I have a 1991 A-1 that I had Clark Accuracy do over for me. Everything seems to shoot well through this pistol, but would like to hear what you guys think would be a great all-around load for this pistol. I'm looking for accuracy and power. I carry the pistol as a trailgun/ shoot bowling pins/ and personal protection when I have the need to go places that there maybe trouble. I like both the hard cast bullets and the JHPs.

For defense, I like the Remington 185 gr JHP, and 10.0 gr. of HS-6. This is a +P load listed in Hodgdon Data Manual 1992 and is supposed to generate 1162 fps from a 5" bbl.

Chrono in my Springfields shows more like about 950 fps.

For horsing around, I shoot LaserCast 230gr LRN. I find the round nose feeds more reliably than the SWC. The "trick" to loading lead bullets in 45 ACP is to get the bullet seated deep enough that the brass rim is clear on the case. The 45 ACP headspaces on the rim of the case.

I use HS-6 for this load, I think 8.5 gr. but I'd have to consult the manual.

You won't find an "all purpose" load that's good for bowling pins, "the woods" and defense too.

Every 1911 is different but my most accurate load is 4.5 grains of Red Dot driving a 200 grain LSWC in my semi-custom 1911.

I have used that HS-6 load for pins and you are right,it is the hotest load i have seen.Bulleye is verry dirty but accurte. Red Dot does not meter well. For all around shooting I use 5.5 grains of winchester 231 for cast og jacketed bullets from 180 too 230 grains. I use a lee auto disk to meter powder. I have foud this powder to be best the cleanest most accurte and best metering powder for 45acp.

[ 01-13-2003, 12:24: Message edited by: Roundbutt ]

got any good loads using 452AA?

6.9grs Alliant Power Pistol
225gr Laser-Cast Flat Nosed Bullet

ZM

I use 5.5gr of Winchester 231 w/ winchester Lg Pistol primers and 230Gr. FMJRN bullets. These shoot fine from my Kimber Ultra CDP II.

Old Jeff Cooper load;
Take a 230gr military round, pull the head, dump the powder, replace with 7.2gr Unique, reseat head, lightly crimp.

Cooper sure didn't have any "lace on his underwear" as Colonel Askins used to put it, if he was shooting 7.2 grains of Unique under 230 grain ball ammo. I loaded a few once with 7 grains even, and they were stout!

I use a 200 gr hardcast "Roundnose Flatpoint" ( a contradiction in terms?) over 4.8 - 5.0 gr of Hodgdon Titegroup for almost everything. I can substitute a 200 gr HP and the 4.8 load works well. Right around 1000 fps. The Titegroup measures extremely well, being a spherical powder, and burns clean. It is "position insensitive," and a can of powder lasts a long time.

200 H&G 68 style bullet; 5.5/231; overall length 1.25"; finish with Lee taper crimp. Excellent general purpose load that feeds in everything I've tried.