45 ACP Lead bullets in 1911

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JustsayMo

JustsayMo

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I have some 200g LRNFP bullets that I use in my 45 colt BH but I have read that they will work well in my 1911 too.

Anyone have any load data recomendations for this bullet or can I use my 200g LSWC load data interchangably?

Recommended COL?

I don't usually crimp my 45 ACP loads with FMJ bullets, no cannelure anyway, should I crip the lead bullets?

TIA
 
I shoot them with 5.5 grains of Winchester 231 in my 1911's, Witnesses and my XD. They work great. I crimp just enough to lightly hold the bullet and ensure smooth feeding.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
I had to take mine down to 1.225 in mine,but I would think the longer the better if it'd work in your pistol.I just used 200 grain lead info and haven't the first hint of a problem.Use some clays for some soft shooting,accurate loads.I assume they are .452 in dia.
 
Thanks Reloader Fred & Kart Racer.

I'll give crimp them and keep my fingers crossed that they will cycle. I haven't had good luck with SWC in this pistol. The shape of the RNFP gives me hope that they will work.

I've got a bunch of Bullseye that I'd like to use up on em. It may take a few trips to the range but hey, that is half the fun.

Thanks again for the insights guys!
 
My Kimber Target Match II loves flat point bullets. I load them over 4.5 grains of Titegroup and seat them to 1.22 OAL, tack drivers!!!!
 
if your using the load data form another bullet type the one thing to make sure of is the seating depth because it can have a big effect on your pressures
 
I've been loading 200 gr RNFP Precission bullets over 3.9 Clays at 1.22 OAL with good results. I normally use 1.24-25 OAL but the shape of the Precission requires a bit shorter to seat in chamber well.
 
I just started using a bullet like that in my Kimber. First batch I used the same load as above, 3.9gr of Hodgden Clays, seated so the case mouth just covers the crimp groove. Very good accuracy, but needs a touch more power, not always fully cycling the slide.

So the next batch will go up .1 grain and see how those work. The bullet shape is great, feeds flawlessly. Mine won't work well with semi-wadcutters, either.
 
Can you tell the difference on a paper target between the LSWC and the RNFP's? I mean do they both cut clean holes at 800-900fps? I've been shooting 200gr LSWC in my 1911 for years only because it cut a cleaner hole than the 230gr LRN. It didn't hurt that they were a little cheaper too.
 
oal...

how did ya'll arrive at about the same figure..1.22? I don't find that in my manuals,but I do know the oal I"m using wont go into battery in my sons's Ruger.
Is it a figure given in a book,or just a doinkyding that that figure is so popular.?
I"m asking 'cause I've got 200 rounds loaded up I need to reseat to get to work.:banghead:
Thanks!!
 
I came up with 1.22 by putting a round together at 1.25 and dropping it into my disassembled barrel. It didn't feel or sound right. Shortened to 1.22 and got the smooth thunk.

I think the LSWC cut a cleaner hole than the RNFP. I'm waiting for my Precission SWC to come in. Still have some Oregon Laser Cast in SWC and lots of the 225 TC. Both are very good as well.
 
What diameter are your bullets.....

some 45 Colt bullets are sized larger than what is used in a 45 acp.......chris3
 
The Lee Factory Crimp Die is the answer to the larger diameter bullets. Set the die down to the shell plate to resize the round. Set the crimp from there. The OLC seem to run .452 and are a bit sticky in the fcd. I put a bit of lube wax on now and then.
 
I have 2 loads for 2 different 45's. In my Springfield, it loves 4.8 grs of Titegroup in a 200 gr round point Leadhead bullet. In my Kimber, it loves 4.3 grs of Clays with a 200gr leadhead roundnose bullet. Just one ragged hole at 25 yds. Steve 48
 
I sized my bullets to .450; easy seating in cases, good accuracy. I saw a post on this bullet subject once before, a guy said seated just over the crimp groove(I haven't measured OAL, it DOES make a short cartridge).
 
:) I am loading a 200gr. bullet lswc's with 4.8gr's of Winchester 231. Length is 1.265(factory is 1.275). I am using a S&W 45 model 108282 and it is a shooter for pinching paper. I would want more for home protecting but I got other guns for that.
Anybody got a good cleaner for getting lead out of a barrel???
Dillion makes a neat little gauge that you drop your load in and if it drops free and the bullet doesn't stick out the other end it's a shooter. Work's for me..;)

Shoot fast make one Hole....
 
For general use, just about the best lead fouling cleaner I've tried is Blue Wonder. It's a gel; put it on a bronze brush, scrub back & forth a half-dozen times, repeat. Let set for a few minutes, half-dozen strokes with the brush then wipe out with a patch. Repeat if needed.
 
:D Thanks Firehand. Good info: I got some Blue Wonder out in the grage I'll give it a try for sure. I blued a small S&W J-frame for a guy I know and it worked great for that. The cleaner really get's the crud off the outside of a gun. I don't know why I didn't think about it for the lead problem. It's hard when your old and slow.
Thanks again Firehand.....Baldy.:)

Shoot fast make one Hole...
 
One suggestion -- I find a taper crimp is best for the .45 ACP. I set mine to just iron out the bell in the case mouth. This feeds perfectly and leaves plenty of support for headspacing.
 
I've been shooting the 200 RNFP's ( in my Glock30 and my 1911) for a while now. Excellent feed reliability. I've been using 5 grains of Bullseye (moderate/light load) with an oal of around 1.195 ( as another poster stated, just enough to cover the crimp groove) and a crimp diameter of .470. I think folks who are having a problem with these are loading them too long for their relatively small bearing surface. Anyway, I thought my loads were fairly accurate until I shot my brother's loads. Waaaaay more accurate using 6.1 grns of Unique, all else being the same. Undeniably dirty as hell, but I was impressed by the accuracy. That cowboy bullet lends itself well to the ACP guns in my opinion. I'll continue to use them. Make sure they are sized to .452 as .454's are also available for use in the older Colt wheel guns, so you don't want to get them mixed up. I have some W231 laying around so........off for another load work-up.
Bronson7
 
I forgot to mention. Yes, you can interchange your powder load ie use the same powder load for the RNFP's and LSWC's as the bearing surface is a bit smaller on the RNFP's so there's a bit less case volume if you seat them just to cover the crimp groove. Now whether or not that's going to be a good load for you, is a different matter. Bench rest it and see, and happy shooting.
Bronson7
 
To get the correct OAL, you could just measure the length of a 200gr. LSWC, then measure the length of the 200gr. LRNFP then take the difference between the two and apply it to the OAL given in your reloading manual for a 200gr. LSWC load.

I used the above method to get a good starting OAL when I switched from 230gr. FMJ to 225gr. LRNFP in my 1911. Worked great for me.


W
 
I cast those bullets and have sold a lot of them to folks shooting them in their 1911's. I've shot them in my SA 1911 with no feeding troubles at all. I tend to load them with 5 grains of W231.

a.
 
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