160gr LRNFP 45acp Load Data Issues

[Foto Joe]

I would REALLY like to start loading 160gr Cast LRNFP's for my 1911's simply because I don't really need to send 230gr of hard to get lead down range. My problem is finding load data for this particular cast bullet. Even Lee who manufactures the mold only references 155gr lead bullets.

My question is: How much trouble can I get myself into using published load data for a 155gr .451 LSWC on 160gr .452 LRNFP's? My powder choices are Universal, AutoComp and TrailBoss. I really don't care to be picking very expensive pieces of 1911's up off the ground because I decided to play crash test dummy. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[ku4hx]

As long as you start with the starting load for 155 grain and work up from there, you should be fine. In cases like this, it's best to use a powder with as wide a spread, start to max, as possible, but that's not absolutely necessary.

As a long term boolit caster, I've discovered what everybody else does and that is when casting, the weight you drop is seldom the weight advertised for a given boolit and intelligent and careful interpolation is called for.

As is the usual case, follow all loading safety rules and work up your loads in small batches until you're satisfied your load is safe in your gun.