0.45 ACP reloading

[luke s]

Hey all, I want to get some advice from people who reload 0.45 ACP.

I am using DRG 200 gr SWC lead bullets with Alliant Unique smokeless powder and am wondering what is the safe range of powder to use in my reloads.

I have both the Hornady and Lyman reloading books and they both give different powder quantity information.

Hornady: bullet #12108 200 gr SWC - 5.3 gr min to 6.8 gr max

Lyman: bullet #452630 200 gr SWC (#2 alloy) - 6.0 gr min to 7.5 gr max

I have made cartridges with 5.3, 5.6, and 6.0 gr of powder and all have worked in my 1911, but 6.0 gr is my favorite so far.

I guess my question comes down to, what is the maximum grains that I can load safely with unique powder, and which book to trust?

 

[iceman2]

Have you tried Alliant's web site? they may give you some data and you can then work out an average.

 

[ben hunchak]

Just use data for cast bullets not j-word bullets.

 

[Al-Sway]

A chronograph would be a good thing to use. Then, figure out just what velocity your want from a 'maximum' load, and see how your loads are doing.
Otherwise, what is a maximum load - how much powder you can stuff in the case?

 

[luke s]

Did not see any information on alliants site for the bullets.

J-word bullets?? jacketed??

A maximum load is the max recommended before you have a chance of your gun exploding from the increased pressure the extra powder will create, just the scenario im trying to avoid...

 

[Craig0ry]

I was running 5.5gr of unique with 200gr SWC in my 1911 and they worked awsome

 

[Ganderite]

My pistols get best accuracy with 6.0 to 6.5 gr of Unique.

I always load for best accuracy and 100% function, not max power.

 

[scianna54]

Lee says 5.1 gr starting load for lead bullets, you should get a chrony and see how your bullets compare with the books, start low and then calculate.