LOW Velocity and LIGHT Loads for .45 acp

[wditto]

any one have experience or info for some light loads and low velocity for the .45 acp ?
I'm thinking 185 grain at about 500 fps , or even lighter and slower if possible......
I have many extra lighter-than-factory springs , so pistol function is not an issue
thanks

 

[Walkalong]

FYI: 185 Gr at 500 FPS in .45 ACP is getting close to sticking a bullet in your barrel. You should be OK there, just someting to keep in mind. Zip should be very accurate at that velocity. It was at 600 FPS. Very mild, but lower than I was expecting.

Oh, and it functioned fine with a standard spring. 230 Gr Berrys @ Avg 609 FPS.

 

[Jim Watson]

I've never loaded THAT light for an auto, but a 200 gr SWC and 3.0-3.5 grains of Bullseye, Clays, Solo 1000, or 700X will put you right around 600 fps.

A lighter load might call for such a light recoil spring that it would not strip the next round out of the magazine.

 

[wditto]

Walkalong, thanks for the reminder; it is something we all need to remember.....
.
Jim Watson, I may even go with a stronger spring and just hand recycle the rounds - this is just something to do for fun and I don't mind shooting single-shot
.
thanks guys

 

[Noveldoc]

I do 4.0 gr TiteGroup with a 200 gr lead RNFP. Light recoil, accurate and still cycles my Smith 4506.

Tom

 

[D. Manley]

Take a look at THESE. All are bullseye level loads and are both soft and accurate...may require the lighter recoil springs for reliable function.

 

[Jim Watson]

OK, but don't do ultra-light loads with jacketed bullets. The copper-steel friction is much higher than waxed lead and you are much liklier to stick a bullet.
The old, old, American Rifleman article I have says to load down until you stick a lead bullet, then add back about half a grain of powder.

 

[jeepmor]

I found the cowboy action loads worked well in my 45 from the Speer 13 manual. Beware though, about the middle of the loading range no longer cycled my action. The brass barely made it out the ejection port. In one case, it landed on the slide itself.

 

[Noveldoc]

Done some experimenting and 4.5 gr of Titegroup under a 200 gr lead RNFP works better. Very accurate and clean with good functioning of my 4506 Smith.

Decent recoil here.

I think this load is the sweet spot for my gun.

Tom