185 or 200 Gr .45 ACP bullet?

by Marchboom 12/29/2019, 3:24 pm

I usually like to shoot 200 Gr SWC cast or plated bullets in my 1911. I like a lighter (compared to the 230 Gr bullet) bullet for casual target shooting. The only reason I don't use a 185 Gr bullet is due to the shorter bearing surface. For those who have used both bullets, does the shorter bearing surface have an effect on the accuracy?

Also, been reading a lot about how plated bullets are not being held in high esteem compared to cast bullets when it comes to accuracy. Is there enough of a difference to stay with a cast bullet?

Thanks

by KB2MBC 12/29/2019, 3:42 pm

I'm seeing double

by james r chapman 12/29/2019, 4:19 pm

Stay with cast unless you try coated (NOT plated)

by DA/SA 12/29/2019, 4:25 pm

So, Jim, you're saying to stay with cast?

by JayhawkNavy02 12/29/2019, 5:31 pm

Zero/Roze Distribution and Magnus make a 185 gr LSWCHP which is very close to the H&G 68 exterior shape of a typical 200 gr LSWC. Great bullet. Check out Brazos as well.

by WesG 12/29/2019, 6:36 pm

There's also a 185 button nose. HG 130 I think.

by james r chapman 12/29/2019, 7:37 pm

Damn phone.
I like the Magnus 130
His and Zeros 200 and 185 hpswc

by bruce martindale 12/30/2019, 10:24 am

I never heard of bearing length as an issue. Plenty of 185&200 with superior precision and accuracy. I love Zero 185 in lead and jkt. The H&G 130 was harder to get long line performance. They did work better at high speed , like 4.2 BE. Proper sizing, expander plug, and seating are required for both soft bullets and for flat base.

by kjanracing 12/30/2019, 7:28 pm

Actually the Zero 185 swc hollow point has more bearing surface than their 200 swc’s.
Kurt

by Ray Dash 12/30/2019, 8:21 pm

Anyone tried the 185 Acme coated bullets?

by joy2shoot 12/30/2019, 9:39 pm

bruce martindale wrote:Proper sizing, expander plug, and seating are required for both soft bullets and for flat base.

+1

by 10sandxs 12/30/2019, 9:42 pm

A few years ago, I did a two gun test at 50 yards with bullets lubed and coated. Bullets were selected from the same lot and weight sorted. Half of each weight grouping was lubed, the other half powder coated. Sized in the same die, loaded the same, shot in a ransom rest indoors at 50 YARDS. Stastically no difference in accuracy. If anything, coated had a slight advantage. Been playing with hi tek and those shoot very well also. Try Brazos. I've seen some good stuff from thier 160s...

Acme, blue, others seem to be geared for quantity, not quality. I shot some 40 cal acme in a customer build and they grouped 2x bigger than my garbage cast...

by Guest 12/30/2019, 10:31 pm

+1 on the Brazos 160 hi-tek coated. Very happy with them for practise and TF/RF. Not tried them at 50yds though.

by Ray Dash 12/31/2019, 5:11 am

Just trying to figure out why the Brazo's still have the lube grooves on their poly coated bullets?

by Marchboom 12/31/2019, 8:16 am

Thanks for all the info. I ordered a sample pack of 200 SWC Hi-Tek coated bullets from Brazos. Seems like a win-win using a cast bullet with a coating that covers the lead.

by james r chapman 12/31/2019, 8:32 am

Ray Dash wrote:Just trying to figure out why the Brazo's still have the lube grooves on their poly coated bullets?

Because they use the same bullet?

by Aprilian 12/31/2019, 8:37 am

Ray Dash wrote:Just trying to figure out why the Brazo's still have the lube grooves on their poly coated bullets?

https://www.ssusa.org/articles/2017/3/27/accuracy-of-lube-groove-vs-no-lube-groove-cast-bullets/

by CR10X 12/31/2019, 8:55 am

Dear Marchboom:

Please review the sticky's on this topic above and a search of all the previous posts for loads.

You will find more load data and opinions than you will get though trying in several years, even if reloading is your primary hobby.

Note, most competitive (accurate) loads do not use plated bullets.

Remember, every gun and barrel is slightly different. Try each weight in cast or coated and see what meets your needs at this time. In the future, your expectations, purpose or ability may lead you trying something different. By that time, you'll probably have another barrel (or gun).

The good news is that most accurate loads for most gun / barrel combinations (1911 / .45 ACP combination) tend to center around the given loads. Usually a little tweak in powder, crimp or OAL will get you something for your gun. Don't get lost in the details, just get a good, working combination to train with (or just have fun, whatever your goal is).

Good shooting.

CR

by Marchboom 12/31/2019, 9:11 am

CR10X wrote:Dear Marchboom:

Please review the sticky's on this topic above and a search of all the previous posts for loads.

You will find more load data and opinions than you will get though trying in several years, even if reloading is your primary hobby.

Note, most competitive (accurate) loads do not use plated bullets.

Remember, every gun and barrel is slightly different. Try each weight in cast or coated and see what meets your needs at this time. In the future, your expectations, purpose or ability may lead you trying something different. By that time, you'll probably have another barrel (or gun).

The good news is that most accurate loads for most gun / barrel combinations (1911 / .45 ACP combination) tend to center around the given loads. Usually a little tweak in powder, crimp or OAL will get you something for your gun. Don't get lost in the details, just get a good, working combination to train with (or just have fun, whatever your goal is).

Good shooting.

CR

Thanks for the info. I love to do load development but I don't like to reinvent the wheel and waste time and money. I'm glad I found this forum. Lots of good/useful info.

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