Loading for 45acp revolver

[kidneyboy]

I'm working up rounds for my new S&W 325 and looking to see what others are loading. Trying to keep things at less than 800fps. I have Acme 185 and 200 SWC, Acme 230gr RN and Precision Bullets (not precision delta) 230gr RN. Powders in stock are 231, Bullseye, WST, Clays, Trail Boss and Titegroup. So far I've tried WST and BE with loads from 3.8 to 4.6gr under each of these bullets with acceptable but not great results.
It was easy to work up a decent round for my 5" barrel 1911. They seemed to either shoot well, or not. The 4" barrel revolver is being a bit more subtle with groups.

 

[RedLeg105]

4 grains of Bullseye behind an X-treme 200 grain plated SWC works well for me.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The 4" barrel revolver is being a bit more subtle with groups.

I think it is important to establish a baseline for your revolver first.

What I'd do is get a good factory load, not bulk stuff like WW Whitebox, to determine what your revolver is capable of

 

[fxvr5]

Honestly, if I was going for the best accuracy, I'd look at what Bullseye shooters are using. See here: https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/loads-for-the-bullseye-shooter/99418

The price of Zero 185 JHP bullets is right in line with some of the ACME bullets and will probably outshoot them.

http://www.rozedist.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RZD&Category_Code=ZBJ-45ACP

 

[Walkalong]

My 1955 Target sure likes them. So does my CZ97. They simply shoot very well.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

With what you have, the 200gr SWC over 5.0gr W231 will give you what you are looking for.

 

[kidneyboy]

Honestly, if I was going for the best accuracy, I'd look at what Bullseye shooters are using. See here: https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/loads-for-the-bullseye-shooter/99418

The price of Zero 185 JHP bullets is right in line with some of the ACME bullets and will probably outshoot them.

http://www.rozedist.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RZD&Category_Code=ZBJ-45ACP

I do a fair amount of bullseye shooting with a 1911 in 45acp and the loads I use for the 1911 aren't quite as good in the shorter barreled revolver. Hence my post.
The Zero 185 JHP's will get a tryout if I can't find a locally available bullet that suits me. The Precision Bullets 230gr I mentioned in the first post is being tried because I may be able to get a few thousand for a really good deal from someone I know that's moving.
Anyway 231 is next up and I'll work my way up to the 5gr load and see what happens.

 

[Walkalong]

The Precision 200 Gr SWC is a very good choice for accuracy in .45 ACP.

185 Gr Zero JHP & Precision 200 Gr SWC

 

[mcb]

My current USPSA load is 4.2 gr of bullseye under a 230gr polymer coated RN bullet going ~750fps from my 5-inch 625.

 

[jmorris]

That’s a decent number of powders you have tried, if your not getting what you expect with them, I would try a different bullet. They seem to have more effect on accuracy than powder anyway.

Have you fired anything out of it that meets your expectations?

 

[kidneyboy]

That’s a decent number of powders you have tried, if your not getting what you expect with them, I would try a different bullet. They seem to have more effect on accuracy than powder anyway.

Have you fired anything out of it that meets your expectations?

Well put question. I have had some acceptable groups but would like to get them with less recoil.

IIRC these were over 4.6gr of WST.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Anyway 231 is next up and I'll work my way up to the 5gr load and see what happens.

I think you will like the results.

 

[jmorris]

Well put question. I have had some acceptable groups but would like to get them with less recoil.
View attachment 842334
IIRC these were over 4.6gr of WST.

For less felt recoil in non compensated handguns I generally go for heavy bullets and fast powders.

I placed 1st MA at nationals one year using 3.5gn of N310 using 230’s @ 1.140” in 45 GAP brass. As always work up, just because a load might feel softer, using really fast powders makes the loads quite high pressure, likely a factor why they shoot better for me than just really reduced loads with other powders.

The GAP brass gives you small primers (you can get that with ACP brass too) so you can have a bit lighter pull and still retain 100% reliability and the best thing is that GAP brass requires no tools to moon/demoon.

 

[theothermike]

I had loaded up some 45 acp cases with 240gr hbwc bullets from matts bullets. The idea was that the base would expand into the oversized bore of my cut Webley MK VI. They seemed to work alright. Im pretty sure i used trailboss and if i had to guess the velocity was in the 600-700 range.

 

[kidneyboy]

With what you have, the 200gr SWC over 5.0gr W231 will give you what you are looking for.

You are correct sir. Loaded the 200gr SWC AND the Precision 230gr with 5.0gr of 231. Both grouped very well and are pretty easy shooters.

 

[lordpaxman]

Trying to keep things at less than 800fps.

4.3gr of Clays with a 200gr BB SWC gives me 819fps out of my 625. It's a very soft recoil for me, but, it's not making major PF so keep that in mind if that's your end game. I also found even with the cylinders being chamfered the SWCs hang up with reloads, and have much better luck with a RN profile.
Too bad WST didn't do it for you, my go to load is 4.3 with a 230 RN, making major. RMR had some plated pulls that do just fine out of a couple of different .45s.
If you want to expand your powder selection, N320 and Sport Pistol do really well in a .45 load. Accurate and soft.

 

[drband]

I like Bullseye in my 625JM. I have used 231, AA#2, RedDot/Promo, all with good results. .45acp, Acme 200gr coated SWCs, and your favorite powder recipe will make for a great load that you can (and will want to) shoot all day! Hope you find your favorite revolver load soon!

 

[kidneyboy]

4.3gr of Clays with a 200gr BB SWC gives me 819fps out of my 625. It's a very soft recoil for me, but, it's not making major PF so keep that in mind if that's your end game. I also found even with the cylinders being chamfered the SWCs hang up with reloads, and have much better luck with a RN profile.
Too bad WST didn't do it for you, my go to load is 4.3 with a 230 RN, making major. RMR had some plated pulls that do just fine out of a couple of different .45s.
If you want to expand your powder selection, N320 and Sport Pistol do really well in a .45 load. Accurate and soft.

I haven't given up on any powders yet
PF is not my end game, an accurate soft shooting round at 25yds or so is.
I'm still not quite used to the 325. It's lighter, slightly larger and handles a little different than my other revolvers.
SWC's just don't load quickly in a revolver. My 38s and 357s are the same way.