.45 Load Query...

[Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967]

Just got a request for load information from a family member, and need help in answering...

 

It seems that someone gave him a supply of copper plated .45 (.452) 200 gr Round Nose bullets, likely leftovers from a former .45 ACP shooter.

 

Well, he is a reloader, but he does not have a .45 ACP.  However, he does have an Uberti .45 Colt, and his son has a Vaquero... and they have a goodly supply of brass. 

 

Any load suggestions?  Surprisingly, none of my old manuals have anything for .200 grain bullets.  I've been loading .45 Colt for 48 years or so, but have never loaded with anything smaller than 250 gr pills.  A true "creature of habit," I be.  

 

 

 

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

What brand are they?  Rainer (no longer making plated bullets) said just load theirs with cast bullet loading data.

[Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967]

Not sure, but think they might be Berry's.

 

But I don't have any load data for 200 gr bullets, lead or otherwise.  

[Pat Riot]

Something I heard that is a good recommendation is that if you don’t have any other data on copper plated or TMJ bullets you should load them to lead bullet specs. 
Look up 200 grain lead bullet loads. Now, if these are Berry’s bullets they usually put a 1250 FPS max velocity on theirs, therefore they can be loaded a little hotter, like FMJ bullet loads. 
What powder are they using?

[Pat Riot]

If you go to the Hodgdon website they have 200 grain .45 Colt loads. Try Universal powder and load to the 200 LRN recipe. 
 

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/
 

 

[Dubious Don #56333]

What Pat said Hardpan,

Hogdon's site. Universal is one of my go-to powders for most anything like Trailboss LOL. Hogdon's site lists TB, Universal, Clays, titegroup for 200gr bullets in LC. With starting loads the LC cases get a little blowby, a little extra dirty chamber but go a little heavier elminates that.

 

(My normal load uses bullseye with 250RNFP. Its peppy but very accurate and more importantly, the wife likes it LOL. )

 

 

[Pat Riot]

I like 205 grain BCS RNFP bullets over 7.7 grains of Universal. It’s peppy! 

 

I figure it’s velocity is right at 900 FPS. Very accurate out of my Vaqueros. 

[Blackwater 53393]

Fill the case with FFFg and seat and crimp firmly!

[Choctaw Jack]

6 grains of W231 .Accurate,easy recoil,fun to shoot.

 

[Duffield, SASS #23454]

7 grains of unique

[Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646]

4.4 gr CleanShot

 

Imis