Lone_Gunman
Member
Is there an old standby?
Would Accurate #7 be a good choice?
Would Accurate #7 be a good choice?
What powder do you suggest for 45 ACP for a new reloader?
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LeonCarr
Member
Hey Lone,
I would go with Winchester 231 for the .45 ACP. IME it has good accuracy and velocity with all bullet weights. You can get the loading data by downloading the Reloaders Guide at www.winchester.com, or by looking in any good reloading manual (which you should have several already and have read them cover to cover before starting to reload, especially the safety warnings).
IMO AA #7 has too slow a burning rate for the .45 ACP. Works great in the 10mm though
.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
I would go with Winchester 231 for the .45 ACP. IME it has good accuracy and velocity with all bullet weights. You can get the loading data by downloading the Reloaders Guide at www.winchester.com, or by looking in any good reloading manual (which you should have several already and have read them cover to cover before starting to reload, especially the safety warnings).
IMO AA #7 has too slow a burning rate for the .45 ACP. Works great in the 10mm though
.Just my .02,
LeonCarr
only1asterisk
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AA #7 is bit slow for standard 45 ACP loads. If you really want to use a slow powder, I like Power Pistol. For most loads Win 231, HP-38, AA#5 are about right.
David
David
StrikeEagle
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Yes... Unique. It's what I use.
I heard that the US Govt loaded .45ACP with Bullseye for many decades. True or not, Bullseye is another good choice.
Rustler
Member
I'll add my choice Hodgdon Tightgroup.
From the Hodgdon site:
TITEGROUP™ As the name implies, this new spherical propellant was designed for accuracy. Because of the unique design, this powder provides flawless ignition with all types of primers including the lead-free versions. Unlike pistol powders of the past, powder position in large cases (45 Colt, 357 Magnum and others) has virtually no effect on velocity and performance. Cowboy Action, Bullseye and Combat Shooters should love this one! TITEGROUP has it all, low charge weight, clean burning, mild muzzle report and superb, uniform ballistics.
From the Hodgdon site:
TITEGROUP™ As the name implies, this new spherical propellant was designed for accuracy. Because of the unique design, this powder provides flawless ignition with all types of primers including the lead-free versions. Unlike pistol powders of the past, powder position in large cases (45 Colt, 357 Magnum and others) has virtually no effect on velocity and performance. Cowboy Action, Bullseye and Combat Shooters should love this one! TITEGROUP has it all, low charge weight, clean burning, mild muzzle report and superb, uniform ballistics.
Lone_Gunman
Member
Also, what would be a good starting bullet to select for learning how to reload and general plinking?
I see .451 and .452 caliber bullets in 230 grain weights. Are both of these used for 45 ACP???
Sorry to ask such basic questions, I am still in the reading and learning phase and haven't bought equipment yet.
I see .451 and .452 caliber bullets in 230 grain weights. Are both of these used for 45 ACP???
Sorry to ask such basic questions, I am still in the reading and learning phase and haven't bought equipment yet.
when choosing a powder it is good to keep your barrel lingth in mind for a short barrel you want a faster burning powder, but a slower burning powder will build pressures slower and will not make recoil as sharp, it wont make much differance in a 45acp but it makes a lot of difference in longer barreled pistols and rifles
The Bushmaster
Member
My vote is for W-231 and is one of the cleanest and will have no unburned powder left. I would (as I only shoot jacketed bullets) recommend the Remington 185 grain JHP from www.midwayusa.com . Affordable and accurate.
Kramer Krazy
Member
I use #231.
ocabj
Member
While 231 is probably the most commonly used by those starting out in .45ACP (since it is readily available and easy to meter), other popular ones include Unique, Bullseye, and Clays.
I use Clays mainly since I load light 200gr target loads. I don't really have a load for standard 230gr ball, but I wouldn't use Clays for a fullpower load.
I use Clays mainly since I load light 200gr target loads. I don't really have a load for standard 230gr ball, but I wouldn't use Clays for a fullpower load.
Johnny Guest
Moderator In Memoriam
My two favorites - -
For decades, I used Unique powder - - Burned kegs of it while engaged in IPSC competition with nary a hitch. But what was then my favorite load for 230 RN lead bullets exceeds current max recommended loads, probably because of fancied problems with leading. Then and now the load to duplicate factory ball is the same: 230 FMJ with 6.5 gr. This is the top load listed in the Speer manual - - gives about 840 fps.
Severl years ago, I changed over to Winchester 231 powder, mainly for economy - - Takes fewer grins to give similar velocities. I use 5.4 gr with a 230 RNL bullet and 5.6 with the 230 FMJ.
For sheer accuracy, Unique is bit better.
Best,
Johnny
For decades, I used Unique powder - - Burned kegs of it while engaged in IPSC competition with nary a hitch. But what was then my favorite load for 230 RN lead bullets exceeds current max recommended loads, probably because of fancied problems with leading. Then and now the load to duplicate factory ball is the same: 230 FMJ with 6.5 gr. This is the top load listed in the Speer manual - - gives about 840 fps.
Severl years ago, I changed over to Winchester 231 powder, mainly for economy - - Takes fewer grins to give similar velocities. I use 5.4 gr with a 230 RNL bullet and 5.6 with the 230 FMJ.
For sheer accuracy, Unique is bit better.
Best,
Johnny
308win
Member
+1 on the Unique or Red Dot. Economical and relatively clean burn.
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caz223
Member
I personally use 7.0 grains of unique, a CCI standard primer, a 200 grain XTP-hp bullet and starline brass.
Life is good.
They are all pretty much the standard.
There are some other powders that are very good, too. Like bullseye, HS-6, WSF, titegroup, clays......
Life is good.
They are all pretty much the standard.
There are some other powders that are very good, too. Like bullseye, HS-6, WSF, titegroup, clays......
The Bushmaster
Member
Lone_Gunman...This is another case of which is better (for you). Kelloggs Corn Flakes or Poste Toasties...Chevrolet or Ford. The .45 ACP works well with about any powder you want to use. Pick one. Try it. Pick another. Try it. When you find the one that suits you, let us know...
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dmftoy1
Member
+1 on Titegroup and AA #5
rbernie
Contributing Member
In my experience, Titegroup and PowerPistol are too flashy. I'm currently using Unique and Bullseye, but mostly Unique. Tried HS6 and AA#5 and got too much unburned bits-n-gooombah for my taste.
Haven't chrono'ed anything yet. When I whittle down to 2-3 best loads, I'll measure 'em and pick a weeener.
Edited to add: I am currently using Rainier 230gr HPs, and have been very happy with them..
Haven't chrono'ed anything yet. When I whittle down to 2-3 best loads, I'll measure 'em and pick a weeener.
Edited to add: I am currently using Rainier 230gr HPs, and have been very happy with them..
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robctwo
Member
I'm new at this .45 as well. I'm shooting a lot of target, and wanted a lighter load. I have reduced power recoil springs in both my 5" and 4.25" 1911s. I've pretty much settled in on Clays for now. I have 8 lbs, less the last 2,000 loads.
Running 3.8 to 4.2 under 200 gr SWC, RNFP and 225 TC. Experimenting with bullets. I have had good accuracy from Oregon Laser Cast. They are a bit smoky, but not an issue at the outdoor range. Also am working on some Precission bullets. They aren't as accurate yet, still looking for the right load.
I've run Berrys and Rainiers in plated. Not using fmj at all.
I'm getting the best groups with the OLC TC 225 gr under 3.9 gr Clays.
Running 3.8 to 4.2 under 200 gr SWC, RNFP and 225 TC. Experimenting with bullets. I have had good accuracy from Oregon Laser Cast. They are a bit smoky, but not an issue at the outdoor range. Also am working on some Precission bullets. They aren't as accurate yet, still looking for the right load.
I've run Berrys and Rainiers in plated. Not using fmj at all.
I'm getting the best groups with the OLC TC 225 gr under 3.9 gr Clays.
DaveInFloweryBranchGA
Member
Powders I've used and liked:
1. W231 - the old standby and works real well.
2. Hogdon Clays - a good powder, burns clean, works in shotgun shells too
3. Hogdon Titegroup - Works well, you can use less grains and loads several calibers. Affordable too.
Bullets:
1. H&G #68 profile Lead Semi Wadcutter (LSWC) - a very accurate lead bullet in most .45's, most bullet makers sell this one. .452 diameter and if seated to the right depth and crimped properly, functions well also.
2. Cast your own bullets out of wheel weights. Much cheaper. My cartridge costs went from $3.50 a box of 50 to around $1.50. And you get another hobby as a benefit. (grin)
Regards,
Dave
1. W231 - the old standby and works real well.
2. Hogdon Clays - a good powder, burns clean, works in shotgun shells too
3. Hogdon Titegroup - Works well, you can use less grains and loads several calibers. Affordable too.
Bullets:
1. H&G #68 profile Lead Semi Wadcutter (LSWC) - a very accurate lead bullet in most .45's, most bullet makers sell this one. .452 diameter and if seated to the right depth and crimped properly, functions well also.
2. Cast your own bullets out of wheel weights. Much cheaper. My cartridge costs went from $3.50 a box of 50 to around $1.50. And you get another hobby as a benefit. (grin)
Regards,
Dave
StrikeEagle
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I agree with this totally. You know how as a reloader, reloading just makes so much sense that you don't know why more shooters don't do it? That's the way casters feel about casting... it just makes so much sense!
I've been using the Lee Tumble Lube 6-Cav Mold. Really really knocks them out in a hurry. And the Tumble Lube/Liquid Alox method is very very quick and "works a treat" as they say in the UK.
StrikeEagle
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