Using "Clays" powder for .45 Auto Loads

I can't find Bullseye powder anywhere, but I can get some Clays. I've heard it is used for .45 Auto loads, but have no experience with it, nor do any of my shooting friends. Any suggestions for both 185 and 230 grain loads? I'm shooting a M1911A1 with a slide-mounted UltraDot scope. Thanks in advance for any data, Bill.

I use a lot of it for 50' and 25 yds. 196 gr H&G 130 (I use range scrap) with 3.8 gr Clays, crimped to .468, mixture of brass. This load will cut a ragged hole (3/4" or less) with 3 1911's with Kart barrels at 25 yards for a 10 shot group.

I use a lot of it for 50' and 25 yds. 196 gr H&G 130 (I use range scrap) with 3.8 gr Clays, crimped to .468, mixture of brass. This load will cut a ragged hole (3/4" or less) with 3 1911's with Kart barrels at 25 yards for a 10 shot group. 2 of the three have slide mounted ultra dots, 12# springs.

When I was shooting the .45 I used 185gr Zero JHP at the long line with 4.38gr of Clays.
Aimpoint H1 on the slide with a 12 pound recoil spring.
Pretty accurate load for me and the pistol.
Clarence

Clays is a good powder but it has a few flaws, its very light and if used in a progressive press it can bounce out of the case if not careful also it doesn't meter very good so you can get inconsistent loads sometimes. Another thing to be sure of is that the loads being used is for "Clays" there are a few types of clays like universal clays you want just plain clays.

I use....

4.2 grains of CLAYS

Nosler/Zero 185 grains Jacketed Hollow Point

1.210" Over all length

0.469" Crimp

....very accurate and perfect functioning.



It is said that CLAYS is somewhat temperature sensitive, but I have not had any issues with it. Albeit; during very hot days on the range, I keep my ammunition in a cooler (no ice).



Jim

I have read of people using anywhere between 3.8 and 4.2 grains of Clays. I burned through a bunch. As noted, it doesn't meter well in a lot of presses, but it tends to shoot well.

C.Perkins wrote:When I was shooting the .45 I used 185gr Zero JHP at the long line with 4.38gr of Clays.

Clarence

4.38 grains....you must have one precise scale!

Jim

Jim;
It is an average of 10 weighed loads from my powder drop.
Clays is very temperature sensitive.
I know the load seems hot but when shooting during the winter in Phoenix(yah, I know, but it does get cold here too) you can tell that it gets a bit sluggish in recoil.
During the spring and summer, keep it in the shade.
Clarence.

C.Perkins wrote:Jim;
It is an average of 10 weighed loads from my powder drop.
Clays is very temperature sensitive.
I know the load seems hot but when shooting during the winter in Phoenix(yah, I know, but it does get cold here too) you can tell that it gets a bit sluggish in recoil.
During the spring and summer, keep it in the shade.
Clarence.

I thought as much, Clarence.

What type of powder drop are you using? I'm a big CLAYS fan, but I know it does not meter well. I have been known to scoop/weigh charges for some match use.

Jim

Jim;
I have been using a Lee pro 1000 for the last umteen years now(I just do not use the priming portion, I hand prime).
It has the Lee disc powder drop with a baffle in the bottom of the hopper.
What I do is tap the top of the hopper 3 times with 3 fingers of my left hand to get consistent loads.
I started this method when reloading for my model 52-1 cause it uses such a light load of 2.8gr Bullseye and I did not want to deviate more than .1gr load to load.
Tapping on the top of the hopper 3 times and I have no, none whatsoever deviation between loads(well not more than .05gr anyway cause they all weigh on my scale at 2.8gr).
When shooting the M52 you have to have consistency pure and simple.
Clarence