Well I finally got around to converting some free wheel weights to loaded rounds.


DSCF1123 by skipper_mso488, on Flickr


DSCF1122 by skipper_mso488, on Flickr

There are only 25 rounds in the box because I need to do the load work up. I loaded 25 with 4.5 grains of HP-38 and I loaded 25 with 4.8 grains. I'll shoot the 4.5 grain bullets and examine them then if everything looks good I'll shoot the 4.8. Hogdon lists 5.3 as maximum.

Oh yea, the mold was a Lee TL452-230-2R

The 45 acp is a great lead bullet round

Nice looking bullets, I use the Lee 200gr SWC mold and about 2 grs above minimum of Win 231 with fantastic results. Love the 45 with wheel weights in it.

Steve E...........

I have an older Lee 190gr SWC mold that loves the wheelweights ahead of 4.9grs W231. FWIW the HP-38 and W231 are the same powders.

you need to break out the alox. 45 is great for casting. i love tumble lube bullets.

I did lube them with the 40/40/10 mix of LLA JPW and mineral spirits. I wiped off the lube from the nose of the bullet after I loaded them, I figured that part doesn't touch the barrell anyway and I didn't want that sticky stuff collecting dirt.