Can't find load data on 185g. LSWC .45acp

[sammy]

Hello all,

I have checked my Lyman, Speer and Winchester's website but still can't find info on my bullet and powder. All they give data for is TMJ SWC. I have 185g. LSWC from Mastercast, Bullseye and 231 powders to try. Can any of you great folks give me a good starting load for a 5" 1911, OAL ect... Thanks, Sammy

 

[Walkalong]

5.5 Grs W-231

Agh...start load


5.2 Grs W-231....Max 5.7 Grs W-231

 

[cavman]

I found my sweet spot with 185s at 4.2gr Bullseye.
OAL just a fingernail of bullet shoulder visible above the brass, and crimp at .468-470

You should also check out m1911.org as a 1911 owner.

Here is the link to the reloading forum
http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?f=50

(Top thread happens to be favorite load data)

 

[sammy]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks gentlemen!!!

 

[Randy1911]

There is also another 1911 forum. It is real good too.
http://forums.1911forum.com/

 

[230therapy]

I use:

.451-.452" cast bullets

Overall length: 1.275"

3.7-4.9 grains of Clays powder

I trim the cases to the proper length and use whatever primer is available. I typically use a midrange powder charge (4.2-4.5 grains) and seat the bullet as long as possible (so long as it feeds). Crimp is moderate but within 45 ACP spec; experiment with whatever will work with your gun.

 

[sammy]

I loaded 30 rounds of 4.0 grains of Bullseye with Wolf small pistol primers. My Baer is very picky about OAL and so I set them the same as my 200g. #68 H&G's. 1.240 oal with a .469 crimp. I will let you all know how it goes. Sammy

 

[sammy]

Just got back and tested them. I did not have access to a chrono but this was just about the most accurate load I have ever tried!! Unbelievable, 6 in the same hole freehand at 15 yards. It did not lock the slide back 2 out of 5 times and recoil was very light. I will work my way up to 4.2 and 4.4 and see what happens.

Does anyone have a max for this bullet and Bullseye powder? Keep in mind I am using small pistol primers.

Thanks, Sammy

 

[fecmech]

You have rediscovered an old and tried and true bullseye load. There has been at least a gazillion rounds of .45 acp fired with 3.7-4.0 of bullseye powder behind a 185 or 200 gr SWC. My .45 wad gun will put 10 185 saeco swc's loaded with 3.7 of BE into 2-2 1/2 inches at 50 yds. If you put a 12 lb. recoil spring in your gun it will probably function just fine where you are at.

 

[cavman]

You can't get any better than a single hole! That is what you are going for.

Try stretching them out to 25 yards and then even out to 50 yards.

In any case, after your different load testing and once the tightest group is found, you are done with that part.

If it is not locking back, and you like your load, adjust the recoil spring. Get a new spring that is lighter, like 11 lbs for example.