My First Attempt at Reloading 45ACP

[stanway]

I have been loading rifle rounds for quite a while now, and I recently purchased an ARMCO tuned Norinco 1911A1 in 45ACP. I decided to take the plunge, as it were, and gear up for 45ACP.

I am not going to invest in a progressive system (yet) and I will use my single stage set up. I don't see myself doing great volumes of pistol shooting, but so far, so good.

I am using an older set of RCBS dies, mixed range pick up brass, WLP primers, and 200gr lead SWC from OMA Products. For powder, I have a bit of HS-6, No.5, and Unique. I am pretty happy with the first load of HS-6 with a charge of 8.0gr and COL at 1.225". I didn't put it over the Chrony yet as I wanted to see what the loads are like for accuracy wise. Here is a picture of the target:

The target is 7 rounds - the first shot I was holding too low. I will be trying some of the different powders, but it looks like my 1911A1 likes the HS-6.

Now, I can hardly wait until Marstar brings in that 45ACP rifle.

James

 

[ampegor]

Most .45 1911's shoot well with the 200 grn lswc as long as velocity is kept sensible. Try a few different powders and it might get even better. I like 231 and unique in .45 myself.

Looking good - have fun

Andy

 

[colinjw]

I have also had very good accuracy from the 200 SWC's.
I used 231 for years but gave it up as I found it a very dirty burning powder. I now use Unique & like it a lot better.

Accurate 5 was designed for the 45ACP but I have never tried it as I find other powders are very accurate.

 

[Qhergt]

iv been using bullseye, 4.5g pushing 200g cast swc

 

[HKMark23]

I used HS-6 for a long time. Its a good powder for the 45 ACP. I bought a Wilson a year or so ago and Mr Bill sent me a CD with the gun which, in part, advocated the use of Vihtavuori N 320 because of its cleanliness. "Mr Bill wasn't lying".

Use up what you've got then give the N 320 a try. I'm sure you'll love it. Critics of the powder can only cite its price as a negative, but honestly, you use so little that on a per round basis, its cost is insignificant.

Oh, another negative, its hard to find any in stock. I rest my case.