Hardball Loads

Richard Ashmore wrote:

spursnguns wrote:Hello gents,

I was looking for some assistance in two .45 ACP loads that I am trying to develop. Top accuracy is the goal.

One of the criteria is to use a [b]commercial</STRONG> 230 grain full metal jacketed bullet. Any Recommendations?

I've been happy using the Remington .45-230 FMJ over 4.8 grains of WST.

That's the poweder and weight I like as well.

Thanks, gentlemen.

Do you have any idea what velocity you may be getting?

Jim

I've had excellent results in my ball gun with Zero 230 gr FMJ and N310. BTW, N310 is about the same as Clays.

spursnguns wrote:Thanks, gentlemen.

Do you have any idea what velocity you may be getting?

Jim

No, I only worry about group size

I was just south of 800 fps. I loaded all the way up to 5.0 or 5.1 at 1.250 to get to 820 or so. I bet most chronos are not as accurate as most yard sticks when it comes to group size.

Centered group size from hand in a big match is all that counts.

Thanks. You are all correct about the importance of the final results, i. e. hits in the X. This particular case holds some extra criteria....

I'm helping a new shooter transition to shooting hardball one handed. He is at a good place with my typical 185 grain target load and now we will be starting with a moderate recoiling hardball load. With his success there I can step him up to a full load. I'm paying attention to the recoil for him so that no bad habits develop and accuracy for his confidence.

I appreciate all of your input.

Jim

Just as a point of reference. I have a bunch of 1971 military Match 45acp hardball ammo (FC71) and it is labeled as 820fps (classic Hatcher rec). It kicks NOTICEABLY more than my test 4.7gn WST load for the long line.

Right now I use the fc71 for the long line, and my handloads 4.3gn WST for the short line.

Here is a site I found that also has NSK's info from my "compilation" thread posted earlier, and also a bunch of chrono info by various folks. Roddy Toyota's info may be particularly useful to you.

http://barilin.com/advice/hardball.html

jakuda wrote:Here is a site I found that also has NSK's info from my "compilation" thread posted earlier, and also a bunch of chrono info by various folks. Roddy Toyota's info may be particularly useful to you.

[url=http://barilin.com/advice/hardball.html

http://barilin.com/advice/hardball.html[/quote[/url]]

Thanks, Jakuda.

Jim

The "Roddy Toyota" data was actually produced by me with my Toyota ball gun* on my chronograph. One load was also over Roddy's chronograph to compare. These data were made in the midst of my Distinguished pursuit, 2000-2004. My best SF with the titegroup was a 94. I strongly suggest these loads for SF:

4.8 Titegroup or 5.2 N320 for 50 yds with Sierra 230, WLP. Brass might be better to be new Starline, but I did not see any improvemrnt over once fired Winchester brass. Crimp to a .001-.002 bite into the bullet (meaning .003-.004 less than straight wall brass diameter)

*The Toyota ball gun has a Roddy tested target of ten shots from the Ransom at 1 1/16". 50yds with the 185 Nosler bullet, Starline, WLP, N310. Nine of the shots easily made a 1" group.



UMC yellow box.....................avg 834
USA white box......................avg 845
USA on Roddy's chrono .............avg 852
Fed AE45A..........................avg 867
Fed 45A auto match Classic.........avg 873
1979 purchased Fed 45A MATCH.......avg 820

4.8 Titegroup......................avg 815
5.2 N320...........................avg 820
4.6 HBE............................avg 785
4.6 ABE............................avg 786
5.1 N320...........................avg 811

Chronograph results: 24 May 2003 Factory Hardball from Toyota ball pistol
Fed AE45A..................................avg 867
Fed 45A auto match Classic.................avg 873
1979 purchased Federal red box 45A MATCH...avg 820
UMC yellow box.............................avg 834
USA white box..............................avg 845
USA on Roddy's chrono 2 weeks before.......avg 852



5.2 N320 avg 820

5.1 N320 avg 811

Jack H wrote:The "Roddy Toyota" data was actually produced by me with my Toyota ball gun* on my chronograph. ........

Good to know Jack!

How did the Federal 1979 match ammo shoot? Was it the military match ammo?

thanks

jakuda wrote:

Jack H wrote:The "Roddy Toyota" data was actually produced by me with my Toyota ball gun* on my chronograph. ........

Good to know Jack!

How did the Federal 1979 match ammo shoot? Was it the military match ammo?

thanks

No. The 45A Match ammo was leftover from my 70s shooting. It was commercial Federal from the good old days. It sat on the shelf for the 80s and most of the 90s. I stopped most shooting for about 20 years while raising two daughters to and thru college. Both graduated with BS or BA degrees. Younger daughter almost has her MBA along with her BS.

Jack H wrote:I stopped most shooting for about 20 years while raising two daughters to and thru college. Both graduared with BS or BA degrees. Younger daughter almost has her MBA along with her BS.

It sounds like you paid your dues. Good for you (and them).

Great information.

Jim

OT - But to blow my horn a bit more.
Younger kid went on to get the MBA and has added another BS and DC
Total sheepskins: BS, PTA, MBA, BS, DC

And also the Toyota HB gun has been converted to a second wad gun.  Keeping the HB parts of course

Sierra #8815 was the bullet my pistol liked back in the day.
Phil