45ACP Hardball Challenge 2024

First topic message reminder :

Hello,

Next year, I'm planning on shooting 45ACP 230 gr ball ammo in CMP EIC matches. I'm well aware that this is not necessary. Additionally, I'm not interested in the "I did this (leg out) when it was harder," discussion, as that is not fruitful.

What I *am* interested in, is the current consensus/fact/opinion on two things:

1) What really counts as "ball ammo" velocity that would have been issued on the line?
2) What sort of velocity is necessary for accuracy at 50 yards?

I've read this thread with data provided by Jack H: https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t1396-hardball-loads#6974

I've also caught basically the same information/post, though with a little more information/context from the link http://barilin.com/advice/hardball.html using the Wayback machine. I've researched other threads here that may have insight (but sadly cannot find a single test target to look at), but have mostly found discordant views.

It does seem clear that velocity has increased in commercially made 45ACP ball ammo from original introduction of the cartridge (though perhaps that is an artifact of improved chronographs). It also seems to be the case that some of the last stuff issued on the line, TZZ (or IMI, if you prefer) was known to be particularly hot. Of course, lot to lot variance can tell some of the story on perception of how hot some ammo was. So, too, can velocity measurements, as Jack H was kind enough to share, and Julian Hatcher was nice enough to write down (he said 820 fps).

So, let's hear it- what do you know about 45ACP ball ammo velocity that you'd like to share? I'm listening.


Thanks,
Chase

August 31, 2024, at Richmond Rod & Gun Club in Richmond, CA, we will be having a Service Pistol match with issued 230gn JRN hardball. The venue is quite similar to Camp Perry. We will be shooting one-handed, on our hind legs, with hardball ammo, as God and JOHN MOSES BROWNING himself intended.

john bickar wrote:August 31, 2024, at Richmond Rod & Gun Club in Richmond, CA, we will be having a Service Pistol match with issued 230gn JRN hardball. The venue is quite similar to Camp Perry. We will be shooting one-handed, on our hind legs, with hardball ammo, as God and JOHN MOSES BROWNING himself intended.

John,

I love that you have decided to hold a Service Pistol match with issued 230gr.FMJ ammo.  I will be just east of you in Fremont later this week and for the foreseeable future taking care of my youngest son.  Unfortunately, I will NOT be bring any of my shootin' irons with me otherwise I would certainly join in the fun!

Mike

mbmshooter wrote:

john bickar wrote:August 31, 2024, at Richmond Rod & Gun Club in Richmond, CA, we will be having a Service Pistol match with issued 230gn JRN hardball. The venue is quite similar to Camp Perry. We will be shooting one-handed, on our hind legs, with hardball ammo, as God and JOHN MOSES BROWNING himself intended.

John,

I love that you have decided to hold a Service Pistol match with issued 230gr.FMJ ammo.  I will be just east of you in Fremont later this week and for the foreseeable future taking care of my youngest son.  Unfortunately, I will NOT be bring any of my shootin' irons with me otherwise I would certainly join in the fun!

Mike

"Foreseeable future"?

Drive across the bridge and come shoot our league in Cupertino. First and third Wednesdays of every month, year-round.

I have guns and ammo, I'll set you up. PM me for details.

https://sunnyvalebullseyeleague.org/activities/bullseye

We could have extra guns for hardball match

1911a145 wrote:We could have extra guns for hardball match

Yeah I guess we know some people who could make that happen, don't we?

Greetings,

Tested some 1962 Federal Match Ball over the weekend.

IMI NM7791414 barrel mounted in a mechanical fixture.

Distance was 50 yards.

Cheers,

Dave