This load works the action about 1/2 the time in my testing today, with the other half being stovepipes. My two options are add more powder, or use a lighter spring. Because powder is at a premium today to find, I'm wondering if I couldn't use a lighter spring and conserve powder? Would like to hear from the 1911 pros about whether this might be an option. If so, what weight spring? I believe 20lb is stock, correct? Thanks folks!
5.4 gr of Unique in Norinco 1911 Gov't model with 160gr. Lee bullet
- Thread starter chook
- Start date
I have a couple questions for you first.
What is the calibre 40 or 45?
Does it happen every other round or do you get a couple rounds off then it happens?
Where are you getting the load data from?
How long are you loading the round to?
has the extractor been tuned?
What is the calibre 40 or 45?
Does it happen every other round or do you get a couple rounds off then it happens?
Where are you getting the load data from?
How long are you loading the round to?
has the extractor been tuned?
Unique powder is hard to find in the Vancouver area right now but I have been using 5.6 grains under a 230 grain round nose bullet and it has worked reliably in three 1911's that I have. I suspect the light bullet is causing the problem for the OP (assuming he has a .45ACP 1911).
Hi folks, yes this is a stock Norinco 45acp, clone of the gov't model. It shoots the 230gr loads fine with 5.4 gr of Unique. It is definitely the light bullet causing the problem, that is why I was asking about a lighter spring. Maybe I'll just up the powder charge a grain as suggested since it's so close to functioning the action and keep the gun stock.
Agreed Skinny, if someone would like to point me to a nice big keg of Unique, I'll be there with cash.
On the Island here, we are SOL for pistol powders. :-/Agreed Ben but this load is actually really accurate. That's why I thought about a lighter spring in order to use it.
It is quite mild . I use 4.5 grains of Unique behind a 255 gr in my 455 ( pretty much at 45 AR length so the 45 ACP dies can be used).
This produces 650-680 fps & is quite accurate.
But even 9mm Luger wants 5 gr Unique for 1100 fps with 124 grain bullets.
I have had success with Herco behind 9mm Luger in my Steyr - Hahn though. 4 grains of Herco behind an 124 gr for equates to 800 fps.
The Herco meters a lot like Unique and seems to work OK. I've been burned by Bullseye; the smaller charges required seem to amplify the potential of an overcharge if there is an issue in charge metering.
I heard that a tighter hold may help cycling; but I'd guess that would affect accuracy too.
Meandering a bit, lol.
Good luck with it for sure.
This produces 650-680 fps & is quite accurate.
But even 9mm Luger wants 5 gr Unique for 1100 fps with 124 grain bullets.
I have had success with Herco behind 9mm Luger in my Steyr - Hahn though. 4 grains of Herco behind an 124 gr for equates to 800 fps.
The Herco meters a lot like Unique and seems to work OK. I've been burned by Bullseye; the smaller charges required seem to amplify the potential of an overcharge if there is an issue in charge metering.
I heard that a tighter hold may help cycling; but I'd guess that would affect accuracy too.
Meandering a bit, lol.
Good luck with it for sure.
I've never found Unique to be a good 45 powder. For match loads in a wadcutter gun I use 4.3 grains of WW231 at 25and 4.6 at 50, both with a 200 gr. H&G #68 SWC. The equivalent is 3.7and 4.0 gr. of Bullseye. For ball equivalent 5.0 gr of Bullseye, or 6 gr of 231. The light loads are tailored to a 10lb Wolff recoil spring and a 19 lb mainspring. The real place for Unique is for heavy loads in 44 magnum, where it excels.
Dr Jim
Dr Jim
hatman1793
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Chooky, increase your load to 6.0 grains of unique or go to a heavier bullet.
