45acp and Unique

[coyoteking]

I picked up a pound of unique to try with my 230 gr LRN hard cast bullets. What’s a good starting load? I’m looking at load data and seeing charge weights anywhere from 4.0-7.3 grains.

 

[barsik]

it depends on your recoil spring strength. start at the bottom and work up, and install a shok buff if you haven't already. at some point you will find a load for your gun and the type of hold you use which will give you reliability and accuracy.

 

[Ganderite]

^^ Yes.

I do the survey in 0.3 gr increments.

My 1911s tend to do best at the mild end of the spectrum.

 

[4n2t0]

Kimber Custom Classic M1911

230 LRN 5.5 grs Unique

Ave Vel = 827.4
Std Dev = 17.63
ES = 85.68
High = 871.6
Low = 785.9

230 LRN 6.0 grs Unique

Ave Vel = 885
Std Dev = 16.79
ES = 67.26
High = 917.8
Low = 850.5

230 LRN 6.5 grs Unique

Ave Vel = 926.4
Std Dev = 16.64
ES = 71.16
High = 963.4
Low = 892.3

P.S. Don't use a shock buff.

 

[oneadam12]

Can't speak to true 'hard cast' but as others have said, work up. I start at 5.0g for cast lubed bullets, work up so it cycles and shoots to the sights. No lightened springs etc, buffer in.

 

[coyoteking]

Thanks for the reply’s. I’m going to start at 5.2 and work up to 6.0.

 

[IRC]

With 230 gr RNL, I use 5.0 gr for light target loads and 6 gr for something a little hotter. Both will cycle my STI Range Master with a 17 lbs spring with no stoppages.

 

[QueensHorseman]

I’ve had good results with 6.0 grains Unique and a 230 cast in several 1911s. I find it to be a healthy load that has shot to the fixed sights of my pistols but it not hard on them.