Load Development 45acp

[Krogen]

Look here.

An NRA Shooting Sports Journal | USMC Match .45 Load

The .45 ACP 1911 automatic pistol can buck in your hand like a half-crazed bronco on steroids.

www.ssusa.org

Yes, the Marine Corps load. I shot it in my Bullseye guns for a while. I found what I believe was inconsistent burning at that light charge. Significant velocity variances led to some iffy slide cycling. I bumped up the load of N310 by 0.2 gr and the problems vanished. I think the key to that load is the Nosler 185 gr bullet more so than N310. The bullet is a good one. It would probably be great with 231 or Bullseye too.

 

[Turpentine]

I normally use 5.2 grains of HP 38. Why HP 38? Because a guy gave me 4 lbs of it that he had gotten from an estate sale. 5.2 grains HP 38 with 230 grain ball or hollow points shoot very well in both of my compact 45 Acp's that I use for carry.

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[farmerjohn]

Thanks for all the responses guys! But unless something changes in the future, the only competition I will be in is with myself. @JEFFPPC, when I read your post it hit home. While I don’t think I am OCD, I am anal. At least on the things I am passionate about. I spent 42 years as a machinist and later an engineer. The equipment I designed and/or built had to be right or someone would get hurt. But different than your friend, I don’t give up. I might die trying for that one ragged hole, but promise you, I will have enjoyed the challenge! Danny

Hey Feller, as an old bullseye shooter the one thing I haven't seen mentioned is your recoil springs. While you mentioned not further customizing your pistols the simple changing to the proper weight spring to charge and bullet weight can make a huge difference in how the pistol shoots. You should know what weight spring your guns have, this can be accomplished easily with a spring tester. There's a lot of difference between the wadcutter and the hard ball springs, as a machinest and engineering feller you will figure it out real quick when you see the difference it makes. Then of course there's triggers..... but I will hush.... good shooting, John