45ACP loads??

Rangersniper175 · 04-09-2008, 06:19 PM

Wanting to load some 45ACP. Got a box of 200gr. JHP/XTP which I think are some of the best performing bullets I have ran accross. Now with a speers and hornady manuals they gave me a selection of powders. Speers gave most of the powders I already have, and Hornady gave none of those selections. My question is has anybody used Alliants Blue Dot, 2400, Red Dot, and Bullseye and in Hodgdon I have H110. Which one of these powder have you used and which one or ones would be the best and measures of powder. This weapon is used for ccw. Or due you recommend something else. Pistol reloads are something new I want to try especially for this caliber. Thank you

rfc357 · 04-09-2008, 06:26 PM

Blue Dot, Red Dot, and Bullseye are suitable for .45 ACP. 2400 and H110 are for high pressure cartridges, which the .45 ACP is most emphatically not. A less-than-maximum charge of Bullseye has always worked best for me.

Rangersniper175 · 04-09-2008, 07:20 PM

Thank you for the info rfc., I was figuring a charge of 5.5gr of Bullseye should put me around 880fps and that should work fine. don't want it traveling to fast want the full effect of the impact of the bullet. That is why the 45 is so famous slow moving with lots of knentic engery which equals unmatched knock down power doesn't punch holes it rips holes.

Snakebite · 04-09-2008, 07:20 PM

My latest loads are with Blue Dot and my 1911 loves them. (230 gr.)
I am still working on Accurate #7 which wont cycle my Tommy gun so my next step is Accurate #5 which is hotter.
Blue Dot and #7 are great in the 1911....#5 hasnt been tested yet and I may not use it in a pistol as I need to load it hot for the Tommy.
My manual also lists Red Dot but I think there are better choices. Red Dot is a very fast powder.

Rangersniper175 · 04-09-2008, 07:29 PM

How about blue dot with 200gr. JHP/XTP looks like 9.7gr for a 877fps, and 10.6gr for a 997fps. So I would say 10gr would get me around 900fps that probably would be my top fps I would want.

Taurus Fan · 04-09-2008, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rangersniper175

Thank you for the info rfc., I was figuring a charge of 5.5gr of Bullseye should put me around 880fps and that should work fine. don't want it traveling to fast want the full effect of the impact of the bullet. That is why the 45 is so famous slow moving with lots of knentic engery which equals unmatched knock down power doesn't punch holes it rips holes.

Don't worry about it travelling too fast, that's never been an issue with the .45 ACP. If you want that hollow point to expand you may rethink your velocity requirements. 800 fps ain't gonna cut it.

Rangersniper175 · 04-09-2008, 07:37 PM

So with that thought in mind maybe if I ain't figuring wrong bump the fps up to 1000fps to maybe 1100fps to make the JHP/XTP round work better and to it full abilities. That all makes sense once I thought about it awhile unless you think different. I want these rounds too work at there best if I am going to reload them. maybe I need to take a closer look at the Hornady Tap round ballistic tables better. That round uses the JHP/XTP bullet also.

sonny2u2 · 04-09-2008, 07:59 PM

Bullseye has always been my favorite. I've read and heard lots of stories of self defense cases getting complicated because the defendant was loading his own rounds though. You might check that out. Guess my opinion is get comfortable with your factory rounds that you will CCW, and save your reloads for the range and game.

Taurus Fan · 04-09-2008, 08:02 PM

You mentioned using it for CCW, it would be wiser to just find a good factory load you like for that purpose and save reloads for practice ammo, using inexpensive round nose lead bullets. Don't use reloads for carry unless you're a very experienced handloader, even then it may not be a good idea.

Snakebite · 04-09-2008, 08:13 PM

Ranger,
You didnt say what handgun you had. I assume its small as you mentioned CCW and the length of the barrel might affect the powder used.
My manual uses a 5" barrel for velocities. #5 powder and Hornady 200XTP bullets are listed at 1050 FPS.
A hollow point .45 at that speed would tear a guy in half. Most listings are near the 1,000 fps range. I think that is optimum for a 200 gr. bullet.
And if you go slow (maybe 700 fps) the .45 will still get it done because if you hit somebody in the big toe, it may exit his head. I love the ACP.

Sonny and Taurus make good points
That was mentioned in the CCW class here and those stupid prosecutors can pursue it.
"you loaded to kill", not to target shoot.
If I shoot at a person, it sure as hell aint to target shoot!
Yep, be careful there.
And reload every chance you get...for target practice only

Mooseman684 · 04-09-2008, 08:30 PM

I use either Unique or Bullseye on .45 ACP....
Rich

sonny2u2 · 04-09-2008, 08:54 PM

I'm a major fan of reloading the .45acp, so some additional info from the "for what it's worth column".....
5.0 grains of bullseye behind a 185 Lead Semi-Wad cutter or a copper washed bullet like Rainier's 185 SWC cuts nice holes in paper at the range and will run around 850 to 900 fps. You can afford to shoot lots and lots with either of the above two bullets at the range, and after all,...that what it's all about, practice, practice, practice.

Rangersniper175 · 04-09-2008, 10:17 PM

Thank you everybody for all the info. In never thought of the fact that a bunch of pea brain non common sense lawyers would complicate this problem to the max. I never load anything that is not intended to be used to kill. The only factory loads I have come to like are the 200gr JHP/XTP Hornady Taps. What a fantastic round. I am using them in my 1911 with a 5" barrel and my main weapon the SAXD 45ACP service model, got to love the XDs. And yes Snakebite the 45acp is one of the finest caliber you can carry for self defense. Got a idea lets line the lawyers up in front of paper and see if we can still punch clean holes thru those paper targets LOL. Thanks everybody.
__________________________________________________ _____________________
308 HOLES MAKE SILENT SOULS....RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!!!

rdale501 · 04-09-2008, 11:34 PM

I have a Smith and Wesson .41 mag. I don't know if this is even relative sice you are loading for an auto. but the Bullseye is very dirty powder in the lower charges for men. I usually use Blue Dot and seem to like it better. Again I'm shooting a revolver and that very well may make a differance.

GlennM · 04-10-2008, 06:03 AM

My Gold Cup's pet load is a lead 200gr SWC in front of 6.0 grains of Unique.

samuel · 04-10-2008, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taurus Fan

You mentioned using it for CCW, it would be wiser to just find a good factory load you like for that purpose and save reloads for practice ammo, using inexpensive round nose lead bullets. Don't use reloads for carry unless you're a very experienced handloader, even then it may not be a good idea.

If you do not have confidence in your reloading ability,you should use factory loads.Personally,I have had more failures from factory ammo per shots fired than I have from my reloads.Using good equipment,good components and following the book,virtually eleminates any failures or mistakes. sam.

The only good way I have found to come up with the right combo is finding an accurate load,and in my case,using the chronagraph to check consistency.When I get what works,I stick with it. sam.

rdale501 · 04-11-2008, 01:09 AM

You might want to re-think using reloads for concealed weapons because of legal issues. When I went thourgh the class, the last 3 hours an attourney talked with us on what to do if we actually had to shoot someone. He said do not use reloads. It may look like you were gunning for someone, just looking for an excuse to shoot. He says these things come up in court, and can be used against you even if you are absolutly in the right. I don't know some states may be differant, I would check it out with my attourney if I were you. Good luck.

Mooseman684 · 04-11-2008, 01:21 AM

For concealed Carry, Invest in a box of Aguila 117 gr. IRQ .45 ACP...
Lightest Bullet, Light recoil, Deadly accurate, faster follow up shots, Nice Hollow point scored bullet for maximum tissue damage... and you can always testify that you used the Smallest bullet available in a factory round if it comes to that !!!
I love them...
Rich

alaskamonte · 04-22-2008, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooseman684

For concealed Carry, Invest in a box of Aguila 117 gr. IRQ .45 ACP...
Lightest Bullet, Light recoil, Deadly accurate, faster follow up shots, Nice Hollow point scored bullet for maximum tissue damage... and you can always testify that you used the Smallest bullet available in a factory round if it comes to that !!!
I love them...
Rich

Hiya Rich!

Have you tried the IQs on any game?

GlockMeister · 04-22-2008, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakebite

My latest loads are with Blue Dot and my 1911 loves them. (230 gr.)
I am still working on Accurate #7 which wont cycle my Tommy gun so my next step is Accurate #5 which is hotter.
Blue Dot and #7 are great in the 1911....#5 hasnt been tested yet and I may not use it in a pistol as I need to load it hot for the Tommy.
My manual also lists Red Dot but I think there are better choices. Red Dot is a very fast powder.

What brand 1911 snakebite? In case you don't see this, I'm going to also send you a PM. I'm curious to know is all.

Well I can't send snakebite a PM because he doesn't want to get/receive any. Bummer. Have to hope he sees this then. Just wondering if it's a Colt. Springfield,Kimber,S&W 1911 or which brand is all snakebite? Entirely a curiosity thing...

04-09-2008, 06:19 PM	#1
Rangersniper175 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: TN Posts: 75	45ACP loads?? Wanting to load some 45ACP. Got a box of 200gr. JHP/XTP which I think are some of the best performing bullets I have ran accross. Now with a speers and hornady manuals they gave me a selection of powders. Speers gave most of the powders I already have, and Hornady gave none of those selections. My question is has anybody used Alliants Blue Dot, 2400, Red Dot, and Bullseye and in Hodgdon I have H110. Which one of these powder have you used and which one or ones would be the best and measures of powder. This weapon is used for ccw. Or due you recommend something else. Pistol reloads are something new I want to try especially for this caliber. Thank you

04-09-2008, 08:13 PM	#10
Snakebite Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tucson, Mexico Posts: 1,841	Ranger, You didnt say what handgun you had. I assume its small as you mentioned CCW and the length of the barrel might affect the powder used. My manual uses a 5" barrel for velocities. #5 powder and Hornady 200XTP bullets are listed at 1050 FPS. A hollow point .45 at that speed would tear a guy in half. Most listings are near the 1,000 fps range. I think that is optimum for a 200 gr. bullet. And if you go slow (maybe 700 fps) the .45 will still get it done because if you hit somebody in the big toe, it may exit his head. I love the ACP. Sonny and Taurus make good points That was mentioned in the CCW class here and those stupid prosecutors can pursue it. "you loaded to kill", not to target shoot. If I shoot at a person, it sure as hell aint to target shoot! Yep, be careful there. And reload every chance you get...for target practice only Last edited by Snakebite; 04-09-2008 at 08:23 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

04-09-2008, 08:30 PM	#11
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,742 Images: 2	I use either Unique or Bullseye on .45 ACP.... Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

04-11-2008, 01:21 AM	#18
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,742 Images: 2	For concealed Carry, Invest in a box of Aguila 117 gr. IRQ .45 ACP... Lightest Bullet, Light recoil, Deadly accurate, faster follow up shots, Nice Hollow point scored bullet for maximum tissue damage... and you can always testify that you used the Smallest bullet available in a factory round if it comes to that !!! I love them... Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

04-09-2008, 06:26 PM	#2
rfc357 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 741	Blue Dot, Red Dot, and Bullseye are suitable for .45 ACP. 2400 and H110 are for high pressure cartridges, which the .45 ACP is most emphatically not. A less-than-maximum charge of Bullseye has always worked best for me.

04-09-2008, 07:20 PM	#3
Rangersniper175 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: TN Posts: 75	Thank you for the info rfc., I was figuring a charge of 5.5gr of Bullseye should put me around 880fps and that should work fine. don't want it traveling to fast want the full effect of the impact of the bullet. That is why the 45 is so famous slow moving with lots of knentic engery which equals unmatched knock down power doesn't punch holes it rips holes.

04-09-2008, 07:29 PM	#5
Rangersniper175 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: TN Posts: 75	How about blue dot with 200gr. JHP/XTP looks like 9.7gr for a 877fps, and 10.6gr for a 997fps. So I would say 10gr would get me around 900fps that probably would be my top fps I would want.

04-09-2008, 07:37 PM	#7
Rangersniper175 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: TN Posts: 75	So with that thought in mind maybe if I ain't figuring wrong bump the fps up to 1000fps to maybe 1100fps to make the JHP/XTP round work better and to it full abilities. That all makes sense once I thought about it awhile unless you think different. I want these rounds too work at there best if I am going to reload them. maybe I need to take a closer look at the Hornady Tap round ballistic tables better. That round uses the JHP/XTP bullet also.

04-09-2008, 07:59 PM	#8
sonny2u2 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Arkansas Posts: 54	Bullseye has always been my favorite. I've read and heard lots of stories of self defense cases getting complicated because the defendant was loading his own rounds though. You might check that out. Guess my opinion is get comfortable with your factory rounds that you will CCW, and save your reloads for the range and game.

04-09-2008, 08:02 PM	#9
Taurus Fan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Cobra Command Headquarters Posts: 817	You mentioned using it for CCW, it would be wiser to just find a good factory load you like for that purpose and save reloads for practice ammo, using inexpensive round nose lead bullets. Don't use reloads for carry unless you're a very experienced handloader, even then it may not be a good idea.

04-09-2008, 08:54 PM	#12
sonny2u2 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Arkansas Posts: 54	I'm a major fan of reloading the .45acp, so some additional info from the "for what it's worth column"..... 5.0 grains of bullseye behind a 185 Lead Semi-Wad cutter or a copper washed bullet like Rainier's 185 SWC cuts nice holes in paper at the range and will run around 850 to 900 fps. You can afford to shoot lots and lots with either of the above two bullets at the range, and after all,...that what it's all about, practice, practice, practice.

04-09-2008, 10:17 PM	#13
Rangersniper175 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: TN Posts: 75	Thank you everybody for all the info. In never thought of the fact that a bunch of pea brain non common sense lawyers would complicate this problem to the max. I never load anything that is not intended to be used to kill. The only factory loads I have come to like are the 200gr JHP/XTP Hornady Taps. What a fantastic round. I am using them in my 1911 with a 5" barrel and my main weapon the SAXD 45ACP service model, got to love the XDs. And yes Snakebite the 45acp is one of the finest caliber you can carry for self defense. Got a idea lets line the lawyers up in front of paper and see if we can still punch clean holes thru those paper targets LOL. Thanks everybody. __________________________________________________ _____________________ *308 HOLES MAKE SILENT SOULS....RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!!!*

04-09-2008, 11:34 PM	#14
rdale501 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: oregon Posts: 398	I have a Smith and Wesson .41 mag. I don't know if this is even relative sice you are loading for an auto. but the Bullseye is very dirty powder in the lower charges for men. I usually use Blue Dot and seem to like it better. Again I'm shooting a revolver and that very well may make a differance.

04-10-2008, 06:03 AM	#15
GlennM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 165 Blog Entries: 1	My Gold Cup's pet load is a lead 200gr SWC in front of 6.0 grains of Unique.

04-11-2008, 01:09 AM	#17
rdale501 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: oregon Posts: 398	You might want to re-think using reloads for concealed weapons because of legal issues. When I went thourgh the class, the last 3 hours an attourney talked with us on what to do if we actually had to shoot someone. He said do not use reloads. It may look like you were gunning for someone, just looking for an excuse to shoot. He says these things come up in court, and can be used against you even if you are absolutly in the right. I don't know some states may be differant, I would check it out with my attourney if I were you. Good luck.