Need Chrono Data for Loads using Bullseye powder

[Ken Rainey]

I would appreciate some velocity readings for some loads I've been shooting consisting of 4.0, 4.2, and 4.5 grains of Bullseye under a 200 grain SWC with Winchester primers. I've recently loaded some 4.7 and 4.8 grain loads under a 230 grain lead round nose that seems about like factory hardball but I don't have a chrono to check them on. The Speer manual I have lists these loads as being on the light side but a few years ago I did have access to a chrono and checked 4.2 grains under a 230 LRN and it averaged 743 fps out of a commander - which is what the manual gives for a 200 SWC out of a 5 inch barrel..... I believe my manual is listing them lighter than what I am actually getting so I was wondering if anyone has already checked these loads and what they got.

I'd really like to hear what your favorite load is with Bullseye powder using these types of lead bullets and also any info using jacketed bullets like these. I've been advised that Unique is an excellent powder to use also and would like your favorite recipes with this power too. I will be loading some 158 grain .38 special and 125 grain 9mm in lead bullets sometime soon so any recipes for those using either of these powders would be appreciated too. Don't forget to tell what type of gun and barrel length you got the readings from ! Thanks in advance.

 

[Ol` Joe]

I don`t use Bullseye but I can tell you the book and a crono are only accurate with the firearm and components used. I could load the same load you are useing and we could both crono our ammo out of your pistol and get totally different result. The result of my load in my pistol likely will not be the same. The books are as close as any source for a estimate of your velocity.

 

[halvey]

Ken
Get a copy of the Midway Loadmaps and they list velocities for all the various charges.

The reason why many people say the book velocities and their own velocities are less is because the book lists muzzle velocity. while you chrono usually 10' out. There are computer programs to calculate the muzzle velocity - and they are free. At least for rifle, my velocities and the book velocities are very similiar.

 

[bouis]

4.2 grains of bullseye with a 200gr SWC is the "sweet spot" for me , at least. Shoots great!

Unfortunately I can't find my log book at the moment. But from my 5" SW1911 I know I get about 730 FPS from 4.0 grains. I can't remember offhand what 4.2 gives.

 

[JoeHatley]

4.5 grains Bullseye
200 SWC cast or plated bullet
Star-Line brass
Federal 150 primer
OAL 1.26
800 fps from my SW1911

4 mags rapid fire, 50' indoors, last Friday.


Joe

 

[Ken Rainey]

Ol ' Joe and halvey...I appreciate the advice and realize that there will be differences in each case....but since I've found different velocities in different manuals, I think that they'll just get you in the ball park for a starting place - which is why I wanted to hear from some of the guys who've already found some favorite loads....like bouis and JoeHatley - thanks guys....

BTW, Good shootin' there JoeHatley & thanks again for the info.

Keep 'em comin'

PS, if anybody has a good recipe using either of these two lead bullets in a .45 Long Colt that will just be for target purposes please put them on here too........