Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Anyone know where to obtain 45 ACP +P reload data?

I have not specifically seen +p 45 acp load data published in any of the recent load manuals I have. I do recall some older manuals having published +P data.

SAAMI says, a +P load vs std pressure:
185 @ 1130 vs 995
230 @ 975 vs 915

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/ ... ulletid=59

has a 185 power pistol load at 1047, not quite a full +P load, but certianly hotter than standard load velocity.

My suspicions is that due to the low (2000 PSI) difference between a standard and +P pressure level, and the inability for the home re-loader to detect pressure signs in a relatively low pressure case, that you are not going to find to many companies willing to publish such data.

I think most of the loads for .45 +P that I have seen have been online. That being said, if you use online data make sure it is verified, from a reputable source, and not just Joe Schmo saying, "I did this and my gun didn't blow up!". Also, if you do load +P ammo I would recommend have separate brass that is already marked +P so you don't confuse your loads. Starline makes new brass that is marked +P.

I've been loading .45 ACP for a few years now, and really haven't seen the need to try and load +P ammo. It's not advisable to carry handloads for self defense, and shooting +P loads at the range is more expensive and much less fun than a nicely tuned target reload.

Just my .02.

-Ryan

Thanks for the replies.

Was curious as to the difference if FPS, and energy and if it was worth the trouble.

DW44VH wrote:Was curious as to the difference if FPS, and energy and if it was worth the trouble.

5-15% more velocity, 10-30% more energy. Energy is mass x velocity^2 so velocity plays much more a role than mass, which is why the 230's have little difference, and the 185's are MUCH more energetic.

Worth the trouble, depends on your goals... the paper, and the berm won't notice the difference.

For hunting the gains on the 185 will substantially reduced by the time you get the 50-100yds to the target.

Making 'cheap' practice ammo that shoots like your carry ammo.... now there is a possible advantage.

jdonovan wrote: Making 'cheap' practice ammo that shoots like your carry ammo.... now there is a possible advantage.

That would be interesting to try and do

jdonovan wrote:Making 'cheap' practice ammo that shoots like your carry ammo.... now there is a possible advantage.

+1

This is why most of my handgun reloads are fairly hot. Not overpressure, but towards the high end. I shoot my IDPA matches with them too. Could get better scores with barely legal loads, but I compete how I want to fight.

Looked at what I have stored on my laptop, as I am away at training, and some of the loads have near max pressure but none are listed as +P. I would agree there is probably more payoff with the 185 gr and 200 Gr loads when shot hot versus the 230 gr in the form of flatter trajectory and more energy on target. Everything is a balancing game though between barrel length, bullet weight, bullet construction and velocity to get appropriate performance on target. Massad Ayoob has a good article at the following links; http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/ayoob93.html . Chuck Hawk has a good article for carry loads at http://www.chuckhawks.com/ammo_by_anonymous.html . Lots of good loads out there from the factory for carry. Lots of good bullets for the reloader.

First, you are starting low and working up slowly until you see pressure signs or get the velocity you are looking for? RIGHT!

Second, Find 45Super or 45 Rowland data. Find 45ACP data for the same powder. Work up your load until you are happy.

Third, what gun are you loading for? If it has an unsupported barrel, don't blow your self up. If your gun is under-sprung you will beat it to death by running hot loads.

I have generally seen a decrease in accuracy with an increase in velocity. I also think the .45 works very well with standard loads. I would say if you need or want more look into another caliber. Your gun will thank you.

Thanks for all the replies and information.

Was just curious as to whether or not it was worth it.

I reload all my ammunition for all my firearms.