.45 ACP light loads

[RWMC]

lf I use 3.0 - 3.5 grains of Bullseye behind a 200 grain cast SWC bullet, will I need to replace the recoil spring in my early Colt 1911 with a lighter spring in order to have reliable / consistent function?
Thank-you for the help.

 

[243winxb]

Never went below 3.5 grs Bullseye. Factory springs worked ok in 2 guns.

 

[RWMC]

Thank you 243winxb.
The only reason I included the 3.0 grain load of Bullseye under a 200 gr. Lead swc in my original question, is that Lyman posted that load in their Lyman cast bullet handbook for the 45 auto rim cartridge.
My old colt government model is up there in years, ( 106 yrs. ) but I still really enjoy shooting it, so I take it easy with the loads I feed it .
Thanks again for your input.

 

[cfullgraf]

My recently purchased Gold Cup NM came with two recoil springs. A standard for standard ball ammunition and a light spring for target ammunition. If I remember correctly, the light spring is 12 or 13 lb.

Try yours with the light ammunition. If it works, don't worry about changing springs. But springs do not cost very much, it might be worth having a light one on hand.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The Lyman manual lists 3.0gr Bullseye under a 200gr SWC bullet as their starting charge so it's safe. I'm not sure if you will need to change springs but that's an easy question to answer, shoot them and see.

 

[RWMC]

Thanks for the input from you all. It’s much appreciated.

 

[Starter52]

3.0 grains of Bullseye is a very mild load. I would be surprised if 3.0 grains would function in a 1911 even with a lighter spring.

I agree with 243. The 3.5 grain load is a better place to start.

 

[Walkalong]

Maybe, but a 1911 can be pretty forgiving.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/low-charge-weight-velocity-cycling-test.523172/

 

[243winxb]

When i got the Lyman mold for their 200 gr lswc bb bullet years ago, i worked up a loading using Bullseye powder.

As cast bullets were sorted by weight and visible flaws. Sized and lubed. Loaded. Fired from sand bags @ 50 yards, 3.8 grs Bullseye produced the best accuracy. Loaded in Starline standard brass with a WLP , using RCBS dies.

The .452" bullet diameter required opening the ID of the seating die. The case bell/flare was being removed to early on seating. This shaved lead & left a ring of lead to build up in the chamber.

The 3.5 gr is ok at 25 yards, not great at 50. What works for my Gold Cup may not work for all 1911s.

Testing is the only way to know if a firearm will benefit from match grade ammo.

 

[Ruger 15151]

Many of the Bullseye shooter like 3.5 gr - 3.8 gr of BE with a 200gr SWC and a .465-.469 crimp. That's a classic bullseye. They will typically use a 12-14# spring so that the gun will still cycle reliably.

 

[nofendertom]

3.0 of Bullseye in auto rim cartridge is for a revolver.