200gr .45acp bullets in .45colt/.454?

[IM_Lugger]

I have a bunch of 200gr plated bullets that I bought for my .45 1911 and I was wondering if I get a .454 is there a reason why I wouldn't be able to use them in the new gun? IIRC bullet diameter is .452 for both...

 

[t-star]

no, you can - your point of impact will cahge, but i think what's confusing you is the PLETHORA OF 45 DESIGNATIONS out there- THEY ALL USE 451 BULLETS- save some of the old colts which actually measure 454 or bigger- 45colt, 45acp, 454 casull, and 460 smith along with 460 rowland ALL USE THE SAME DIAMETER BULLET- just different CASES and powder charges- there's probably some others out there, but it's all 451- you can't step on the 45acp bullet( ie use the same powder charge) the same as the 454--you'll probably drive it to the point of tearing the jacket away from the core, but with lighter loads, you'll be ok- similar to using a light 45colt load in your 454

 

[IM_Lugger]

Why would the point of impact change?

I knew they should be the same diameter. Good point about velocities. I'll ask the manufacturer, .454 should be able to spit out 200gr-er at over 2000fps. Sounds like fun actually! At least I'd assume it has the same 'jecket' as their 9mm bullet so 1200fps should be safe. thoughts?

 

[t-star]

Why would the point of impact change?

I knew they should be the same diameter. Good point about velocities. I'll ask the manufacturer, .454 should be able to spit out 200gr-er at over 2000fps. Sounds like fun actually! At least I'd assume it has the same 'jecket' as their 9mm bullet so 1200fps should be safe. thoughts?

lighter bullet than normal- it should shoot lower- those sights, if they're in a 45 colt, are set up for some 20 -50 grain heavier bullets- a 454/460 is just a 45 colt with a longer case- ie a 45 colt magnum if you will-

 

[curtmg]

If you load them balls out, then you'll likely need a good crimp. Just make sure the plating is strong enough to take such a crimp. You might tear the plating when you crimp, which would be detrimental to accuracy, as well as possbily causing other problems. Do they have a crimping groove? I'm thinking probably not, if they are for 45acp originally, maybe be best to use them for light plinkers. YMMV, these are just my thoughts, others might have better knowledge or experience (I pretty much guarantee that last part )

 

[tjhaile]

If the bullets are a SWC shape, you can roll crimp over the shoulder on the bullet. Otherwise, you would have to taper crimp, which may or may not be sufficient to prevent bullet pull in heavy loads.