Target Load (45ACP-200GR-LSWC-Win231)

[EddieZoom]

Cranking out test batches after a long time away from reloading. Lucky enough to still have 5+ lb's of Win231 so that's what I'll be using for awhile.

Using Lyman 49, I loaded up a small batch of 45's using min load of 5.4gns of Win231 with OAL of 1.235. From my Colt Commander it was a little snappier than I was looking for. Plenty accurate, but I'm looking for a "powder puff" target load...hence my use of the starting charge.

A lot of info out there online which puts the target charge for Win231 at 5.0gns which is of course well *below* Lyman 49/48 as well as Hornady 9. Some are even less...in the 4.5-4.7 range. OAL for these are usually 1.25.

If a light load cycles my gun, I'll call it good...but why would there be such a discrepancy on the minimum loads ?

What's your favorite target load given:
45ACP
200GR - LSWC
Win231
OAL = ?

Thx.

 

[NavelOfficer]

From Hodgdon website...
BULLET WEIGHT 200 GR. CAST LSWC

Hodgdon CFE Pistol .451" 1.225" 7.4 1,042 15,000 PSI 8.2 1,142 19,600 PSI
Winchester AutoComp .451" 1.225" 6.5 843 11,500 CUP 7.2 914 15,100 CUP
Hodgdon Universal .451" 1.225" 5.8 889 13,900 CUP 6.3 962 16,800 CUP
Winchester WSF .451" 1.225" 6.0 870 15,200 PSI 6.7 970 19,400 PSI
Winchester 231 .451" 1.225" 4.4 771 11,000 CUP 5.6 914 16,900 CUP
Hodgdon HP-38 .451" 1.225" 4.4 771 11,000 CUP 5.6 914 16,900 CUP
Winchester WST .451" 1.225" 4.4 830 15,400 PSI 5.1 910 19,900 PSI
IMR Trail Boss .451" 1.225" 3.5 652 9,200 CUP 5.5 816 16,100 CUP
Hodgdon Titegroup .451" 1.225" 4.8 877 13,400 CUP 5.4 957 16,800 CUP
IMR 700-X .451" 1.225" 4.6 821 12,100 CUP 5.3 921 16,300 CUP
Hodgdon Clays .451" 1.225" 3.6 759 11,800 CUP 4.3 888 17,000 CUP
Hodgdon Titewad .451" 1.225" 3.6 816 15,400 PSI 4.5 940 20,000 PSI

Who knows what 200 gr LSWC they are using? There are several out there, so I'd expect to see variations in COL, at least.
If you're loading for your gun only, you really just need to have your reload function and hit where you aim them. Will 4.0 grains of W231 work? Try it and see if they eject and cycle the next round fully. Repeat until you find what you're looking for.
At some point, the reduced load won't cycle your gun or perhaps you'll not have the bullet clear the barrel.
Proceed at your own risk, of course.

 

[Gammon]

5.0 gr of 231 and a 200 gr H&G #68 cast SWC bullet (1.250 oal) is my favorite target load for the 45 ACP. I get about 800 fps out of a five in barrel. This load cycles my 1911 with a stock 16 lb spring just fine, but a 12 lb spring is cheap insurance for reliability.

 

[copterdoctor]

5.0 gr of 231 and a 200 gr H&G #68 cast SWC bullet (1.250 oal) is my favorite target load for the 45 ACP. I get about 800 fps out of a five in barrel. This load cycles my 1911 with a stock 16 lb spring just fine, but a 12 lb spring is cheap insurance for reliability.

I also use 5.0 grains of W231 with a 200 gr H&G 68 cast SWC.

 

[1903Collector]

I use 5.0 of 231 for 200 and 185 LSWCs as well as 230gr FMJs

 

[dcmdon]

I use a light load of 4.0 gr of Clays over a 200 SWC. My Les Baer is stupid accurate with that load. It is flat and easy shooting. I had to do down to a 13 lb recoil spring to make the gun cycle.

Wolff sells an assortment pack of different weight springs for less than $20, if you want to experiment.

Don

 

[noylj]

Depending on the bullet, anywhere from 4.7-5.0gn of 231/HP38.
COL is dependent on the nose of the bullet. The shoulder of the SWC should be seated out just long enough to touch the lede/rifling. COL is always dependent on the gun's geometry, and any "universal" COL is just a lower-common denominator type of thing.

 

[tjr]

Thinking of casting for my colt 1911. Thoughts getting the Lee 90348 MOLD DC H&G 68 200 SWC?

 

[dcmdon]

Thinking of casting for my colt 1911. Thoughts getting the Lee 90348 MOLD DC H&G 68 200 SWC?

that looks perfect.

 

[noylj]

The best mold I found was the RCBS 452-201-SWC. Better, slightly, than the H&G #68 I had.
I found best accuracy was shooting as-cast (unsized) bullets, tumble lubed.
Commercial:
1) swaged: Zero 200gn L-SWC
2) coated: Precision Bullets 200gn L-SWC
3) cast: mastercastbullets "soft" alloy 200gn L-SWC
All are clones of the H&G #68.

 

[dcmdon]

The best mold I found was the RCBS 452-201-SWC. Better, slightly, than the H&G #68 I had.
I found best accuracy was shooting as-cast (unsized) bullets, tumble lubed.
Commercial:
1) swaged: Zero 200gn L-SWC
2) coated: Precision Bullets 200gn L-SWC
3) cast: mastercastbullets "soft" alloy 200gn L-SWC
All are clones of the H&G #68.

I shoot the Precision bullets. Very accurate, VERY clean, and often no more expensive than commercially cast bullets. I love the fact that your dies and barrel stay clean like FMJ bullets. The smoke is also about equal to FMJ bullets. Finally, because the base is encased in their coating, you aren't subjected to any condensing lead vapor from the base of the bullet like either cast or FMJ.

Yes I'm a fan. No I don't get compensated.

Don