45 ACP “Pet Loads” – Please Share Yours!

Recently, I solicited your ideas for and eBook that I’m working on related to 45 ACP reloading. I got a lot of great ideas, and appreciate your feedback! Now, I’d like to ask you all a pointed question: what are your favorite “pet loads” for 45 ACP? Why are these your favorite loads? What is the application (defense, training, competition, etc)?

I shoot 45 ACP mostly in my 1911 (Standard 5″ barrel). Some of the considerations that I like to focus on are: Accuracy, shootability, powder metering, and also “standard charge” loads are a plus. What is a “standard charge” load? This is the ability to use a single powder and charge weight for multiple cartridges and loads. In fact, I have a Winchester W-231 powder charge that I can use in 9mm, 38 Special, 44 Special, and 45 ACP! It shoots well in all these applications, meters very well in my progressive powder measures, and for that reason it’s my favorite 45 ACP load!

Gavin’s “standard charge” load for 45 ACP: (use load data at your own risk)

  • Hornady XTP 230 grain jacketed hollow point bullet
  • 4.3 grains Winchester W-231
  • Winchester WLP primer

*Note that a 4.3 grain charge is below the Hornady manual’s recommendation of 5.0 grains starting, so you should validate that this charge is sufficient if loading for an automatic pistol

So what’s your favorite? Please leave your name and location (State, City) and perhaps I’ll use your load in the eBook!

Thanks,
Gavin

 

34 thoughts on “45 ACP “Pet Loads” – Please Share Yours!”

  1. I’m interested in the loads as well, however, I think we should also state the barrel length. When looking at velocity and accuracy I think you will find this matters as well. I look forward to seeing what’s been used out there.

  2. I have a Colt Officer’s ACP and a Ruger P345. I have found that 5 grains of Bullseye works best in both my guns when pushing 230 grain Plated RN bullets. I also use that same powder load when loading for my Glock 19 when using 95 grain FMJ bullets. I use same powder load for .38 special when using 90 grain cast bullets. I load on a Lee Loadmaster. The .38 Specials get used in my S&W 686 with 4″ barrel. Nice load for wife and kids. Very accurate in as well.

  3. I cast bullets for all of the pistol calibers that I load. This makes reloading very affordable since I am able to get lead for free. My reloading cost is only primers and powder. Casting with a Lee 6-cavity mold and a Lee production pot allows me to cast at a rate of 600 bullets per hour. When I cast bullets, I’ll generally cast from 2 to 5 hours, which allows me to stock up a couple thousand bullets at a time. It would be helpful to include cast bullet loads in your 45ACP book. With this said, I use load data from the following website:

    http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

    The specific load that I use is as follows:

    230gr Lee cast bullet sized to 0.451″.
    W231 powder: 4.3 – 5.3gr (I use 4.6gr)
    Federal 150 primers

    I am shooting this load from a Springfield Armory XD 45 with a 5″ barrel. I don’t have a chronograph yet, so I don’t have velocity information. The chronograph is the next thing on my list of equipment to purchase.

  4. My favorite load I use in my DW 5″:

    200gr LSWC (Missouri Bullet Co, IDP #1)
    WIN WST powder: 4.6 gn
    FED 150 or CCI primers
    OAL: 1.250″

    very accurate, low recoil, light smoke and no leading

  5. For the past couple of years I have been shooting 230gr LRN over 4gr of red dot. I just switched to W231 because I got a progressive press. The red dot does not flow through the powder measure very well so I’m hoping to get better results with the W231.

  6. I’m using Berry’s 230gr RN, W-W brass, WLP primers, 5.2Gr W231, 1.260OAL.
    XD w/4″ brl and XDm w/4.5″ brl.
    Both eat this like candy and are very accurate as well.

    1. Plus one on the W231. Been around for years. If it taint broke, don’t fix it. And yes, it meters extremely well.

      But if I mat, Ed, or anyone else with an XD, prferrably the service model, ever measure both their reloads and factory ammo before chambering it and then take it out after chambering and measure it again?

      I ask this because on the XD forums, I’ve read, and thus seen, a lot of people complain that XD’s are short-chambered.

      I have yet to reload for my service model XD and I currently have some Hornady factory ammo, their 200gr. XTP defense ammo, and after reading the above I decided to check and see if mine was as they said, short chambered. So, before chambering a round, I measured 6 random rounds from the 2 boxes of 25 rounds (3 random rounds from each box) and he Hornady ammo measured 1.280-1.285. After I then took and chambered 1 of those random rounds and when I removed it and measured it again, it measured 1.20.

      FWIW, I called Springfield and because it’s within SAAMI specs., to them, it’s fine. But I’ve been told by others I’ve told this to that I should either just open the lead in the barrel a little or to just buy a another barrel. Preferably a match barrel.

      So, if I may would any of you with XD’s see if the ammo is the same OAL after you chamber it?

      1. Whoops. Hit submit instead of shift. lol

        The last line should read…..

        So, if I may, would any of you with XD’s see if the ammo is the same OAL after you chamber it? And if not, what would or will you do? Just load it to whatever it measures? open the lead on your barrel? Buy a new barrel? Match barrel even?

        I ask because the Hornady bullets I have, their .451 230gr. HP XTP bullets, when loaded to an OAL of 1.20, are right at the edge of almost being in the case.

        Anyhow, anyone else notice their XD as being short chambered?

        Ed, I’d be curious to know if the reloads you seated to 1.260 are the same if you were to take one out and measure?

  7. These loads are fired through a Springfield XD tactical 5″ and an older 1911.

    (Good Target Load)
    Berrys Plated 230gr rn Bullet
    Hodgon Titegroup 4.5 gr
    Mixed Cases
    Federal 150 or CCI 300 Primers
    COAL – 1.250
    No feeding problems, clean and accurate

    (Hot target load)
    Hornady 230 Gr HP XTP
    Bullseye 5.0 Gr
    Mixed Cases
    Federal 150 or CCI 300 Primers
    COAL – 1.200
    Very accurate hard hitting load. No issues feeding

    1. W231 5.5 Gr
      Berry’s Plated RN 230 Gr
      CCI 300 Primers
      Mixed Brass
      COAL 1.265

      These run great in my Glock 21 with it’s bear of a recoil spring, as well as my Hi-Point 45 ACP carbine (ya gotta get one of these….) The 5.5 Gr of powder can operate the Glock 21 reliably in competition even in the coldest, wettest. gloomiest Seattle weather 🙂

  8. ( Great Target Loads )

    My favorite load right now for my Springfield Armory
    “Loaded” 1911 SS with 5″ barrel is the following:

    Hornady or ( Generic bought at gun shows ) 230 Grain HP XTP
    CCI 350 Primers ( my favorite by far )
    Hodgon Titegroup 5.5 grain ( Love it )
    Mixed Cases ( From raiding the brass bucket
    at the range plus I pick-up my own )
    ,

  9. Here are my favorite loads for .45ACP. Note: I am interested in accuracy and not power or some artificial power factor, so my loads may be of minimum interest.
    Bullet Designation Nominal Bullet Weight Actual Bullet Weight Bullet Type Powder Powder Weight Primer COL Gun Accuracy Accuracy: w/o called flyers
    Lane Bullets 155 153 L-SWCBB Unique 7.6 WLP 1.252 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.910 1.910
    Lane Bullets 155 153 L-SWCBB Unique 7.9 WLP 1.252 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.060 1.060
    Bull-X 185 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.0 WLP 1.266 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.310 1.310
    Bull-X 185 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.0 WLP 1.266 Springfield w/Fire Point 1.370 1.370
    Bull-X 185 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.0 WLP 1.266 Springfield w/Fire Point 1.400 1.400
    Bull-X 185 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.0 WLP 1.266 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.500 1.500
    Bull-X 185 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.0 WLP 1.266 Springfield w/Fire Point 1.700 1.700
    Bull-X 185 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.0 WLP 1.266 Springfield w/Fire Point 1.700 1.700
    Bull-X 185 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.0 WLP 1.266 Springfield w/Fire Point 1.800 1.800
    Precision 45-185-SWC 185 186 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 4.1 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.063 1.063
    Precision 45-185-SWC 185 186 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 4.1 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.063 1.063
    Precision 45-185-SWC 185 186 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 4.1 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.500 1.500
    Precision 45-185-SWC 185 186 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 4.1 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.875 1.875
    Precision 45-185-SWC 185 186 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 4.1 WLP Clark Gold Cup 1.313 1.313
    Precision 45-185-SWC 185 186 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 4.1 WLP 1.261 Clark Gold Cup 1.719 1.719
    Precision 45-185-SWC 185 186 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 4.4 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.469 1.469
    Precision 45-185-SWC 185 186 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 4.4 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.438 1.438
    Precision 45-185-SWC 185 186 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 4.5 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.750 1.750
    Precision 45-185-SWC 185 186 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 4.5 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.594 1.594
    Zero Bullet Co. 185 Unk L-SWC Red Dot 4.1 WLP 1.258 Springfield w/Fire Point 1.300 1.300
    Zero Bullet Co. 185 Unk L-SWC Red Dot 4.1 WLP 1.258 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.400 1.400
    Zero Bullet Co. 185 Unk L-SWC Red Dot 4.1 WLP 1.258 Springfield w/Fire Point 1.800 1.800
    Zero Bullet Co. 185 Unk L-SWC Red Dot 4.1 WLP 1.258 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.800 1.800
    Zero Bullet Co. 185 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.1 WLP 1.250 Boland “California Competitor” 2.000 2.000
    Zero Bullet Co. 185 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.1 WLP 1.250 Colt GC w/PDP5 2.000 2.000
    Hornady L-C/T 200 199 L-SWC AA2 3.5 WLP My .45 1.250 1.250
    Hornady L-C/T 200 199 L-SWC w/LLA AA2 3.5 WLP My .45 1.500 0.361
    Hornady L-C/T 200 199 L-SWC w/LLA AA2 3.5 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.750 1.750
    Hornady L-C/T 200 200 L-SWC w/LLA AA2 3.5 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.188 1.875
    Hornady L-C/T 200 200 L-SWC Clays 3.2 WLP My .45 1.063 1.063
    Hornady L-C/T 200 199 L-SWC Clays 3.2 WLP My .45 1.375 1.375
    Hornady L-C/T 200 200 L-SWC Clays 3.2 WLP My .45 1.063 1.063
    Hornady L-C/T 200 199 L-SWC Clays 3.2 WLP My .45 1.375 1.375
    Hornady L-C/T 200 200 L-SWC Clays 3.2 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 3.438 1.188
    Hornady L-C/T 200 199 L-SWC w/R.J. Clays 3.8 WLP 1.265 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.813 1.813
    Lyon RCBS #45-201K 200 Unk L-SWC Green Dot 4.5 My .45 1.740 1.740
    Lyon RCBS #45-201K 200 Unk L-SWC Green Dot 4.6 My .45 1.320 1.320
    Lyon RCBS #45-201K 200 Unk L-SWC Green Dot 4.7 My .45 0.960 0.960
    Lyon RCBS #45-201K 200 Unk L-SWC Unique 5.0 My .45 1.770 1.770
    Lyon RCBS #45-201K 200 Unk L-SWC Unique 5.5 My .45 1.830 1.830
    Lyon RCBS #45-201K 200 Unk L-SWC Unique 5.6 My .45 1.670 1.670
    Lyon RCBS #45-201K 200 Unk L-SWC Unique 5.8 My .45 1.860 1.860
    Lyon RCBS #45-201K 200 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.0 My .45 0.860 0.860*
    *This load is accurate in many guns and works for several 9×19, .38 super, and .40S&W loadings.
    Lyon RCBS #45-201K 200 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.1 My .45 1.080 1.080
    Lyon RCBS #45-201K 200 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.2 My .45 1.110 1.110
    Lyon RCBS #45-201K 200 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.4 My .45 1.890 1.890
    Lyon RCBS #45-201K 200 Unk L-SWC Unique 6.5 My .45 1.260 1.260
    Lyon RCBS #45-201K 200 Unk L-SWC Unique 7.0 My .45 1.330 1.330
    MasterCastBullet 200 206 H&G 68 L-SWC Clays 3.7 1.233 Clark Gold Cup 1.188 1.188
    MasterCastBullet 200 206 H&G 68 L-SWC Clays 3.7 1.231 Clark Gold Cup 1.813 1.813
    MasterCastBullet 200 206 H&G 68 L-SWC TiteGroup 4.5 1.238 Clark Gold Cup 1.313 1.313
    MasterCastBullet 200 206 H&G 68 L-SWC TiteGroup 4.5 1.238 Clark Gold Cup 1.625 1.625
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB AA2 4.5 WLP 1.232 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.938 1.938
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB AA2 4.5 WLP 1.232 Springfield w/Fire Point 2.000 2.000
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB AA2 5.0 WLP 1.260 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.438 1.438
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB AA2 5.0 WLP 1.260 SS Gov’t 2.875 1.281
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB Red Dot 4.4 WLP 1.256 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.019 1.018
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB Red Dot 4.4 WLP 1.256 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.600 1.600
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB Red Dot 4.4 WLP 1.256 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.900 1.900
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB Red Dot 4.4 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.188 0.625
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB Red Dot 4.4 WLP My .45 2.375 0.548
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB w/LLA Red Dot 5.8 WLP S/N 46553 engraved 1.438 0.938
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB w/LLA Red Dot 5.8 WLP My .45 1.875 1.875
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB w/RJ Red Dot 5.8 WLP Colt NM Bo-Mar rib 1.938 1.938
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB w/RJ Red Dot 5.8 WLP My .45 2.500 1.111
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB w/LLA Red Dot 5.8 WLP STI 2011 2.500 1.719
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB w/RJ Red Dot 5.8 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.938 1.469
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB Unique 4.5 WLP 1.249 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.938 1.156
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB Unique 4.5 WLP 1.249 SS Gov’t 1.938 1.938
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB Unique 5.0 WLP 1.256 SS Gov’t 1.719 1.719
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB Unique 5.0 WLP 1.256 Colt GC w/PDP5 2.125 1.188
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB Unique 5.5 WLP 1.257 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.750 1.750
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB Unique 6.0 WLP 1.254 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.406 1.406
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB Unique 6.0 WLP 1.254 SS Gov’t 2.313 1.656
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB w/LLA Unique 6.2 WLP My .45 1.298 1.298
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB w/LLA Unique 6.2 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.688 1.063
    National Bullet Co. 200 193 L-SWCBB w/LLA Unique 6.2 WLP STI 2011 3.938 1.188
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB 231/HP38 4.1 WLP 1.229 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.750 1.750
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB 231/HP38 4.1 WLP 1.247 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.813 1.813
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB 231/HP38 4.1 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.750 1.750
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB 231/HP38 4.4 WLP 1.244 Colt GC w/PDP5 2.000 2.000
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB 231/HP38 4.4 WLP 1.244 Colt GC w/PDP5 2.500 1.969
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB 231/HP38 4.6 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 3.281 1.844
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB AA2 3.2 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.250 1.250
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB AA2 3.2 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.500 1.500
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB AA2 3.2 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.688 1.688
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB AA2 3.9 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.750 1.750
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB AA2 3.9 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.781 1.781
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB Clays 3.8 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.750 1.750
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB Clays 3.8 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.986 1.986
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB Clays 3.8 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.750 1.688
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB Red Dot 3.9 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.594 1.594
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB Red Dot 3.9 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.875 1.469
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB Red Dot 3.9 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.000 2.000
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB Red Dot 4.2 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.875 1.392
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB Red Dot 4.4 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 3.906 1.750
    Penn 45/200 SWC 200 201 L-SWCBB Red Dot 4.6 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.438 1.438
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 4.5 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.438 1.000
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 4.5 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.500 1.500
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 4.6 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.563 1.563
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 5.2 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.656 0.750
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 5.2 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.938 1.250
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 5.2 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 3.000 1.250
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 5.2 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.800 1.800
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 5.4 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.594 1.594
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” 231/HP38 5.4 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.938 1.938
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.4 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.531 0.861
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.4 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.938 1.063
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.4 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.625 1.625
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.4 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 2.688 1.750
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.4 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 3.031 1.813
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.4 WLP 1.275 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.938 1.938
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.5 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.656 1.781
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.5 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.563 1.736
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.5 WLP 1.276 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.750 1.750
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.6 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.188 2.188
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.6 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.938 1.938
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.8 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.375 1.375
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.8 WLP 1.276 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.656 1.656
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.8 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.844 1.844
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 3.8 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.000 2.000
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 4.7 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.281 1.281
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 4.7 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 2.750 1.688
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 4.9 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.320 1.320
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 4.9 WLP Clark GC series 80 1.344 1.344
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” AA2 4.9 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.625 1.625
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Clays 3.3 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.594 1.594
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Clays 3.5 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.375 1.375
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Clays 3.5 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.875 1.906
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Clays 3.7 WLP My .45 1.688 0.673
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Clays 3.7 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.563 0.750
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Clays 3.7 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.375 1.375
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Clays 3.7 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.000 1.656
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Clays 3.7 WLP My .45 3.281 1.750
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 3.9 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.344 1.344 24-Sep-08
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 3.9 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.813 1.813 24-Sep-08
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.0 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 0.923 0.923 17-Sep-08
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.0 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.365 1.365 3-Dec-08
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.0 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 2.063 1.375 24-Sep-08
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.0 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.125 1.125
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.0 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.480 1.480
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.1 WLP 1.271 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.350 1.350
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.1 WLP 1.271 Springfield w/Fire Point 1.400 1.400
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.1 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.500 1.500
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.1 WLP 1.271 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.600 1.600
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.1 WLP 1.271 Springfield w/Fire Point 1.650 1.650
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.1 WLP 1.271 Colt GC w/PDP5 1.700 1.700
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.4 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.438 0.736
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.4 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.719 0.892
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Red Dot 4.4 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 2.000 2.000
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” TiteGroup 4.8 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.767 1.767
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” TiteGroup 4.8 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.938 1.938
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” TiteGroup 5.0 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.750 0.906
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Trail Boss 3.6 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.500 1.500
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” True Blue 6.3 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.531 0.861
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” True Blue 6.3 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.406 1.406
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” True Blue 6.7 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.688 1.688
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” True Blue 6.7 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.938 1.938
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” True Blue 7.0 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.188 1.188
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” True Blue 7.0 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 3.188 1.625
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” True Blue 7.7 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 4.875 1.688
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” True Blue 7.7 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 2.000 2.000
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Unique 5.0 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 2.120 1.000
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Unique 5.0 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.563 1.563
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Unique 5.1 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 1.938 1.938
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Unique 5.1 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 3.406 2.125
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Unique 5.3 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 2.469 1.000
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Unique 5.4 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 2.344 1.173
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Unique 5.4 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 2.000 2.000
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Unique 5.5 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 1.970 1.970
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Unique 5.5 WLP Colt NM w/BEC 2.031 2.031
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Unique 5.6 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.250 0.938
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Unique 5.6 WLP Colt GC w/PDP5 2.188 2.188
    Precision 45-200-SWC 200 199 L-SWC “Black Bullet” Unique 5.9 WLP 1.270 Colt NM w/BEC 1.688 1.688
    Sierra 200 Unk JFP Unique 7.1 WLP Para SSP 1.580 1.580
    Sierra 200 Unk JFP Unique 7.1 WLP Nighthawk Dominator 1.970 1.970

  10. I shoot .45 ACP in my Smith & Wesson M&P. My favorite load is 5 gr of Winchester W-231 behind a 200 grain plated round nose. (Min/Max = 4.4-5.6 gr) These are totally accurate for indoor range shooting with reasonable enough recoil to allow me to shoot 100 rounds or more with no wrist or arm pain.

  11. I got this from a long time shooter/reloader gentlemen friend that’s been at it it seems all his life.
    Bullseye 3.5 grains
    200 gr. LSWC
    Mixed Cases (My own and picked up at the ranges)
    Lee Loadmaster
    Springfield X1A, Sig 1911 and various other 45’s (Llamas, Stars….. and some of them won’t take anything but ball, a Taurus, etc.)
    Very, very accurate and low recoil.
    I love it and could shoot it all day long and am very glad to have found Bullseye.
    Thanks Gavin and Happy New Year to you and all.

  12. 200 gr Hornady XTP
    5.3 gr. VihtaVuori N320

    Meters well, very clean shooting, great accuracy in my Sig 1911 RCS.

  13. Bulk 230 Gr FMJ
    7.0 Gr PowerPistol
    CCI 300
    COAL 1.200
    Mixed Brass

    PowerPistol is very clean and meters well in the Lee Auto Disk Pro. It’s a punchy load but very accurate in my 5″ 1911 Springfield Loaded

  14. Mixed brass, Wolf LP Primers (cause they are cheap) 7grains of AA#5 behind a cast 200gain LSWC. They are not match quality but are resonably accurate. I crank them out by the hundreds on my Hornady Lock N Load machine.

  15. For a German P220 I use the following:
    Missouri Bullet Company 230 gr LRN
    5.0 gr W231
    CCI 300
    Mixed brass
    1.245″ COAL

    Velocity: 737 FPS but I will have to double check it again. These German P220s are a pain in the ass with 45 reloading as they spit out the cases over your head, behind you, way out front of you, to the right, to the left, whatever they want to do.

  16. Berrys Plated 200gr HP Bullet
    bullseye 5.2 gr
    Mixed Brass
    Federal 150 Primers
    COAL – 1.20
    S&W, M&P .45
    4.5″ brl
    Mzl Velocity 845 fps
    I enjoyed shooting this load, (nice target load)
    it’s not match quality but is resonably accurate.

  17. Inexpensive trigger & sight practice loads: (Springfield Stainless 1911 w/5″ barrel & Colt 1911 in Blue w/5″ barrel.)

    H&G profile 185 gr. LSWC over 4.5 gr. Alliant Bullseye w/CCI lg. pistol primer in cleaned and prepped brass loaded on Dillon SDB. (Use Winchester primers also but hardness of primer cup reportedly has changed so be forewarned, it depends on safety of press & priming system used)

    Defensive practice:

    Hornady 230 gr XTP CFMJHP over 5.0 gr Bullseye w/ the rest the same.

    Hornady 200 gr CFMJHAP over 5.3 gr Bullseye “.

    Hornady 230 CFMJHAP over 5.0 gr Bullseye “.

    Defensive carry:

    Old supply of flying ashtray 230 gr. FMJHP over 5.2 gr of Bullseye.

    Current Speer Gold Dot 230 gr FMJHP over 5.3 gr of Bullseye.

    Hornady XTP FMJHP 230 gr over 5.3 gr of Bullseye.

    I have used Blue Dot, 231, Power Pistol, Unique & others but find for me in my pistols on my loading equipment that Bullseye meters the best, produces most accurate loads and is consistent and reliable. I can weigh my bullseye powder loads on either a digital or 505 scale and they are consistently as set using Dillon SDB w/small powder bar. All these loads are safe in my pistols and primers show no flow with moderate flattening for 5.3 gr. loads. I use a 13 lb. spring for 185 gr./4.5 gr. loads, 16 lb. for 200 gr. & 230/5.0 loads: 18 lb. for 230/5.3 loads. All loads w/buffer. I suffer no frame battering or other problems. I clean after every shoot and lube well. With approx. 20,000 rds over almost 20 years in Springfield gun still shoots 3” groups at 25 yds and almost as good for Colt blued gun.

  18. Haven,t been loading 45acp very long but so far 200gr, Hornady xtp, 8.3 gr. Power pistol fed gm primer is very accurate 942 fps. Speer gold dot 200gr.,Fed +p brass.8.5 power pistol,fed gm primer,1020 fps.

  19. I use Speer 185 gr match with 5.4 gr Zip in my Sig 1911 the groups are .75 in 25 yds. Tried every thing else no good results.

  20. I use power pistol 7.4 grains under a zero brand 230 jhp, oal is 1.230, its a beast of a round, max load per Hornadys 6th edition is 7.6, i noticed its 8.1 in the Lee 2nd edition at an oal of 1.260 (ball ) i imagine. 8 grains of aa#5 same bullet, same oal shoots good, 5 grains bullseye, 230 ball or jhp accurate load & hard hitting, 5.8 grains unique 230 jhp or fmj is pretty sweet shooter, 4.9 grains titegroup 230 jhp oal1.230 is pretty good.
    6.5 grains of cfe pistol 230 jhp oal 1.230 is also a pretty good load and is fairly clean

  21. I have a Springfield factory comp that seems to like a load of 200gr. Cast SWC over 5.4 gr of W231. This load produced 3/8 of an inch groups CTC at 50 ft. Indoor. I don’t have access to an outdoor range. My Colt Gold cup also preferred this load producing similar groups.

  22. This one’s for .45 ACP.

    200gr cast SWC that I buy in bulk from a seller at local gun shows; bullets appear identical to the old H&G #68. They’re sized to 0.452″

    I load them to 1.245″ or so, over 5.5 grains Bullseye, and I prefer CCI primers. I worked the load up in mixed headstamp range brass.

    This is a full-power load, though not +P. I haven’t chronographed them but Quickload suggests that from a 5″ barrel they are going out in the low to mid nine hundreds. It feels just like factory FMJ, and makes nice neat round holes in the targets.

  23. I like the concept, Gavin.

    For me, my primary load is Lee 125 grain RN tl style. Powder coated, and run through a push sizer at 0.357″, though unsized works just fine for 90% of guns.

    Powder charge is 4.3 grains of bullseye, over CCI 500, mixed 9mm brass. Same bullet, primer and charge is great in mixed .38 SPL brass too. IIRC it was on the edge of +P pressures for 38 SPL, but you can check just about any load manual for 125 grain load data and bullseye and see for yourself.

    I’m pretty sure 4.3 grains of bullseye is right in the middle of the range for 45 ACP, so there’s potential there too, but I haven’t messed with it.

    I’ve been using 45 AARP to use up my green dot stock, because I want to eliminate that powder from my inventory. It’s sketchy performance in shotgun loads has concerned me.

  24. Pet Load #1
    Case: any
    Primer: CCI 300 or Wolf LP
    Powder: 3.8 grains Hodgdon Clays
    Bullet: 205 grain Cast SWC (mold is a Lee 200 grain SWC but averages 205 grains)
    Cartridge OAL: 1.230″
    This load averages 780 fps from my 5″ Smith and Wesson 1911. It has very soft recoil, it’s super accurate and lots of fun to shoot and economical, especially with home cast bullets.

    Pet Load #2
    Case: any
    Primer: CCI 300 or Wolf LP
    Powder: 4.6 grains Hodgdon Universal
    Bullet: 225 grain Cast RN (228 grain Lee mold)
    Cartridge OAL: 1.230″
    This load averages 720 fps from my Smith and Wesson. Also very accurate and soft reconciling.

Leave a Reply to Mike Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

For Commerical Inquiries:
Ulitmate Reloader Commercial Services



Reloading Safety

Polls