Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns 1911's and hollow points

I love Power Pistol!! I need to stock up on it prior to discontinuation, which ALWAYS happens when I stumble on something that works for me.

You always were smarter than me.

No, just more self restraint...............

MM

Think I seen load post awhile back about the 45acp using 255gr hard cast bullets but that springs would need to be swapped out.

Anyone got info on that particular load?

Leo-

Loading these heavies in the 45 ACP is a whole different ball game. You said you were new to reloading. I would stick to the "sweet spot" (185gr-230gr) in bullets right now.

For now..... Keep things simple.

Gibby,

Most definitely keeping it simple for now. Starline brass and 230gr fmj-rn. I want to shoot 500-1,000 rounds of this first.

Depends on the velocity of the bullet whether or not springs will have to be swapped. I've made standard pressure 255's in .45 ACP with no spring changes several times.

You can also transition your gun to a 45 Super with relative ease if you roll your own loads.

I did not know you hand loaded Kevin.

Yea, there is no need to modify the gun at using heavies at standard 45 ACP pressures. It is more bullet profile/choice and seating depth experimentation. Not for a beginner. But not rocket science though.

I haven't bought my dies yet for the 45acp. Any recommendations?

I have a single stage RCBS rock chucker supreme.

RCBS, Lee Deluxe, Redding, etc.?

They are all Ok as long as you get the carbide sizer, but I'd suggest you buy a Lee Factory Crimp die also, if you buy something other than the Lee set that has it in it.

MM

They make them nowadays with hollow points in mind, so yes. The most reliable hollow points in a .45 are going to be the 230 grainers, most particularly the Hydra-Shok, Gold Dot, and Golden Saber.

^^^This^^^

I've got a 250gr WFP Hard Cast bullet that I load for pig hunting that chrono's at 950 fps that I shoot in all my 1911's in 45acp. My guns are all running that load with the Factory recoil spring with no issues whatsoever.

THIS!

The Lee 4 die set will be the best value. It includes the Factory Crimp die.



If you get infected with the 45ACP/1911 bug, then later, I recommend buying a micro adjustable seating die. They are expensive, but worth it.

When you are trying various bullets, either by choice or availability, it is so much easier to tweak your favorite load for various guns. I have also found many times that the OAL listed in various reloading data to be not reliable. Some data is tested using a pressure receiver and does not account for magazine function. A tweak of .010" can make a difference. Sometimes as little as .003". You have a very good press that can take advantage of this die.

Higher pressure loads May requirement higher spring weight, heavier bullets at the same pressure do not.

185 gr. Hornady XTP's work well in my Colt Commander. Some magazines work better than others; some trial runs with a variety will be beneficial.

I'll be picking up some Lee 45acp 4die set sometime this week!

In the Lightweight Commander, I have found the 185 grainer's work the best for me also. Both standard and at +P velocities. XTP's preferred. For factory, I like 185 +P's Golden Sabers.

And harder to find than hensteeth in 230 grain weight.