I'm going to be getting a 1911 soon and don't know what loads to try. I'd like to get a good cast bullet load but there don't seem to be many people who shoot a lot of cast loads in the 45ACP. I was also going to get some Winchester 230gr FMJ but don't know the best powders for the round. Any help would be welcome.

holy cow robin - there's more 45 loads with 230 gr bullets than the joker has jokes - try 231, bullseye, unique, AA5 AA7 etc. you can use the same load in cast or jacketed since the velocity doesn't get to the point of melting the lead. You'll find more guys at IDPA or USPSA shooting cast than anything else. any of the loading manuels are full of data

Damn! The last time I checked there were 53 different powders suitable for the .45ACP and a 230 grain bullet.

Buy a manual...

NBHunter,

I agree with the previous posts, that there is
a ton of data out there, and a bunch of good
choices in powders. I load 200 gr. Semi-Flat
Point Total Metal Jacket target loads, with
Universal Clays, just because I have a ton
of that powder for shotgun loads. It burns
clean, and provides nice consistent loads.
The Hodgdon books/site should have
charge weights listed for a variety of bullets,
for all of their applicable powders, for the
.45 ACP.

Squeeze

I've shot hundreds of thousands of cast (and swaged) bullet rounds through my 45s. If you shoot in competition alot most people use unjacketed bullets for practice because it is so much cheaper. Try W231 or Bullseye with just enough powder to make the major power factor.

200gr SWC, and 4.5gr WST. Makes major, and is an extremly clean load. 231 works well also, but I am hooked on the super target.

I have shot close to 15K 200grLSWC from various 1911s. I also like WST, but use 5gr.

I have used a variety of loads for the 45acp, but usually with a 230 RN cast for reduced feeding problems while shooting combat silhouette. I used Bullseye a lot and if memory serves correctly I used 5.0 grs for my 1911 and 4.5 grs. in my S&W 25-2 for reduced recoil. Several guys used a copper washed cast bullet, it looked pretty but I couldnt tell any difference. Only jacketed bullets my pistols see now are for duty carry, otherwise I use cast. Hope that helps.

Good luck and good shooting,
Eterry

A bunch of years ago I was competing in Bullseye and not having much luck. An old timer walked over, I explained my problem and asked for his load.
He suggested 4.5 grains of Bullseye powder straight across the board.
Been using that ever since with gratifying results with all four of my cast bullets.
Jim

NB,

As mentioned above Bullseye is tough to beat in 45 ACP under just about any bullet weight.

I like 4.3 Gr Bullseye under 230 jacketed bullets for an accuracy load.

I really like 5.0 Gr. Bullseye under most 200 Gr. bullets. My current favorite is the Rainer 200 Gr. plated FP bullet, no leading and fantastic accuracy in this load using Win. or Fed. primers. Cost is not much more than a good cast bullet if you have to pay shipping on the cast bullets.


I have used this powder under 155 - 250 Gr. bullets in 45 ACP with usually great results, it's easy to get along with and pressure tested data is easy to come by.


Travis F.

4.7 grains of Reddot works with 185-200 grain bullets in both my 1911s. I have loaded 230 grain hard cast in 45 acp with Reddot but can'te recall the load. I use Reddot because it works and I have a lot of it. For practical pistol it works as good as anyone elses load.
Judge Sharpe

I use 8.3 grains of Accurate Number 5 for both my .45ACP with 225 gr TC (truncated cone) and .357Magnum with 158 gr TC-- it saves on time spent adjusting the powder measure. I do not use "lead" bullets. Rather, I use the Oregon Trail Laser-Cast alloy bullet because they don't leave anything in the bore. Call 'em at 1-800-811-0548