Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns .45acp / Barnes 185 / Unique ??

Barnes' online data is limited to Longshot and Silhouette, and Alliant doesn't specifically mention the Barnes (with its long shank and deep seat).

Does anyone trustworthy here have trustworthy load information or trustworthy suggestions?
I'd very much like to use Unique.

I think Gunner shot a hog with one of those back in March. I think he loads power pistol, if I remember correctly.

I'd better rephrase, make my preference very clear-

Does anyone trustworthy here have trustworthy load information for, or trustworthy suggestions about using in this combo, Unique?

I wouldn't necessarily trust me either, or the Lyman manual I am looking at that gives relative burn rate.

But let me be very clear. Lyman's relative burn rate list shows powders from fastest to slowest and Alliant's Unique comes in at #24. Ramshot Silhouette @ #29 and Hodgdon's Longshot at #39.

I would guess that if you are married to Unique, you should take a look at the data for Ramshot Silhouette and take a wildass guess from there.

If you think you are trustworthy.

Would you trust somebody at Barnes? You could give them a call.

Likely it would be too intelligent to start with a conservative load (say like 7.3 gr for a 200 gr GD) & work up to where you think you should stop.........but as I said, that logic might be too intelligent.

Rock on, Dood.

MM

You would need to use 230 grain data since the Barnes is at least as long and would reduce case capacity at least as much. It is more about how deeply the bullets seats into the case.

You might be right, John; I didn't go check the bullet lengths.

Though the 6.0 gr recommended for a 230 GD might be overly conservative, the point remains the same........begin at a safe level & work up.

Really no different than typical (common sense) load development where little published data is handy.

MM

I'm not a whit trustworthy!

WAG based on comparisons will be my next move if this thread doesn't satisfy.

I hadn't considered calling Barnes. I'd expect that if they had good info that they wanted to pass along on the combo, it'd be part of their data.

Intelligent logic, too, might be involved in my next move.

The depth difference between my usual 185 and the Barnes version gives me lots of pause.

As it should.

...........hence the references to a longer, heavier bullet data a "safe" starting point.

MM

I get it. I get it.

When you figure this out, please post some data. I am hopeful for a load using my existing supply of Unique as well. Other pistol powders are virtually non existent on local shelves, so in these trying times we sometimes may have to improvise a little with our loads. I also have some AA#9 which will probably be a better solution with this case and bullet, but a Unique load would sure be handy, too.

Thanks for taking the heat on this question!

This is what I'd do first.

I just sent Barnes an email...

Don't be surprised if you don't get a response from Barnes. I ouldn't get one for my 10mm using their 155 gr. bullets. I got a really detailed one from Ramshot, however. So, perhaps you can try Alliant if I recall correctly that they make Unique.
I, for one, would be very reluctant to try "working up" a load for the .45 ACP in a handgun. Handguns don't show pressure signs nearly as well as do rifles. When dealing with a round like the .45 ACP, which tops out at pressures in the low 20,000 psi range, I wouldn't try it. Especially with a bullet like that. BTW, whatever you do, be very careful overall lenth of your loads.
I'm in the same boat you are. Have to go lead free in the next few years for hunting. E

That's my situation, but it's immediate (past) for me in A-Zone. The Green Enforcers would not be pleased to find a leaded .45 on my hip even if my hunting arm was a rifle with compliant ammo.

I understand your concerns, but you're talking more conservatively than I'll act. But I'll be cautious. (Famous last words... )
Overall length, powder space, and bearing surface will all be guesstimatedly factored in.
One good thing is that I've no need to 'maximize potential' right now, just put together something not unuseful. If I need to step out on my own in the short term, I can be conservative; and wait for better info later on which to build a premium load.

1100 fps is possible with the Barnes 185 at +P pressures with the correct powder. I do not think you can get to 1100 fps with unique without being above +P pressure.

Thanks.
Those match my conclusions.

Yes I did, and our good friend NHK9-George shot the hell outta a 300 pounder the year before with the same load.

OP, 7 gr Unique will get ya about 1050 fps with the 185 gr Barnes in a 5" barreled pistol, a +P load, but entirely safe in a stock platform.

Right on JWP, I get 1150 with Power Pistol and Longshot powders, both show equal accuracy, the Longshot has a lot less flash.