Going from plated to FMJ

[tcoz]

I think I know the answer to this, but if want to be sure. I've always loaded XTreme plated 230gr RN for my .45. I was just given some 230gr RN FMJ bullets, but not enough for me to convert to permanently. My question is whether I can use the same load (4.9gr Bullseye) in the FMJ's that I've been using in the plated. My guess is that yes I could, but if I was instead going from FMJ to plated, I might be wise to cut back 5-10% and start there. Am I right?

 

[Potatohead]

I'll let the more experienced handle the details but I think it wise, and have read, that you should always back off when a component is changed. I could always be wrong and I look forward to hearing what others have to say about it.

 

[Comrade Mike]

Back off a bit and work back up. I load my plated bullets with mid level jacketed data so I wouldn't be too worried but you can never be too careful.

 

[NWcityguy2]

You should always do a load work up but 4.9 grains of Bullseye is fine. The traditional factory ammo replacement load is 5 grains under a 230 FMJ.

 

[Mike Kerr]

I think from what you have said you will be Ok.

regards,

 

[Walkalong]

You'll be fine. Just look at Alliant's data for 230 Gr FMJ.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It seems that Alliant is trying to move loaders away from Bullseye and towards BE-86. Much of it's current data proves that out. Looking at a copy of the 2012 Alliant load data it shows a Max charge of 5.7gr Bullseye under a 230gr TMJ bullet with an OAL of 1.260". Using that data your charge of 4.9gr Bullseye is slightly low for a starting charge weight according to Alliant. A 10% drop would be 5.1gr Bullseye so be careful the bullet doesn't stick in the barrel with your 4.9gr charge. (unlikely but possible) You might want to jump the charge weight up a little unless you have other published data that lists that charge weight..

*EDIT*
I just noticed Alliant has the same data on their site of 5.7gr Bullseye under a 230gr TMJ bullet so that data is still current.

 

[Potatohead]

I wondered about that ^^ (possibly going under a start charge) when I posted "it wise" to back off... That's what I get for trying to be the Johnny on the Spot, answer before anyone else guy..:banghead:

 

[tcoz]

The Alliant data is actually the highest that I saw in determining a ladder when I developed the load. Without going into detail, I had 25-30 different loads from numerous different sources. I considered the "least reliable" to be data from various reloading forums and the most reliable to be from various bullet manufacturers, both plated and FMJ.

Loads ranged from a low of 4.2gr to a high of 5.7gr (Alliant), with the overwhelming majority in the 4.5 to 5.2gr range. In the back of my mind I kept aware of the fact that the traditional government load was always 5.0gr. My test load ladder was 4.6, 4.8, 5.0 and 5.2. 4.6 was weak and less accurate than I'm used to, 5.2 was a little too stout and 4.8-5.0 (my Pro Auto Disk drops 4.9 consistently) seemed to be the sweet spot.

After all of this, when I actually looked at the bullets I was given, they're not FMJ as described, but instead they're plated just like I've been using. I'll stick with my 4.9gr load.

Thanks to everyone for your comments.