45 Acp Target Loads

avsecb2

avsecb2

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Vancouver, BC, Canada
For anyone's information that is looking for target loads.
I have been experimenting with lower and lower loads for my HK USP45. So far I have worked down to 3.0 Clays with no squibs. The gun cycles all rounds including the last one to slide locked open. Super mild recoil and the cases drop close. Super clean powder.
I have also loaded Titegroup down to 4.0. I will be going lower. Significantly more muzzle report and recoil (still light) than the clays.
All guns likely will not cycle these rounds. I think the HK has about a 12 pound spring.
Initial chrony tests indicate that Titegroup feeds more consistently than Clays through my Lee Pro 1000 (flake vs semi-spherical), so I may reluctantly have to use titegroup for competition, but more tests coming. I'm going to try to hang on to Clays because it is so mild and so clean.:)
SEE MY AUG14, 2006 COMMENTS FOR FINAL RESULTS.
 
Last edited:
avsecb2 said:
For anyone's information that is looking for target loads.
I have been experimenting with lower and lower loads for my HK USP45. So far I have worked down to 3.0 Clays with no squibs. The gun cycles all rounds including the last one to slide locked open. Super mild recoil and the cases drop close. Super clean powder.
I have also loaded Titegroup down to 4.0. I will be going lower. Significantly more muzzle report and recoil (still light) than the clays.
All guns likely will not cycle these rounds. I think the HK has about a 12 pound spring.
Initial chrony tests indicate that Titegroup feeds more consistently than Clays through my Lee Pro 1000 (flake vs semi-spherical), so I may reluctantly have to use titegroup for competition, but more tests coming. I'm going to try to hang on to Clays because it is so mild and so clean.:)
Click to expand...
Try 3.5 to4.2grs Bullseye with 200gr SWC.
 
You might want to try Trail Boss with .45ACP. I've been meaning to try it for a while but just haven't got around to it.
 
Ardent said:
In like 4.6gr Titegroup and a 230gr plated. :) Went as low as 3.8, but was making velocities in the 400's fps, not worth shooting IMO. :)
Click to expand...

Thats the recipe I settled down on but I went to Wholesale and they said they got a huge shipment from Hodgen but the only powder that didnt arrive was Titegroup. :mad:
 
I haven't tried Bullseye. I have very extensively experimented with Clays, and Titegroup and many different bullets with my HK USP 45. Best bullet for my gun is Montana Gold 230 JHP. My goal was to load minimum load that would completely reiliably cycle my gun during matches, giving the most comfortable recoil. While Clays is a softer more pleasant recoil, I need too much to provide reliable cycling (4.2 grains). BEST = 4.4 grains of Titegroup with Montana Gold 230 JHP, cycles every time and has just slightly more recoil. Everyone says JHP is more accurate too. I don't know about that, but I do get 10 to 20 more FPS from these bullets than with all the others I tried, including plated, FMJ, JRN, JFP, in 185, 200 and 230.
I am learning the gun and loads in PPC shoots this year. Next year we'll see whether I get a PPC gun or go to IPSC.
 
Last edited:
4 gr Bullseye under 200 gr LSWC is the old stnadby for Bullseye shooters. For IPSC/IDPA I load 5.3 gr Win 231 under my 200 gr LSWC. Load is accurate, reliable and makes PF in all of my guns.

If you want low recoil and accuracy go to a 1911 in 9MM and have a 1;16 twist barrel installed.

Take Care

Bob
 
Last edited:
I used 4.6gr of WST under 200gr JFPs, 1.175 OAL in my USP .45 this year. Pretty soft, but didn't cycle the top round off a full mag on reloads reliably.

I just bought some 185gr JHPs and am thinking 4.5gr of WST. Anyone have experience with this load? I'd like to know how fast it is to see if I'll make IPSC minor. (Production class)

Cheers,

Shawn
 
IceMack, my experience in trying for light loads with light bullets didn't work well. Seems to be a lot more latitude with 230 gr bullets, than with 185 or even 200 gr bullets. I think the USP 45 double spring system might be making this gun fussier. It doesn't seem to want to shoot very light loads and still cycle properly, certainly not when it gets dirty.
 
Yes, everyone else I've spoken with says to lighten the main spring. Wee bit tough to do with a dual-stage USP spring:eek:

I've shot the 185gr with 4.5gr of WST. It seems to flip the muzzle a lot more, but that is just seat-of-the-pants speculation.

I've still got to run it over the chrono. As always, all comments and suggestions gladly accepted.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom