Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Classic .45 Auto target load?

.38 Spl - 2.8 grs. Bullseye with a 148 HBWC
.270 - 60.0 H4831 and a 130 grain bullet

That kind of classic.

I used to have an H&G 4 cavity 200 gr. SWC mold, a #68 I think (have you seen what they want for those now?!) and IIRC, used 5.0 grains of 231 which I believe was "classic" for a 200 SWC. Or maybe that has just attained classic status in my mind since that was what I used.

Anyway, that was 30 years ago and I'm looking for any combos using a 200 grain bullet that has proven accurate across a lot of .45 Autos. Doubt I'd want to go out and buy any Bullseye but have plenty of 231 and Unique on the shelf. Also Ramshot ZIP and True Blue but those haven't been around long enough to attain any classic status.

I have used 4.9 grains of tight group in three 45�s. They all showed excellent accuracy.

A lot of the guys I shoot with still use 231.

If I recall correctly, 5.7 grs. of WW231 is the classic load for the combat competition shooters as it meets the requirements for "major." It is often accurate, but not the best accuracy. It is also consider a maximum load w/ a 200 gr. SWC bullet.
I've handloaded for the .45 auto 1911's since the early 70's. If there is a "universally accurate" load for that round, I haven't noticed it. What I've noticed is that each gun seems to have a favorite combination oF powder, bullet and brass. The "better made" or more closely fitted guns seem to shoot more loads well than the service level guns. But even service level guns can be very accurate if you do some work and find what they like.
I've used Bullseye, Unique, WW231, and the Ramshot ZIP, Silhouette, and True Blue. All of them shoot quite well if you find what your gun likes.
I've also found that commerical cast bullets often don't shoot as well as the commerical swagged bullets. But the hard cast stuff does feed better in iffy guns for SWC lead ammo. E

For strictly target loads 3.5-4.0 gr Bullseye with 200 gr LSWC. I think your load of 5.0 gr 231 is supposed to be a good one too.

+1 but I get more consistent cycling with 5.2 grains.

In the current Handloader magazine, Brian Pearce had good luck with the 200 gr Oregon Trail cast SWC bullet with 4.5 gr of Titegroup at 867 fps in the 5" barrel 1911.

I prefer Titegroup powder where it is applicable. It is not position-sensitive, it is very consistent, and it burns very clean. I find it very easy to work with.

Brian also used up to 5.5 gr of Titegroup with 200 gr jacketed bullets at 958 fps.

5.0 gr was his most accurate load at 902 fps with the 200 gr Hornady FMJ.

Brian's article included many valuable tips for anyone new to loading the 45 ACP.

Titegroup is too new to be considered 'classic', but someday it very well might become one.

my Kimber loves 6.0g of Unique with a CCi primer, win brass and 200g SWC.

+1 for 6 grns. of Unique. It's been working for me for 40 years.

Which issue of Handloader is that? The latest I have is February 2012, is the April one out now?

The April issue is available online. Brian's article begins at page 50; the handloading data was developed using the new Remington 1911's.

ran 3.9 Byullseye with the 200 Gr HG #68 in all my Bullseye guns including a 6" clark heavy slide