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Posted: 4/28/2014 4:28:59 PM EDT
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I wanted to post this follow-up to the thread I started on reloading 45 ACP.
Link to Archived Thread I finally got to the range to do some chronographing. Overall, velocities are lower than I had hoped for, so an increased powder charge is required to reach my goal of 830 fps. Here are the results. 230 gr RNL, 5.25 gr W231, WLP primer, 1.230" OAL Avg = 772 fps, SD = 12, n = 6 230 gr Plated RN, 4.50 gr W231, WLP, 1.230" OAL Avg = 666 fps, SD = 12, n = 4 5.25 gr W231, otherwise same as above Avg = 735 fps, SD = 6, n = 4 230 gr JHP, 4.50 gr W231, WLP, 1.230" OAL Avg = 662 fps, SD = 6, n = 5 5.25 gr W231, otherwise same as above Avg = 740 fps, SD = 32, n = 3 These were fired from a 5" barreled Colt Gold Cup. |
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According to Lee, WIN231
Lead, max. charge is 5.1, 870fps. Jacketed, max. charge 5.1, 785fps. Maybe chrono is off. Maybe your expectations for 231 are a little too high. I know powder is hard to come by, but there are better choices. For jacketed I use Vihtavuori v-N340 or v-n350. For lead I use Unique, but not for velocity. |
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Thanks for the RNL info. Lead bullet loading data are scarce.
This data was taken with a CED M2 chrono and compares favorably with older data taken using a Pact Pro. I have never gotten the results stated in loading manuals and I have used many different chronographs, even Oehlers. My results are always lower than the manuals. This was true for almost every pistol and rifle powder I have ever tried. Offhand, I can't think of a single time when I was above the speeds given in the manuals. I have a TON of W231, and have used it for decades. So, for now, I am sticking with it, no matter the results. I dislike Unique because of how dirty it is, with no perceived benefit. I've tried others but always come back to W231. Winchester shows a max of 5.6 gr for 230 gr FMJ; Sierra shows 5.7 gr max for 230 FMJ. You may notice the powder charge variations in my loads. I will use that data to establish the parameters for further testing/development. It indicates about a full grain increase is needed but I will work up slowly. I have some older data (different lot of powder) that shows 230 gr JHP with 5.6 gr W231 yielded about 830 fps, so that's where I may end up. I also have some older data that shows 5.4 gr to 5.5 gr should get me up into the 830 fps range for the 230 gr RNL. I am careful in my reloading. |
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I like WSF( or similar slower powder)if you want moderate speed in 45.
GD's and XTP's and WSF go well together. 90% of my 45 loads are LSWC's with a faster powder(mostly WST)with a speed of 700-750 fps. 231 is sorta the jack of all trades and master of none 45 powder. |
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Quoted:
I like WSF( or similar slower powder)if you want moderate speed in 45. GD's and XTP's and WSF go well together. 90% of my 45 loads are LSWC's with a faster powder(mostly WST)with a speed of 700-750 fps. 231 is sorta the jack of all trades and master of none 45 powder. Yes, I selected it for its versatility and clean-burning characteristics. I use it for 9 mm, 38/357 and 45 ACP. I have a lot of info from my prior use of WSF in 45ACP. It's a good powder. |
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Quoted:
Seems a little slow to me, how far from the muzzle was the Chrony? The chronograph was about 15 feet down range. I did not correct the data to get back to a true muzzle velocity. As I said above, my measured values for handguns have always been low/slow. It's okay, though, I will carefully work my way up to where I want to be without going over-pressure. |
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