45ACP 185g XTP Win231 data confusion

[Loudcherokee]

Hey Guys,

So I'm sitting on 700 Hornady 185g XTP bullets from the hornady promotions, and have hit a wall with load data that I'm not sure how to climb. I usually shoot 230gr in my 45s so new to the 185s.

The confusion lies within the load data. The following is what I can find.

Winchester website and a 2012 Hodgdon magazine list 5.0 - 5.9 grains

Speer lists 5.1 - 6.0

Lyman 50th lists 4.4 - 6.1 grains (wow)

Hornady 8th lists 6.4 - 7.2 grains (again, WOW)

Hornady 10th doesnt list a charge for 231, but for HP-38 which is "supposedly" the same lists 6.5 - 6.9 grains.

Lee doesnt list a win231 load for the XTP, but lists 5.1 - 6.0 for a 185g Jacketed Bullet

So I've got 5 sources listing the average load between 5.1 and 6.0, and two that have a starting load far above the max from the other manuals. The loads listed so high are from the actual manufacturer of the projectiles.

Some internet posts show success at the higher loads as high as 6.8, while others mention poor performance at the lowest 4.4 that Lyman lists.

Why would the Hornady data be so high? And why would the 231 disappear from their newest manual for that particular projectile?

LC

 

[Acyr]

Not sure the reasoning behind Hornady load data being higher than others but I have shot lots of 185 XTP's using 6.0 grains of W231 and Winchester or Wolf primers in my M&P 45. Good shooting load.

 

[watercam]

When in doubt, start low and work up...as per normal...

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

Speed will determine the accuracy. In my 9mm faster loads are less accurate than slower loads. Your results may vary.

 

[MikeT124]

I load 231 with 200gr H&G 68 lead for bullseye with 3.9 to 4.0 grains. Hornady 200gr XTP for Bowling pins at 6.0 and 6.1gr of 231. I'm using 185gr XTP's for energy and power factor match of Federal 165gr Hydro-Shok defense ammo, using 6.3gr of 231, use these for practice. No problems with any of these loads as far as pressure signs or after firing case problems.

OP: If you want to sell a few of those 7 boxes of bullets I would be interested, reply here or PM me.

Mike