share your favorite .45 ACP load - The Firearms Forum

Caneman · 12-08-2011, 04:18 PM

new member of the family is due in a few weeks, Colt 1991 Government... want to know what to feed it, what are your favorite loads for:

.45 ACP
230 grain JHP or FMJ

oh ya, one more thing, can I shoot .45 ACP +P loads in my gun?

chubcobear · 12-08-2011, 04:25 PM

The classic military load 5.0 grains bullseye with 230 gr JRN

Caneman · 12-08-2011, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubcobear

The classic military load 5.0 grains bullseye with 230 gr JRN

is that classic load designed to go at 850-875 fps?

dbach · 12-08-2011, 06:58 PM

Berry Round Nose 230 Grain Plated Bullet.
Large pistol primer (small if required, depends on your brass).
6.0 grains Universal.
COAL @ 1.26
949 fps +/-

This is a Hodgdon published load.

garydude · 12-08-2011, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubcobear

The classic military load 5.0 grains bullseye with 230 gr JRN

Me too- the very best I have found so far!

With jacketed I get about 830 ish; with plated it's around 800 fps.

myfriendis410 · 12-08-2011, 07:58 PM

Why shoot a 230? I much prefer a 200 gr. cast Lyman or Hensley and Gibbs #68 with 5.0 gr. of Red Dot or Clays. You can make a pin load that gives about 930 fps by using 6.3 gr. of Unique.

Caneman · 12-08-2011, 08:22 PM

^^^ why 230 gr? i dunno, i guess i was just looking at the design round... 200 gr sounds good as well... why would you shoot 200 gr instead of 230?

LOL, I like your tag line "life is too short to shoot an ugly gun", I like to tell my wife when she asks why the gun costs so much i tell her life is too short to shoot an inaccurate gun...

cpttango30 · 12-08-2011, 08:41 PM

Rainer 200gr RN

5.5 gr Hodgdon Titegroup

Any case

Any Primer

makes for a nice easy plinker load.

I shoot 200 gr because I got a smokin deal on 5k bullets from midway.

Shortybozz · 12-08-2011, 10:10 PM

Cast 228g LRN with 5.2 Unique. Pan lubed with no leading and great accuracy.

oldgunfan · 12-08-2011, 11:53 PM

230grn Sierra HP 5.4grns W231 CCI-300 primer, 200grn golddot 9.4grns HS-6 CCI-300 primer for home defense. for target speer 185grn JSWC 5.6grns W231 CCI-300 primer.

steve4102 · 12-09-2011, 02:33 AM

I have 5 1911 pistols and all five love these two loads.

For soft shooting and scary accurate target loads it is tough to beat the 200gr LSWC powered WST, my load is 4.9gr WST. Do a search for WST in the 45 and you will find it an accuracy favorite by just about everyone that has tried it. If you are not into lead, then 4.5gr WST with 230gr Zero,Precision Delta or Montana Gold FMJ or JHP.

If you want speed and power, give Ramshot Silhouette a try. 8.0gr behind a 230gr JHP/FMJ will run over 950fps. Accuracy is excellent in my 1911's with Zero Brand and Hornady XTP 230gr JHP bullets.

jack404 · 12-09-2011, 02:36 AM

i have lots but not a thing younger than 17 years , sorry eh , half the powders aint made no more , gun control at work ..

myfriendis410 · 12-09-2011, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caneman

^^^ why 230 gr? i dunno, i guess i was just looking at the design round... 200 gr sounds good as well... why would you shoot 200 gr instead of 230?

LOL, I like your tag line "life is too short to shoot an ugly gun", I like to tell my wife when she asks why the gun costs so much i tell her life is too short to shoot an inaccurate gun...

Why 200? Recoil is less stout than with the 230, and many of today's pistols are regulated for the lighter bullet (the fixed sight models often print way high with a 230). It will also do everything that you want to do with your gun and do it with authority.

I cast for mine using the Lyman 200 gr. bullet and my own lube. I can load and shoot for my 1911 at just about the cost of shooting a .22.

JLA · 12-09-2011, 10:17 AM

My fav for 230 is either 5 gr bullseye or 5.4 gr Hp38/W231. Either load is equal in performance but I find the bullseye edges out the Hp38/W231 load in the cleanliness dept.

I also favor 200 gr SWCs over 5 gr Hp38. its a nice light target load that will punch clean one holers in a well tuned 1911.

No need for +P in the .45ACP IMO. It is sufficent in power as a standard load for anything that walks on 2 legs inside of 50 yds. And paper dont care how fast the bulets flyin.

Only time youd ever consider +P .45ACP is for a hunting trip, but I find std pressure XTPs are more than sufficient for deer and pigs too.

carver · 12-09-2011, 10:30 AM

I agree with Josh on the +P's, I see no need for them at all. I use three loads for my .45. First one is AA #2, 4.8 grains, for a 230gr Hornady XTP, at 860fps. The second one is for a 230 grain ball, or FMJ, 8.7 grains of AA #5, for 930fps. For lead bullets I use a 230 grain RN bullet over 5.6 grains of AA #2, for 870fps.

Caneman · 12-09-2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

No need for +P in the .45ACP IMO. It is sufficent in power as a standard load for anything that walks on 2 legs inside of 50 yds. And paper dont care how fast the bulets flyin.

Only time youd ever consider +P .45ACP is for a hunting trip, but I find std pressure XTPs are more than sufficient for deer and pigs too.

JLA, the prob I have is that i live in the environmental wacko zone and i have to carry a copper bullet or go to jail... Barnes only lists +P loads for the .45 ACP, can I use +P in my Colt Gov 1991 and be safe?

JLA · 12-09-2011, 01:26 PM

I wouldnt do it without an 18-20# recoil spring. The gun should come stock with an 18# spring so you should be OK. Just watch for signs of excessive battering where the slide meets the frame and recoil guide. Thatts where those +Ps are gonna take their toll. Watch the ejector too. I have seen +P ammo rip ejectors plum out of 1911s, it isnt common but it happens. There was no such thing as +P when JMB designed the 1911, just military ball, 230 gr of jacketed lead at ~825 fps.

JLA · 12-09-2011, 01:27 PM

On a side note, you could use the Barnes XPB and download them over a chrony until they are running at standard velocity for a bullet that weight. Thats what I would do.

oldpapps · 12-09-2011, 01:51 PM

I have standardize to 5.6 grains of 231 for all of my 45ACP loads (two exception, a shot load and another that will remain a mystery).
This charge is used mostly for lead 200 grain SWC and for the few 225/230 grain LRN, they get the same.
I don't waste my time/money with expanding bullets in my 45s. I don't think that the velocity is there to rely on expansion.
That .451 chunk of soft lead does just fine and I think the 200s up the velocity a tad and the SWC profile will grab more than round or conical noses.
I have been loading and using this combination for longer than I want to admit, well, I was using 230 powder before it was changes to 231.
I get around 850FPS out of a 5 inch barrel and 970FPS out of a 16 1/2 inch barrel.
I am happy with the load/s.

OSOK

The Duke · 12-09-2011, 05:09 PM

Serious stuff....Power Pistol, near max, 230g Speer Gold Dot

Plunking....Tightgroup, 4.5 g, 230 gr RNL

I dont know why I ever stopped shooting Bullseye in the ACP...It was always the most accurate powder/bullet (200g SWCL) that Ive ever used.

Kevin Rohrer · 12-09-2011, 07:43 PM

6.0gr of Unique and a 230gr lead bullet.

merbeau · 12-19-2011, 05:03 PM

I use Oregon Trail Laser Cast 180 grain Semi Wadcutter for my Bullseye shooting with a an OAL 1.2480, Taper Crimp 0.470 and 5.6 gr. Universal Clays at about 760 fps. Thse loads will produce 1.75 inch groups at 50 yards from my SW 945.

Caneman · 12-21-2011, 10:37 AM

thanks for all the input... i was looking for a load that filled the case up as much as possible, looks like 7.0 gr of Herco would do a good job, anyone reload with Herco in this caliber?

USMCSpeedy · 12-21-2011, 11:34 AM

I'm pretty new to reloading but so far I like 7gr of Power Pistol under a 230gr Hornady XTP.

Popgunner · 12-22-2011, 12:45 PM

You said you have a new one on the way. (funds limited?)
I have a Colt Gold Cup that came with two springs-one for lighter cast bullet loads. I've actually found that my cast loads work fine with either spring.

I got one of these: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/732...truncated-cone

I have been buying up all the wheelweights at tire shops I can find. Last buy was 80 pounds for $10. Theys didn't want any money but I slipped 'em a ten spot so they'd be happy to see me the next time. 5 gallon bucket. I use the Lee tumble lube-cheap & easy with no luber tool needed. Along with a Lee melting pot I can throw out bullets by the thousand for almost nothing but time invested.

My load is with Unique. Way cheap shootin'.

12-08-2011, 04:18 PM	#1
Caneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 1,251	share your favorite .45 ACP load new member of the family is due in a few weeks, Colt 1991 Government... want to know what to feed it, what are your favorite loads for: .45 ACP 230 grain JHP or FMJ oh ya, one more thing, can I shoot .45 ACP +P loads in my gun? -->

12-08-2011, 06:58 PM	#4
dbach V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Trinity, TX Posts: 166	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load Berry Round Nose 230 Grain Plated Bullet. Large pistol primer (small if required, depends on your brass). 6.0 grains Universal. COAL @ 1.26 949 fps +/- This is a Hodgdon published load. __________________ David Bachelder Trinity, TX Rookie Reloader but learning fast 9mm, 40S&W, 45ACP, 45 Colt, 38 Special, .357 Magnum, 38 S&W, .243, & 30-06 CHL ~ Texas Last edited by dbach; 12-08-2011 at 07:00 PM..

12-08-2011, 08:22 PM	#7
Caneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 1,251	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load ^^^ why 230 gr? i dunno, i guess i was just looking at the design round... 200 gr sounds good as well... why would you shoot 200 gr instead of 230? LOL, I like your tag line "life is too short to shoot an ugly gun", I like to tell my wife when she asks why the gun costs so much i tell her life is too short to shoot an inaccurate gun... Last edited by Caneman; 12-08-2011 at 08:23 PM..

12-08-2011, 08:41 PM	#8
cpttango30 Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stafford, VA Contributor Posts: 3,071	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load Rainer 200gr RN 5.5 gr Hodgdon Titegroup Any case Any Primer makes for a nice easy plinker load. I shoot 200 gr because I got a smokin deal on 5k bullets from midway.

12-08-2011, 10:10 PM	#9
Shortybozz Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 7	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load Cast 228g LRN with 5.2 Unique. Pan lubed with no leading and great accuracy.

12-08-2011, 04:25 PM	#2
chubcobear V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 132	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load The classic military load 5.0 grains bullseye with 230 gr JRN __________________ There is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress. - Mark Twain "....life isn't fair. The central threat to freedom comes from those think they can use politics to make it so. " --Bradley Gitz

12-08-2011, 07:58 PM	#6
myfriendis410 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Lompoc California Posts: 542	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load Why shoot a 230? I much prefer a 200 gr. cast Lyman or Hensley and Gibbs #68 with 5.0 gr. of Red Dot or Clays. You can make a pin load that gives about 930 fps by using 6.3 gr. of Unique. __________________ Life's too short to shoot an ugly gun.....

12-08-2011, 11:53 PM	#10
oldgunfan V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Contributor Posts: 137	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load 230grn Sierra HP 5.4grns W231 CCI-300 primer, 200grn golddot 9.4grns HS-6 CCI-300 primer for home defense. for target speer 185grn JSWC 5.6grns W231 CCI-300 primer.

12-09-2011, 02:33 AM	#11
steve4102 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota Contributor Posts: 2,760	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load I have 5 1911 pistols and all five love these two loads. For soft shooting and scary accurate target loads it is tough to beat the 200gr LSWC powered WST, my load is 4.9gr WST. Do a search for WST in the 45 and you will find it an accuracy favorite by just about everyone that has tried it. If you are not into lead, then 4.5gr WST with 230gr Zero,Precision Delta or Montana Gold FMJ or JHP. If you want speed and power, give Ramshot Silhouette a try. 8.0gr behind a 230gr JHP/FMJ will run over 950fps. Accuracy is excellent in my 1911's with Zero Brand and Hornady XTP 230gr JHP bullets.

12-09-2011, 02:36 AM	#12
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load i have lots but not a thing younger than 17 years , sorry eh , half the powders aint made no more , gun control at work ..

12-09-2011, 10:17 AM	#14
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,308	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load My fav for 230 is either 5 gr bullseye or 5.4 gr Hp38/W231. Either load is equal in performance but I find the bullseye edges out the Hp38/W231 load in the cleanliness dept. I also favor 200 gr SWCs over 5 gr Hp38. its a nice light target load that will punch clean one holers in a well tuned 1911. No need for +P in the .45ACP IMO. It is sufficent in power as a standard load for anything that walks on 2 legs inside of 50 yds. And paper dont care how fast the bulets flyin. Only time youd ever consider +P .45ACP is for a hunting trip, but I find std pressure XTPs are more than sufficient for deer and pigs too. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

12-09-2011, 10:30 AM	#15
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,245	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load I agree with Josh on the +P's, I see no need for them at all. I use three loads for my .45. First one is AA #2, 4.8 grains, for a 230gr Hornady XTP, at 860fps. The second one is for a 230 grain ball, or FMJ, 8.7 grains of AA #5, for 930fps. For lead bullets I use a 230 grain RN bullet over 5.6 grains of AA #2, for 870fps. __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. Last edited by carver; 12-09-2011 at 10:31 AM..

12-09-2011, 01:26 PM	#17
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,308	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load I wouldnt do it without an 18-20# recoil spring. The gun should come stock with an 18# spring so you should be OK. Just watch for signs of excessive battering where the slide meets the frame and recoil guide. Thatts where those +Ps are gonna take their toll. Watch the ejector too. I have seen +P ammo rip ejectors plum out of 1911s, it isnt common but it happens. There was no such thing as +P when JMB designed the 1911, just military ball, 230 gr of jacketed lead at ~825 fps. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

12-09-2011, 01:27 PM	#18
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,308	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load On a side note, you could use the Barnes XPB and download them over a chrony until they are running at standard velocity for a bullet that weight. Thats what I would do. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

12-09-2011, 01:51 PM	#19
oldpapps Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Middle America, Missouri Posts: 20	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load I have standardize to 5.6 grains of 231 for all of my 45ACP loads (two exception, a shot load and another that will remain a mystery). This charge is used mostly for lead 200 grain SWC and for the few 225/230 grain LRN, they get the same. I don't waste my time/money with expanding bullets in my 45s. I don't think that the velocity is there to rely on expansion. That .451 chunk of soft lead does just fine and I think the 200s up the velocity a tad and the SWC profile will grab more than round or conical noses. I have been loading and using this combination for longer than I want to admit, well, I was using 230 powder before it was changes to 231. I get around 850FPS out of a 5 inch barrel and 970FPS out of a 16 1/2 inch barrel. I am happy with the load/s. OSOK

12-09-2011, 05:09 PM	#20
The Duke Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NW Louisiana Posts: 813	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load Serious stuff....Power Pistol, near max, 230g Speer Gold Dot Plunking....Tightgroup, 4.5 g, 230 gr RNL I dont know why I ever stopped shooting Bullseye in the ACP...It was always the most accurate powder/bullet (200g SWCL) that Ive ever used. __________________ Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc'-ra-cy) - a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.

12-09-2011, 07:43 PM	#21
Kevin Rohrer V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Medina, Ohio Posts: 278	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load 6.0gr of Unique and a 230gr lead bullet. __________________ An armed society is a polite society--Robert Heinlein via Jeff Cooper Member: Orange Gunsite Family, NRA--Life, Varmint Hunters Assn, American Legion, ARCTA, & South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Assn.

12-19-2011, 05:03 PM	#22
merbeau V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 67	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load I use Oregon Trail Laser Cast 180 grain Semi Wadcutter for my Bullseye shooting with a an OAL 1.2480, Taper Crimp 0.470 and 5.6 gr. Universal Clays at about 760 fps. Thse loads will produce 1.75 inch groups at 50 yards from my SW 945.

12-21-2011, 10:37 AM	#23
Caneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 1,251	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load thanks for all the input... i was looking for a load that filled the case up as much as possible, looks like 7.0 gr of Herco would do a good job, anyone reload with Herco in this caliber?

12-21-2011, 11:34 AM	#24
USMCSpeedy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 627	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load I'm pretty new to reloading but so far I like 7gr of Power Pistol under a 230gr Hornady XTP. __________________ If all else fails, VOTE FROM THE ROOFTOPS Trying to reform a liberal is like trying to pick up a turd from the clean end. What this country needs is more family trees that will produce more lumber and fewer nuts!

12-22-2011, 12:45 PM	#25
Popgunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Contributor Posts: 1,764	Re: share your favorite .45 ACP load You said you have a new one on the way. (funds limited?) I have a Colt Gold Cup that came with two springs-one for lighter cast bullet loads. I've actually found that my cast loads work fine with either spring. I got one of these: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/732...truncated-cone I have been buying up all the wheelweights at tire shops I can find. Last buy was 80 pounds for $10. Theys didn't want any money but I slipped 'em a ten spot so they'd be happy to see me the next time. 5 gallon bucket. I use the Lee tumble lube-cheap & easy with no luber tool needed. Along with a Lee melting pot I can throw out bullets by the thousand for almost nothing but time invested. My load is with Unique. Way cheap shootin'.