Author Topic: Powder for reloads 1911 5" (Read 2648 times)

Jim n Iowa · « **on:** September 18, 2005, 02:33:39 PM »

I have finally retrieved enough of my spent case's to start a reload program. I have read about AA5 as a good choice of powder, has any one have any input?
Jim

Nuttinbutchunks · « **Reply #1 on:** September 18, 2005, 04:03:15 PM »

I like Winchester powders. I have used 231, and also Hogdon Tight Group. I couldn't tell you how they group though since I started shooting combat.

nvmichael · « **Reply #2 on:** September 18, 2005, 05:39:08 PM »

Jim n Iowa,I've been a lifelong user of Bullseye and Unique. I just gave up on them because of the gum and dirt. I have just started using AA5 and Clays. Accuracy is supurb and my 1911 and also my revolver is very easy to clean after use. Also AA5 meters very well. I'm loving them!
What bullets are you using?

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #3 on:** September 18, 2005, 09:14:45 PM »

I'm an AA5 kind of guy too and it'll do the job for you for sure. I think the worst crud I ever tried to use in my 45s was Blue Dot. I gave most of it away.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** September 18, 2005, 10:54:24 PM »

i mostly use aa2 surplus anymore just because in the quantities i shoot the cost differnce is a big factor.

1911crazy · « **Reply #5 on:** September 19, 2005, 01:27:21 AM »

I have used Unique for eons in my 45acp and in my 38spec./357mag. & 44spec./44mag. for leadcast. If one powder can do it all its Unique. But i use 2400 & 296 in my hotter 357/44 magnum loads. Its nice not to stock so many different powders when just a few will do. Instead of constantly using 1lb cans i'm going to 4lb and 8lb cans now too when their on sale.

Steve in Michigan · « **Reply #6 on:** September 19, 2005, 11:26:06 AM »

Try Alliant Power Pistol. It burns clean and is good for several different calibers. I think it does a better job than AA #5. I have also had very good luck with Hodgdon Universal Clays.

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #7 on:** September 19, 2005, 02:27:43 PM »

Thanks for your reply's
I am planning on loading Speer 230 gdhp and 225 fnb hard cast. This 1911 is a carry/ fun gun/ my favorite... And after some work it will shoot most anything feed to itself.
Jim

Savage · « **Reply #8 on:** September 20, 2005, 12:52:27 PM »

As Big Bill said, I like to keep it simple. All my pistol reloads are done using one powder, Bullseye. I don't hunt so I don't need another powder for heavy hunting loads. My duty ammo is factory, as is my CCW. Simple works for me.
Savage

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #9 on:** September 20, 2005, 03:13:22 PM »

nvmichael
I am loading Speer 230 gdhp and hard cast 225 fnb. I picked up on aa 5 on another board. Stated it was the preferred powder for 45acp.
Jim

jro45 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 26, 2005, 08:19:17 AM »

I have always used Unique. It can sit for a couple years and still fires the same. Thats what I like about it.

Mikey · « **Reply #11 on:** October 26, 2005, 11:22:09 AM »

I use Unique, WW231, Bluedot, SR4756 and the VihtaVuory powders. Most often however I will just go for the Unique. Mikey.

nvmichael · « **Reply #12 on:** November 03, 2005, 07:03:06 AM »

Jim n Iowa, if you want a real soft shooting, clean and accurate load for that hard cast 225 fnb try 3.8 to 4.0grs of Hodgdons Clays.
For a faster load with jacketed bullets go with the AA5.
Good Shooting.

jebsr · « **Reply #13 on:** November 03, 2005, 10:34:08 AM »

aa2 and cast lrn 200gr work well for me in several 1911's in 45cal

jebsr

Tn Jim · « **Reply #14 on:** December 01, 2005, 02:42:15 PM »

I've been using W231 and a 200 grain Rainer SWCHP for target work. Super accurate! My CCW is factory only. I save the Unique for my 44 SPL and light 44 mag loads.

a45gunslinger · « **Reply #15 on:** December 08, 2005, 09:59:36 AM »

might as well beat the horse some more.....I'm not a powder conassuier but I've had great results with Vhitt.310 w/ 230 grn bullet (45 acp.)I shoot In IPSC AND USPSA events. I would also recommend W231 Under any 45acp bullet

jro45 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 17, 2006, 08:09:42 AM »

I like Unique . Didn't care for it to much before they cleaned it up and now it lasts almost forever.

44 Man · « **Reply #17 on:** January 17, 2006, 11:03:07 AM »

I have to say I use a lot of Unique. It work's so well in so many applications. I still have 3lbs left of a 40lb can I bought in 1992! When it is gone I'm going to try some of the 'new' Unique. It should be much cleaner without all the graphite added to it. If not, I'll probably go to Universal as it does seem to burn cleaner although it is not quite as versitle. 44 Man.

Questor · « **Reply #18 on:** January 17, 2006, 03:38:16 PM »

44man:

I use the new Unique in some low-pressure shotgun loads. Soot city! I had to get a chimney sweep's license to clean my bore. If you want clean, try 231. That's a good and versatile powder.

About AA5, I think that's a fine choice for full power 230 grain loads.

bunsen · « **Reply #19 on:** January 18, 2006, 01:52:04 AM »

I used to always use Unique. Still do for heavier loads. For the most part now use Titegroup or Clays.

44 Man · « **Reply #20 on:** January 23, 2006, 11:42:32 AM »

Unique will burn dirty in light loads. I used to load 6gr with a 200 swc for fun loads and it was very dirty. When I bumped the load to 6.5, it cleaned right up. 44 Man.

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 24, 2006, 01:58:58 AM »

Quote from: 44 Man

Unique will burn dirty in light loads. I used to load 6gr with a 200 swc for fun loads and it was very dirty. When I bumped the load to 6.5, it cleaned right up. 44 Man.

If someone had told me this 30 years ago, I might have tried the second pound.

X-man · « **Reply #22 on:** January 29, 2006, 05:13:30 AM »

I'm shooting almost all cast lead in all of my 1911s (cast myself) and for economy and performance I haven't found any better powders than Bullseye and the new Unique. Bump the load a little and use a good quality lube (I make my own Felix World Famous Wonder Lube) and clean up is a cinch. I really haven't found any serious issues using these supposedly "dirty" powders.

raynor · « **Reply #23 on:** February 03, 2006, 12:51:57 PM »

I prefer Red Dot, then Bullseye, Unique, and Tite Group. Red Dot and 200 grain Speer, swaged SWC's are my favorite load.

Leadlum · « **Reply #24 on:** March 06, 2006, 09:50:24 AM »

I`m having good results with IMR 700-X so far, under a 230gr lead round nose.

longwalker · « **Reply #25 on:** March 10, 2006, 02:53:59 PM »

I use Red Dot, 230 grain hard cast bullets for most all of my shooting. As far as I am concerned it works great for me. I don't have a problem with dirt. It is very consistant and it's easy to work with. ( meters nicely )

Many of the trap shooting guys use it so there is a ready supply and due to bulk purchasing it's very reasonable to buy.

longwalker

TAC · « **Reply #26 on:** March 18, 2006, 09:30:50 AM »

I have just tried 700 X as I got 15lbs in a shot gun deal. So far so good , I am in the development stage and I am up to 4.5 under 230gr Lead Round Nose (my own). Started at 3.5 and will go to 5.5 maybe, has any one else done this with 700 X ?
Low smoke and good recoil

TAC

undertaker · « **Reply #27 on:** April 01, 2006, 04:13:20 PM »

i used 700X for a long time, now use Bullseye- 3.5 grains- 4 grains, depending on situation
4 grains makes a good pin load, 3.5 for target, 3.8 for IDPA- 230 g LRN

doncisler · « **Reply #28 on:** April 05, 2006, 04:39:52 PM »

clays

LoneStar22 · « **Reply #29 on:** April 29, 2006, 10:23:27 AM »

AA#5 is an excellent powder, as are the rest of the Accurate Arms powder line.
AA#5 was developed for the .45ACP. It is a relatively fast burning powder. As a point of reference, AA#5 is slower than, Intl. Clays, Green Dot, WW231, and WST. However it is faster burning than, WSL, Unique, and Univ. Clays.
The powder is relatively clean burning, meters well, and is not overly sensitive to temperature changes. Check the Accurate Arms site for recommended loads. Hope this helps.