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ElyBoy Super Member
Joined: Apr 04, 2006 Posts: 1541 Location: Forest Lake Minnesota
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Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 8:29 pm Post subject: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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OK guys, you helped me in the past and I could use a little now.
Last month I ended up with an AMT 1911 .45ACP.
Today was the first day that has been warm enough to shoot serious this winter.
I loaded up some 230gr FMJ bullets using 5.6gr of W-231 powder.
The pistol as been tuned up by a gunsmith by the previous owner and shot very well for starters.
A guy at the range who shoots competition with his 1911 said that I should use 185gr bullets with a taper crimp.
I didn't use a taper crimp because of head space worries but can sure see that a little crimp would smooth the end of the brass against the radius of the bullet.
My question to you guys because I am totally green with the .45ACP and the 1911 is: Should I change to the 185gr bullets even though I really like the 230grs., and can I put a taper crimp on without messing up the head spacing?
Any other advice that you fine people could give me would be appreciated because, with my Wife's permission, I will be shooting competition with this gun next winter, so, if I think that my 1911 needs accurizing I will do it, but I want to get it tuned in to the most accurate handload possible, so I know where I stand.
Thanks,
Eric Marleau
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Handloader Super Member
Joined: Aug 22, 2005 Posts: 1032 Location: Phoenix, Arizona
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Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 8:37 pm Post subject: Re: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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ElyBoy: a primary decision is whether you are going to shoot cast or jacketed. Either choice takes you down slightly different roads. Then, is your competition for score, ala Bullseye shooting or are you interested in some of the action pistol competition such as IDPA or IPSC or others? Does your intended competition have minimum power level requirements?
The 1911 is a marvelous format for any type of competition. Some basic handloads have always worked well for me and one of my favorites is a 200gr cast SWC ahead of 4.7gr of 231. This is a choice of economy that allows superb accuracy, mild recoil and enables me to practice with 300 round sessions.
Taper crimps allow proper headspacing as long as the crimp is properly done. It is, IMO, better than any roll crimp and crimping adds the benefit of more complete ignition and uniformity of velocity.
Please tell us more.
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ElyBoy Super Member
Joined: Apr 04, 2006 Posts: 1541 Location: Forest Lake Minnesota
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Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 8:46 pm Post subject: Re: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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I will be shooting for score Handloader, and I will be using jacketed bullets.
I hope that this narrows this down for you to help me a little more.
Eric
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Bushmaster Super Member
Joined: Jun 12, 2005 Posts: 11395 Location: Ava, Missouri
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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 6:01 am Post subject: Re: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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I have a Colt 1911 and it performs quite well using a 185 grain JHP and 5.7 grains of W-231.
If you are using a seating die that incorprates a crimp use it and just remove the bell. If you have a dedicated crimping die like a Lee FCD then a mild taper crimp is all that is needed. Unless you crimp it so much as to form the crimp into the bullet you'll have no problem with head spacing.
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Dawgdad Super Member
Joined: Feb 08, 2006 Posts: 1065 Location: On the Prairie
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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 6:57 am Post subject: Re: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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The Hornady 200 grain TC fmj is a very accurate bullet if you want a good jacketed target combat bullet. It is a jacketed semi wadcutter design.
For bullseye competition, I load them way down to 750 -800fps with 4.2 grains of Winchester Super Target. ( It is a bit cleaner than 231) just enough pop to reliably cycle the action. your gun may need a differnt charge to be 100% reliable. For action shooting, I load them up to the 5.5gr level with WST and 231. This bullet shoots well in my Kimber at any velocity.
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Jack Member
Joined: Oct 19, 2005 Posts: 98
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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 9:35 am Post subject: Re: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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Since every gun has it's own preferences, no one can really say what's the best load for your pistol.
Generalizing, but my experience is that 200 SWC's shoot a hair better than 185 SWC's..I suspect because they have more bearing area? Or maybe just a fluke, too.
Nothing wrong with using a taper crimp on 45 ACP cases. A light crimp is generally all that's needed.
I have had very good results with WST powder in target type loads, and 231 is a known good performer.
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Gil Martin Super Member
Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 1839 Location: Schnecksville, PA
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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 4:29 pm Post subject: Re: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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My standard .45 ACP load has been 6 grains of Unique and a 230 grain bullet for more years than I care to recall. All the best...
Gil
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ElyBoy Super Member
Joined: Apr 04, 2006 Posts: 1541 Location: Forest Lake Minnesota
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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 8:55 pm Post subject: Re: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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Thanks for your input guys.
I couldn't find any 200fmj bullets, but I am having my Nephew pick some up at a gun show tomorrow.
I put a slight crimp on my loads this afternoon, and they look much better.
I'm sure that they will feed much smoother.
Bad news on my part.
While at the gun shop today, I made the mistake of picking up a Kimber Target II 1911.
I can see a lateral transfer coming.
With my bad leg, I can't upland hunt like I used to and my Browning 12ga Superlite might be on the block to get my greedy little hands on that Kimber.
Eric Marleau
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PaulS Super Member
Joined: Feb 18, 2006 Posts: 4330 Location: South-Eastern Washington - the State
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Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2007 2:07 am Post subject: Re: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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When I was shooting the 45ACP I had a short barreled Colt combat commander. WW231 was the best powder I found for target loads - My gun wasn't reliable enough to carry for defense so that wasn't an issue. I loaded the starting load and worked it around until I found the best accuracy. In my experiments I loaded down to the point where it would just cycle the weapon and at that point it was nearly as accurate as my most accurate load. There is a wide range of uses with WW231 in the 45 ACP so have some fun with it!
Paul
_________________ Paul
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Speer, Lyman, Hodgdon, Sierra, and Hornady = reliable loading data
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minerfile Member
Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 51 Location: St. Johns, AZ
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Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2007 2:50 pm Post subject: Re: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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I use 7.8gr of Herco with 185gr rem Golden Saber in both my govenrment model and my springfield V-16 with very good results.
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ElyBoy Super Member
Joined: Apr 04, 2006 Posts: 1541 Location: Forest Lake Minnesota
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Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 8:01 pm Post subject: Re: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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Thanks for all of the tips gentlemen.
I put a taper crimp with my Lee Loader on my reloads.
Went to the range tonight, and the 1911 preformed without a hitch.
Very tight groups, and no malfunctions.
Eric
_________________ NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer
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Crackshot Super Member
Joined: Oct 23, 2005 Posts: 1693 Location: Mich
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 6:38 am Post subject: Re: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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4.8gr Bullseye 200gr LSWC. shoots great in my STI Trojan.
_________________ The human mind is the weapon, the gun is just one of its tools. |
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TRBLSHTR Super Member
Joined: Mar 23, 2007 Posts: 1071 Location: Lower 48's-left coast(near portlandia)
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SwampFox Super Member
Joined: Jul 15, 2005 Posts: 1040 Location: Destin, Florida
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:16 am Post subject: Re: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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Eric,
The 45 is just like a rifle, work the loads, do not just throw a load in your gun and expect magic.
Most folks like the 200 in the 45 and 231 is a good powder. If you can find 452AA or Trap-100 (Hodgdon 452) grab it up. The powders are no longer made but are very good powders for the 45 (used by the US AMU) The powder also burns very clean in a stainless gun.
Be careful in crimping the case. Crimp only enough to make the case mouth straight. A properly set up 1911 will feed empty cases all day long. If using lead, do not build-up shaved lead over the case mouth.
If you are using a taper or profile crimp and a multiple station press, the best method is to set the seating depth at a seperate station, before the crimp is applied. If you Crimp without seating you will avoid build-up on the case mouth.
I used an AMT Longslide for years shooting pins, plates and IPSC. The secret to the AMT is keeping it lubed with a good synthetic grease and cleaning and re-greasing after each use.
Ed
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WILDCATT Rookie Member
Joined: Feb 22, 2007 Posts: 12 Location: MANNING SC
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:01 pm Post subject: Re: Need suggestions on accuracy load for 1911 .45ACP |
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ElyBoy wrote: |
I will be shooting for score Handloader, and I will be using jacketed bullets.
I hope that this narrows this down for you to help me a little more.
Eric |
bullseye was the powder of the top pistol shooters. I have an AMT longslide I used. 200gr swc lead with 3.6 of bullseye.if you leave the wadcutter out 1/32" and crimp it will work.the bullet headspaces the rd.the hardball just makes it more effort to shoot.actually I use 700x.
that load works all my 45 acp.(3).its also an inexpensive load.
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