.45 pistol ammo question

[mousegunner]

I've been looking up load data for Titegroup to use in my .45 Ruger 1911 and wondering if the profile of the bullet matters?

What I mean is if 4.2 grains can be used for 230 gr. FMJ then any jacketed bullet weighing 230 gr. can be used.

Same for lead, 4.6 grains with 200 gr LSWC, ball, flat point, as long as it's lead and weighs the same, 200 gr, the profile doesn't matter or does it?

 

[Dub]

As long as the make up (jacketed, lead, etc) i the same you should be GTG. Any difference in bullet material matters though.

 

[spclark]

Maybe, maybe not.

What you want to keep in mind is that a 230 FMJ isn’t the same shape as a 230 XTP for instance, though both are jacketed.

So seating depth will be different if you load to the same OAL irrespective of what bullet you’re using.

So yes: bullet profile does matter, as does bullet composition.

 

[mousegunner]

Yeah, I didn't mention OAL since my concern was not the seating but using a given powder charge for a jacketed bullet of whatever profile but of the same weight. The OAL would be appropriate for the bullet type, FMJ, JHP.

Right now I'm looking at ball or SWC in either plated or jacketed construction. I read Titegroup tends to run hot and smokes with lead or coated bullets.

Is there a big difference in jacket material among the different bullet makers?

 

[riflewoman]

Worry about bearing surface (length) and remaining case volume with both bullets seated. Case volume at firing in pistols really affects the internal ballistics.

 

[std7mag]

Internal case volume, as has been mentioned, varies more significantly with pistol cartridges and slight variations in seating depth.

My recommenation, if your going to carry 230gr bullets, then that's what i shoot for practice.
I shoot 185gr myself. Carry ammo is 185gr Sierra JHP, and Tournament Master. I do carry both in the same magazine.
Practice is 185gr LSWC. Though this can be used for carry also.
Don't underestimate the LSWC as carry ammo.

Try getting reloading info from the bullet manufacturer, as they will test several powders for a given bullet, and give you a starting COAL for each bullet type and weight.