.
Blessings

[Lloyd Smale]

if your chamber will allow them they will be fine.

[williamlayton]

Maybe I need to ask for clarification here.
Are we talking bullet or ammo. I can see another question as I re-read  .
The bullet should be ok, the ammo was my original thought.
Pardon me for pipeing up if I read the question wrong.
Blessings

[Savage]

The larger dia is certain to produce higher pressures than a properly sized bullet with the same loading. Reliable reloading data for this bullet weight in this cartridge is a little hard to come by. I came up with a good load using a 255gr LSWC and Red Dot powder. The 255gr cast makes a great hunting bullet in the ACP at reasonable ranges. As expansion is not a factor with the GD at ACP velocities, penetration will be the goal of this loading. A LSWC will fill the bill nicely, and at significantly lower pressures.
Savage

[Savage]

Here's a snap of a 255gr LSWC loaded in .45 ACP. Haven't shot anything but steel with this load, but it puts it down with authority.


And functions in all my fullsize 1911s.

[alan in ga]

Interesting. I'm looking for a good 'warm' load for a 25" rifle barrel in 45ACP. Harder lead bullets are possibly what I need. I have full support of the case as there is no area of the case web for a feed ramp, only the rim and extractor groove sticking out.

[Masterblaster1]

i was referring to the diameter of the bullet. The 250 grain Gold Dot is made to expand down to 800 fps. I have done some testing with another .452" bullet, (the 250 grain hornady xtp) and it appears that it will not work too easily.  also the fact that I already have two more powerful revolvers,i am gonna give up on this endeavor and just stick to 230 grain bullets in the acp cartridge. No reason to beat up the auto when I have a revolver that will easily handle more powerful loadings.

[alan in ga]

I think I hijacked your thread. I saw what you posted and just  got to thinking about my latest 45ACP toy!

[Savage]

MB,
Haven't chronographed my 255 load, but I'm betting it's not gonna make 800fps at the muzzle, and it'd be significantly slower out at 50yds.  Next time I go to the range I'll chrono that load in a 5" 1911. I think you are making a wise decision to stick with the revolvers for hunting. My plan for the heavy LSWC was for close range hog use. Like you, don't know why I considered it as I have both revolvers and autos in more powerful calibers.
Alan,
There is little data available for loading the heavier bullets in this chambering. I started out with very light loadings and worked up while watching for pressure signs. I have fired my loads in 3 of my 1911s and you can tell it's not a 230gr.  If I remember to chrono this load next week I'll post the results.
Savage

[Pulp]

While not a direct answer to your question, I tried some .452 cast bullets and couldn't get them to chamber in my gun.  However, I'm new to reloading for the .45ACP, and perhaps I didn't have the crimp right.  I mostly load .44-40 and .45Colt.

[darkgael]

Yes, you can. I routinely use lead bullets sized to .452" in both of my 1911s. I have used Hornady's old 0.4515 JSWC and I believe that all of Sierra's bullets for the .45 ACP are 0.4515". I am thinking that the additional 0.0005" should work OK, though I wouldn't max the load.
Where are you finding data for a 250-255 grain bullet in a .45 ACP case? I know that Lee's Modern Reloading lists some; haven't seen others (haven't looked hard either).
Pete

[Mikey]

OK guys - the nominal barrel diameter of the 45 acp is .451.  Most every 45 acp I have owned or fired that Ihave used cast slugs with hsa shot .452 diameter cast slugs very well.  Although I believe the pressures would increase if using a .452 jacketed slug they may not as the jackets do not obdurate to the bore as to cast slugs and gases would blow by the bullet, decreasing pressures. 

Anywho, at the velocities you could launch a 255 gn slug from the acp, cast is better as I sorta doubt you would get any expansion from a soft nose or hp.  jmtcw.

[chadm]

I suggest resizing to .451. Then you don't have to worry about it.