Lyman 45 Auto /Unique load data for cast lead

[gbw]

Lyman 49 shows 7.4gr Unique for 200gr cast lead swc. Similar loads for 225 & another 200 Lswc. They give velocities in the low 900s.

This a good bit hotter than any other published Unique / 200 data I see including Alliant's.

So I loaded up some - yep, based only on feel they're pretty sporty. My chrono died a few years back so I'm not positive but I'd also question those vel. numbers as too low.

Has anybody chronographed or otherwise have experience with these loadings? I don't normally do Unique for .45 but in these days of spotty powder choices I thought I'd try it. Just curious.

Thanks
Gbw

 

[rcmodel]

I have not, as when I shoot a .45 Auto I usually shoot 230 full power, or 200 LSWC at mid-range target velocity.

IMO: 7.4 with a cast 200 is way too hot.

I have used:
7.5 with a 185 JHP = it's a hot load in a 1911.
6.5 with a cast 200 LSWC = near GI hardball recoil and plenty enough power.
7.0 with a 200 XTP JHP = Far as I wanted to push it.

7.4 would make my old 1911 run and hide under the bedroom pillow again!!

Best back off a little bit unless you want to beat your gun up.

rc

 

[ColtPythonElite]

7.4 gr of Unique is way hotter than I want or need.

I have loaded thousands of 200 gr LSWC over 5.0 gr of Unique. They average just under 800 fps out of a 5" 1911.....I settled on 5.0 of Unique as my magic number. I use the same charge for 185, 200, and 230 lead bullets.

 

[gbw]

That's what Lyman shows, both #47 and #49.

I agree they're too hot. I have a few left and a chrono on the way (couldn't stand to be without one any longer though I don't use it often), I'll clock them and post results in a week or so.

Normally load 200s to around 900f/s which is plenty hot enough! The guns and are are both getting past beat-up age.

eta: Slight correction - The Lyman manuals show 7.5 for the 200s, and 7.2 for the 225 , all cast lead, pressure and velocity seem too low to me! We'll see on the velocity at least.

 

[gbw]

Update

On my brand new Shooting Chrony chronograph the .45 loading below based on the Lyman 49 data (&47, they are the same):

Please DO NOT USE this data without checking your own manuals it first!

.45 ACP Custom 1911 Kart NM barrel:

7.2 Unique / 185 lswc (Lyman says 7.5 w/200 lswc is ok).
Avg. Vel. = 1010 fps, sd 39.46 (Hi 1051 low 956). I never have had decent consistency with Unique, think it's too coarse to meter consistently for these charge weights.
Probably safe enough but too hot for me and the guns - I have a few hundered of these I'll save for the revolution.


Also, tested a 9mm load:
5.2 Winchester AutoComp w/ MG 124 JHP 9mm, Browning HP (new):
Avg.Vel. = 1126, Sd 22.2. About right, & this is a very accurate bullet for me.


Also 5.56/223
22.8 IMR 8208 XBR / 62 Armscor FMJ, Colt M4 carbine:
Avg.Vel. = 2664, Sd. 38.2, I like this for plinking / practice.

I like having a Chrono again, my old Pact died a couple of years back and I had sort of convinced myself it was ok to be without one. It isn't.

 

[groundsclown]

7.4 gr of Unique is way hotter than I want or need.

I have loaded thousands of 200 gr LSWC over 5.0 gr of Unique. They average just under 800 fps out of a 5" 1911.....I settled on 5.0 of Unique as my magic number. I use the same charge for 185, 200, and 230 lead bullets.

^^^^+1^^^^

I also load 200gr cast & have settled on 5.0gr
230gr 5.5gr
No need to beat myself or firearm up.

 

[Fatelvis]

Quickload shows it being hot, but within the 21000 psi max. In a 5" bbl., it generates 18603psi and 1040 fps velocity.

 

[41 Mag]

GBW,

I think if you play with it enough you will probably end up down in the 5'ish grain range level for your loads. Like mentioned above, it just seems to work very well in this area with all of the cast bullet weights normally used in the ACP.

I just decided to standardize and go with 5.0 for anything over 200grs and it woks out great for me, but this is all with cast bullets. I do admit that I use 5.5 under my 185's as this is a touch more accurate, and again cast bullets.

 

[Dudedog]

Lymans Data for .45 lead 230 is strange. Never loaded it but 7.4 is to much IMO.
They list 6.7 MAX for a jacketed 230.
Alliant 05 list 6.4 MAX with a 230 JHP