Frontier FP 200 Grn. .45 ACP Question

Max Power

Max Power

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Anyone here using these bullets?

Marstar and Higgys are both out of the 230 grn. round nose. I don't want to wait for stock to come in- I want to reload now, dammit:D The problem is that there is not much data (like OAL, etc.) out there for Frontier products. Anyone worked out a load using these things? Any help would be appreciated.

Can I just start with data for a 200 grn. JHP like is listed in most manuals? What would you guys do? Thanks.
 
Thanks guys,

Gushulak,
If it worked OK in the GAP, it stands to reason doing the same thing with ACP should work.

(((Echo))),
Yes, I am planning to use lead data as well, if I can find some. Otherwise the number I keep reading is to go 10% lighter on the load if that is unavailable. Is that the correct ballpark based on your experience?

bclinehand,
I believe the thinking is that both lead and plated are softer than jacketed. This makes for better sealing of the bullet in the bore and consequently higher pressure. Load a bit less to compensate for that. Maybe I've got it all wrong, but that is what I've heard.

Cheers.

MP
 
I've been using jacketed data for Frontiers for years now, I've probably loaded and shot over the 75K mark of these and never had a problem, nor overpressure signs in any caliber I've used them in (9, 40, 44Mag, 45ACP), even with hot loads.

I've been lucky enough to shoot a few of those 45s in gelatin (the grocery's manager gave me a wierd look when I bought their whole stock of Knoor's), and I measured the deformation at the base of the recovered bullet to check the 'lead data' theory. Deformation was minimal compared to lead.

Remember that frontiers are Hard cast, they use a much harder lead alloy than pure lead. Plus, altough plated, the jacket is still a few thousands thick (usually from 8 to 10 thou thick from the cutoffs), which helps against deformation.

Back on the 200 grains topic. There's no magic OAL data for those, it'll be a trial-and-error to adjust it to your gun (if it ever happens). My Para jammed 20% of the time when chambering rounds using those bullets, regardless of the OAL. 1911s usually dislike flatpointed bullets (general statement, confirmed in my case, your mileage might vary).

I've been using 5.0-5.1 grains of Titegroup with those bullets to obtain a bordeline Major PF round.
 
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I've used nothing but Frontier bullets for all my bulk pistol loads as well (9mm, .40S&W and .45GAP), they are great bullets as PoFF mentioned.

My .45GAP loads using the Frontier 200gr. FP's are loaded with 4.6gr. of Titegroup, in Winchester cases, WSP, 1.085" and shot in a G37. They chrony at 800fps. I tried many types of powders and seating depths before settling on this load, the SD and ES of chronied rounds are as low as I have seen in any of my handgun loads.

I am using a max load for these rounds using jacketed data. Titegroup provides some unbelievable performance ballistic wise in the GAP cartridge with the 200gr. FP, albeit at a lower velocity than published data.

At all power levels I have never had a single reload fail to feed, fire or extract, in all rounds through my G37 so far (5K total, not one). That included some pretty slow reloads where the slide barely cycled while working up 230gr. loads. I use FP Frontiers exclusively in my Glocks (except 230gr. RN) and have never had any issues with feeding, firing or extraction. They are wonderful bullets!
 
Thanks for all the info PoFF and Gushulak!

Between you guys I think I have all the answers I was looking for. As it happens I have a pound of Titegroup to start with so I'm going to try your load PoFF. Like Gushulak I'm running a Glock so feeding shouldn't be a problem based on his experience.

Always nice to know there are gunutz out there with all the knowledge. Thanks again guys.
 
Bringing the thread back from the dead...

I just wanted to add a post script for anyone needing the same answer in the future...

I went and tried the load that PoFF suggested. 5.0 of Titegroup pushing the 200 grn. FP. I used Federal LP primers/brass and an overall length of 1.2 inches. They all fed perfectly in my G21. Ejection was positive but not so much so that it chucked the brass to the next zip code. I had a nice pile of brass on the bench right beside me for easy cleanup.

There seems to be room to push the velocity up on this load. I shot it back to back with some AE .45ACP and the AE was a lot snappier and threw the brass twice as far. I'm going to try adding a couple of tenths to the charge when I get a chrony as see how it goes. For right now I'm satisfied with this to punch paper. The only other thing I noticed is from the AE 230 grn. to the 200 grn. Frontier home rolls was a slight POI shift. The 200 grns. hit about .75 - 1 inch lower at ~9m. I could be just my reaction to the lighter recoil. I'm pretty far from a marksman with the pistol at this point. YMMV.

Thanks again for all the input guys. You sure made it easier for me. Cheers...
 
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