Clark Custom Hardball 1911

Just thought I'd share some results from my brand new Clark Custom 1911 hardballer.  Wanted to work up a load for the short line and here is my first try.  This was 4.2g TiteGROUP under Hornady FMJs.  Distance was 25 yards and was shot resting the pistol between my knees while sitting.

Wow...I am definetly going to have to try some lighter loads.  I am shooting Nosler 185 jhp and loading 5.2 titegroup.   The Nosler folks list 4.7 as the lowest number, Ill try that.
Thanks for the information.  Thats a great looking hard ball group.
Doc

I am pretty sure Kyshooter was using 230 gr bullets. The 185s wouldn't be legal for a hardball (EIC) match.

That's correct, was using 230g FMJs.

OldMaster64 wrote:I am pretty sure Kyshooter was using 230 gr bullets. The 185s wouldn't be legal for a hardball (EIC) match.

I understand but if he is getting this kind of a group with a 230 gr bullet, I ought to be able to download a lot from 5.2 with a 185 jhp.  Im new at relaoding, if the logic isnt right let me know.
Thanks
Doc

Glad to see someone with recent Clark experience; I'd be interested to hear your impression of the gun.

71firebird400 wrote:Glad to see someone with recent Clark experience; I'd be interested to hear your impression of the gun.

Overall, I am very pleased with the fit, function, and overall quality of the build.  So far, I can't find any detail lacking.  The only options I went with were the low mount sights and the roughening of the front strap. In addition, the folks there spent a lot of time talking with me throughout the order/build process.

Let's see a picture of the gun!    Great group from a knee rest.

Dokokol

  Sorry to have to tell you this,but Yes the logic is flawed. I see you are new to re-loading and the point I was making on the weight of the bullets is why his charge was so much less. A lighter bullet can have a larger charge without exceeding chamber pressures.Another way of saying that is that it also requires a larger charge to generate the same chamber pressures.A charge as low as 4.2 in the 185 gr bullet might not even develop enough pressure to have a HP bullet clear the barrel. Most of us in bullseye load under the book loads but we work are way down and some minimum loads you just can't go below.What that minimum is for the 185gr HPs is I have no idea. My 185gr XTP loads are all at max and working up.

OldMaster64 wrote:Dokokol

  Sorry to have to tell you this,but Yes the logic is flawed. I see you are new to re-loading and the point I was making on the weight of the bullets is why his charge was so much less. A lighter bullet can have a larger charge without exceeding chamber pressures.Another way of saying that is that it also requires a larger charge to generate the same chamber pressures.A charge as low as 4.2 in the 185 gr bullet might not even develop enough pressure to have a HP bullet clear the barrel. Most of us in bullseye load under the book loads but we work are way down and some minimum loads you just can't go below.What that minimum is for the 185gr HPs is I have no idea. My 185gr XTP loads are all at max and working up.

Thanks.  Thats helpful.  Its a process... but its starting to make sense.  Thanks for the reply.

4.2 gn TG with a 185 jhp _WILL_ clear the barrel.  

You can try working down if you haven't already worked up through 4.2 on your way to 5.2.  You might be surprised to find loads down there you like.

Its a hardball gun why even use anything but what is required for hardball matches, the 230 fmj? The accuracy, zeros and feel of the gun will not relate to how things will be with the 230 bullet and load

The OP was talking about shooting 230gr. hardball.
Dockokol was surprised how small a powder charge the OP was using and was wondering if his 185s could be loaded that light also.

Dockokol, yes, most shooters load 185s lighter than 230gr.

I wouldn't hesitate to use 4.2gr titegroup for those 185gr JHPs.  THat sounds like a good load for LSWCs also.

For many years, my Clark Hardball has been my backup gun for NRA CF and 45 matches. It performs well with the 185 gr and 200 gr LSWC loads I use in my Clark Long Slide.