Fired my first reloads, didn't go so well

[Rom828]

I'm using 230gr HSM plated RN, once fired Federal LP brass, Remington primers and decided to go with the starting load of 4.2 grains of Hodgen HP38 like it said to use in the directions that came with my Lee four die set. Today was the first time my trusty RIA 1911 failed me, as the reloads were to light to cycle the action. I had to rack the slide on about 75% of the rounds. Yep, stovepipes, FTE, it was a mess. Good thing I only did fifty rounds. Anyway, good thing I'm not a quitter. If I had loaded these for a revolver I would have called it a success. What is every ones thoughts about my next attempt?, I'm thinking about loading 4.7 grains of the same HP38 next.

 

[rcmodel]

If you are using Lee dippers, it is doubtful you even got 4.2 grains in them.

You need to use a powder scale to know what your charge is.

Lyman #49 lists a starting load for a 230 TMJ & W231 as 5.2 grains.
Max is 5.8.

With plated bullets, 5.0 should work.

rc

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

i never load more than 10 rounds of a load i've never tried before. pulling bullets sucks.

 

[k4swb]

When I started I seldom had success with stating loads in semi-autos. Finally just ended up going ahead and starting in the middle somewhere. From there I will most times go back down until they quit working and then back up just enough to get reliability. I almost never strive for the hottest load in any semi and then only for a few rounds for grins.

Remember that what works in HOT weather may not work in cold, and what is perfectly fine in cold weather MAY be entirely too much in hot.

 

[Upstater]

Did you verify that 4.2 grains were being injected with a good quality scale? Also plated bullets IIRC require a heavier charge, that charge looks like it is designed for lead bullets.

 

[ambidextrous1]

You did okay, Rom.

Check your reloading manual for that powder; pick a recommended load near the middle of the range for that powder. load ten rounds and try them. Check the fired cases for signs of extreme pressure, such as flattened primers; you'll likely not find any.

Be sure too report your results to us!

 

[Rom828]

I've got the Lee anniversary set. I'm using the powder dispenser that came with the set and don't have the patience for the included beam scale. I weigh every charge on a $30 Hornaday digital scale I picked up as I don't trust the dispenser. Thank you for all the input and I'm happy my 1911 didn't turn into shrapnel.

 

[Upstater]

Well if you continue shooting those rounds i.e.- training ammo and such, just make absolutely sure that the bullets are exiting the barrel, shrapnel will be the least of your problems, I would personally pull them apart and redo, just my opinion,fwiw.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Did you verify that 4.2 grains were being injected with a good quality scale? Also plated bullets IIRC require a heavier charge, that charge looks like it is designed for lead bullets.

Remember that you are SUPPOSED to use loading data for lead bullets when assembling plated bullets.

 

[Lost Sheep]

The tables that LEE provides with the dippers and Auto-Disk powder measures are notorious for giving you lighter charges than you expect. Most of the time.

Amost all powder measures mete out powder by volume, but almost all loading recipes specify by weight. That is why you really want an accurate scale in your loading setup.

Failures to eject might be able to be cured by tightening your hold on your gun. I had some target loads that worked fine in if I held my 45 rigidly, but would stovepipe or fail to clear the chamber at all simply by "limp wristing". I found it to be very handy for practicing clearance drills. I could induce a FTE at will.

So, tighten your grip to see if you can at least avoid having to shoot these rounds as if you had a single-shot. Then weigh your charges.

Thanks for asking our advice.

Lost Sheep

 

[Rom828]

I was really watching close for a "squib" round but all rounds left the barrel and hit the target. I shot them all and don't think I'll use that recipe again. I've put over 800 rounds through my 1911 with not one malfunction of any kind with factory ammo. Oh yes, I will get there with my reloads!

 

[rcmodel]

Remember that you are SUPPOSED to use loading data for lead bullets when assembling plated bullets.

Maybe you are, and maybe you aren't.
Ranier says to use lead bullet data.

Berry says to use mid-level Jacketed data.

HSM like the OP using says to use lead data.

Myself, I know copper plating is stickier then grease lubed lead.
So Starting to mid-range jacketed data for me.

It is way less likely to stick a sticky copper plated bullet in the barrel with a too light lead bullet starting load.

rc

 

[rfwobbly]

Rom -
I'd highly suggest only loading no more than 6-10 of each trial load. With HP-38/Win231 you can load in increments of 0.2gr. Don't scoop the powder; weigh the powder out for each load. When you find the load you like, then you can go back and find out what scoop or powder measure setting delivers that exact weight. Since the Lee table of scoop-to-weight is way off, all you know now is that a #13 scoop (or whatever number it was) won't work. You'll be much better off working in weight, that way you can duplicate that load anywhere you might go in the future.

PS. If you think about it, your "trusty RIA 1911" did not "fail" you. It performed as well as it could with the load it was given.

 

[1SOW]

The OPs load data came straight from the Hogden data on their web-site.

I'm using the powder dispenser that came with the set and don't have the patience for the included beam scale.

JMO: That beam scale isn't the easiest to use, but it IS very accurate when set up correctly the first time.. If you use a $30 digital scale, I would definitely check the results against the beam scale. The most important reloading task you have, is to drop the correct amount of powder for every cartridge every time.

Like said above, for new-to-you loads, just load 10rds at the low end, and 10 rds with +.2/.3 grs, and 10 more +another .2/.3 grs up into the mid-range of the data. When you shoot, start with the low-end loads and check for function and pressure signs, then shoot the next highest loads and check again, etc. This will save you some disappointment and or grief.

 

[Fishslayer]

HP38/W231 is a bit of a slower powder than say, Bullseye. Loaded light it does cause cycling problems in my 9mm.

Winchester data shows 4.6gr as a starting load for 230gr LRN. I could see 4.2gr possibly being a problem, particularly if your gun is new or has a new/heavy recoil spring.

You really need to verify your charge weight. If you are going strictly by Lee's volume/weight spreadsheet you are probably light. Those spreadsheets are meant to be used as a guideline to get you in the ballpark.

EDIT: When rcmodel & 1SOW speak... I listen.

 

[Rom828]

I am using the Lee "Perfect" powder measure and cannot get it to throw a consistent charge so I'm happy if it throws a little heavy and I trickle powder off until it is right. I'm using my little digital scale and checking to make sure that the tare is right after every charge.

 

[cberge8]

I'm happy my 1911 didn't turn into shrapnel.

Sounds like successful first reloads to me!

You did the right thing, starting low. Normally when I am working up a load I will make 10 rounds each at various powder weights. I start at min load, and work up to max (in .2-.4gn increments depending upon the min-max range). This ensures that I will get an acceptable load on that range trip. Then I make 50 (of what I think I want my load to be) for the next trip to really test them out. Worst that has ever happened due to this method is having to pull a couple bullets when I get home because I feel they are too hot for my gun.

 

[GT1]

There is a reason it is called 'working up'.
You did it right, and that's how it is supposed to go.

I would say it went well. Still have your firearm, and fingers and eyes.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Rom828,
Welcome to reloading!
No reason to trickle powder for use in a handgun round. Unlike rifle rounds slight variations aren't that critical. (within reason of course)

I charge 5.5gr HP-38/W231 for ant 230gr bullet in the .45 Auto. That load works in every semi-auto I've shot it from but it's still not the hottest load you can make. It's also very accurate for me. I would start with at least 5.0gr on your next load and work up to the 5.5gr I suggested...

 

[James2]

Berry says to use mid-level Jacketed data.

I have had good results using this advice.

You did good. A little more powder in the next batch and you will have some good ammo. As others have mentioned, try a few with different loads. when you find the load that works right, then load up a batch of 50 or 100.

Ya 5.0 gr of w231 is a good load for the 230 grain bullet in my 45.

 

[Upstater]

I have been using 5.0 grains of w231 with 200 grain lswc in my pistol with excellent results and velocities close to factory ammo.ymmv

 

[ShadowsEye]

HP38/W231 is a bit of a slower powder than say, Bullseye. Loaded light it does cause cycling problems in my 9mm.

Winchester data shows 4.6gr as a starting load for 230gr LRN. I could see 4.2gr possibly being a problem, particularly if your gun is new or has a new/heavy recoil spring.

You really need to verify your charge weight. If you are going strictly by Lee's volume/weight spreadsheet you are probably light. Those spreadsheets are meant to be used as a guideline to get you in the ballpark.

EDIT: When rcmodel & 1SOW speak... I listen.

Was going to say something similar here. 4.2 seems very very light for W231. I use 5.0 grains behind a 115g 9mm bullet.

 

[Cherokee]

OP did fine for first try, working up the load for your guns is the way to go. Now you know you need more powder. I would go to 4.6 and 4.8, load 10 or so of both and try them.

 

[gahunter12]

I agree with Cherokee. I would start at 4.6gr and work up .2gr at a time (4.6, 4.8, 5.0, 5.2). My pet load was 5.2gr under a 230gr platted RN. 5.2gr was mild/moderate recoil with great function. 4.8gr of HP38/W231 was also very accurate in my 1911's, but extremly dirty. I have since moved over to WST for all 45acp loads. WST is a lot cleaner with a softer recoil.

 

[4895]

Sounds like you are on the right track. Loading at the start range is good practice and now you have some notes to make regarding this charge. I would bump the charge up by .2 grains and load up 10 rounds of each going all the way up to the max load listed. Label the rounds or throw them in separate sandwhich bags with a note. Once you find the load that you like, then you can start loading up 50+ rounds of them. If you get tired of Winchester 231 powder, which you really won't, you might try some Bullseye powder. Good luck and happy loading.