45 ACP

longwinters · Oct 28, 2011

I am starting to pick some things up for reloading my .45 ACP. I thought I'd seen some recommended loads, but can't seem to come up with them on the search.

Any recommendations for loading 230 gn bullets?

Thanks,

Long

Guy Miner · Oct 28, 2011

Lead or jacketed bullets? Charge weights can vary because the lead bullets slide down the ol' barrel more easily.

In the .45 ACP I've happily used:

Unique - dirty as chimney soot, but accurate and with good velocity

W 231 - not nearly as dirty, meters very well through the powder measure

Bullseye - produces Very Quick action on the slide - high accuracy potential - my favorite & most used load is a 200 gr LSWC over a fairly stiff charge of Bullseye. Excellent accuracy at acceptable velocity and the pistol works very crisply. A little Bullseye goes a long way...

With these fairly fast burning powders it is important to be Very Careful to avoid a double charge.

I just use standard large pistol primers and a taper crimp.

JD338 · Oct 28, 2011

Long,

I load my 45 ACP with 230 gr FMJ bullets, 5.4 grs W-231 and W-W primers.
Accurate and fun to shoot out of my Kimber.

JD338

NoelW · Oct 28, 2011

I shoot a tamed down load, 5.0 Gr. W231 under 200 Gr. SWC for the steel challenge with a tricked out Para P14-45. Very accurate with very low recoil for quick recovery for next shot.

normo · Oct 29, 2011

Win 231 is great, I've been shooting it for years. I have recently been trying both Unique and Red Dot, both of these shoot well for accuracy, but are on the dirty side.
preferred bullet is a 200 Gr LRNFP.
Fed 150 Large pistol primers, and what ever brass I have on hand to load.
I also use a Lee Factory Crimp die on the rounds to ensure reliable feeding in both my 1911 and XDm. I think the extra step is worth it, no malfunctions since I began using it.