45 ACP and PowerPisol

[scuba-man]

I recently loaded up 20 rounds of 6.8 gr PowerPistol, mixed brass, Federal 150, and Berrys 230 plated. The Alliant web site lists max at 7.2 gr with a 230 gr FMJ at 895 fps.

The rounds were loaded to the OAL (1.25) and taper crimp (.469) dimensions listed on the recommended load data that came with my Wilson CQB. All of the rounds were run through a cartridge gauge after loading. The rounds were fired in a Les Baer Custom Carry.

I've had some problems with the mixed brass. Some of the Winchester cases won't make it through the cartridge gauge after reloading. It almost looks like the rim/head diameter is too large. They will chamber in an old Springfield barrel that I have on the bench for test purposes. I've not had any problems with Remington brass. There is a lot of variability in the Winchester stuff. Some of the newer Winchester brass is made by S&B and the primer pockets are way too tight. Having a lot of problems with primer seating in these cases on my Dillon 650.

Recoil was pretty stout With the 6.8 gr PowerPistol load. The primers appeared slightly flattened. One of the fired cases was missing a primer.

Any ideas why these pressure signs are showing up with load thats well below max? I'm looking for a PowerPistol load that will push the Berrys 230 plated at 830 fps.

 

[Walkalong]

Universal Clays or AA #5 will both work well. I shot both of these powders with the Berry's 230 RN although I prefer the Berry's 200 Gr. HP and AA#5. Double check your powder wieght and chuck your brass for a new batch. Once fired is cheap enough not to take chances with bad brass.

 

[Luggernut]

I shot a bunch of PP with 230gr FMJ Speer bullet- I used 6.5gr and 7.0gr. I didn't notice any problems with reusing the cases or anything else... other than the cool big yellow flashes. I tend to use PP for 9mm and .40S&W now and W231 for my .45ACPs.

 

[Steve C]

Unless your loads where heavier than you thought I seriously doubt you are seeing high pressure signs. Pressure signs don't appear in magnum cartridges that operate at 1.5-2x the maximum operating pressure of a .45 ACP so you'll be well beyond any reasonable .45 acp pressure before you will see any. Primer flatening can also be a sign of low pressure. In the .45 probably the best method of determining how stout the load is by how far the case gets thrown upon ejection. If you typically have a base distance from factory ammo to compare against you can tell if your handloads are running hotter.

The Speer manual 13 lists 8.1grs as maximum with a 230gr JRN and 7.0grs as a start load so 6.8grs shouldn't be hot at all. I would guess that a typical 230gr load at 6.8grs of PP would less than 800 fps. I've chrono'd a 200gr Hornady JHP load on top of 6.8gr PP at 843fps average from a Gov. model Colt.

As for the missing primer, was it a Win or Rem case or did you get an Americ case mixed in? Those Americ cases generally have very loose primer pockets.

Double check your powder dispenser and your scales just to make sure you're not running a lot more powder than you think.

If you want to push that 230 gr to 830 fps Unique will get you there with probably around 5.5 to 5.8 grs. My ball equivalent load wth a 230gr Rem Bulk Jacketed is 6.1gr of Unique that chrono's at 851 fps average from my Gov 1911 Colts. Berrys plated bullet should run a bit faster with powder being equal than a ordinary copper jacketed bullet.