45 ACP load

[Hecklerusp45]

I want to load up some 45 ACP for use in my HK USP 45. I would like to come as close as I can to the USGI load. I have the .451 dia., 230 gr. "hard ball" slugs and plan to use HP-38. Does anyone know what powder charge should be used?

[Duane Hansen]

Just do a Google Search and you can find all the info that you could ever possibly need.

[Parashooter]

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

.45 ACP
Case: Winchester
Twist: 1:16"
Primer: Federal 150, Large Pistol
Barrel Length: 5"
Trim Length: .893"

Bullet 230 GR. HDY FMJ FP
Starting Load then Maximum Load
Manuf. Powder Diam. C.O.L. Grs. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. (ft/s) Pressure
Hodgdon HP-38 .451" 1.200" 4.2 751 13,800 CUP 5.3 832 16,800 CUP

[Hecklerusp45]

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

.45 ACP
Case: Winchester
Twist: 1:16"
Primer: Federal 150, Large Pistol
Barrel Length: 5"
Trim Length: .893"

Bullet 230 GR. HDY FMJ FP
Starting Load then Maximum Load
Manuf. Powder Diam. C.O.L. Grs. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. (ft/s) Pressure
Hodgdon HP-38 .451" 1.200" 4.2 751 13,800 CUP 5.3 832 16,800 CUP

I did see that data and most likely will use it. The only reason I asked was because that data was for the FMJ FP and I was wondering if there was different data out there for the hard ball slug. Thanks for the reply.

[Sunray]

The hard ball slug is an FMJ. The FP means flat point. FP's feed just fine out of my Colt.
Anyway, load for the bullet weight using jacketed bullet data for an FMJ. Who made it or its shape doesn't matter. Odd that Hodgdon gives pretty much the exact same load for a cast 230 though.

[Parashooter]

Perhaps more study of available materials is indicated. Following is from Hodgdon site at http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-education/tips-and-tricks . Lots more good stuff is there for those who look around a bit.

Which Data Do I Use When My Specific Bullet Is Not Listed?

Hodgdon Powder Company provides reloading data that covers most bullets available today. However, because there are so many bullet shapes, styles, and construction configurations we cannot create data for every single one. If you cannot find your particular bullet in the reload data there is good news. We provide data in enough variations in most calibers to give you a safe alternative.

Current rifle bullets are constructed with a jacket/lead core or single material (such as all-copper). Bullets with lead cores typically display lower pressures than bullets of all copper or gilding metal structure. As such, we show data for both style bullets in a given weight, as often as possible. For example, should you have a Hornady GMX solid core hunting bullet, but our data for that weight bullet only shows a Speer lead core bullet and a Barnes all copper TSX bullet, use the data for the Barnes bullet. The GMX and TSX bullets being of similar metals and shape, can utilize the same data.

Pistol bullets create the same situation, having even more changes in shape and type. There are lead bullets, copper plated lead bullets, copper-jacketed lead core bullets, and frangible bullets. Frangible bullets are unique such that we always show separate data for them (and recommend not using any other bullet type data).

Lead bullets and copper plated lead bullets yield very similar pressure and velocity results, so when the weights are the same, the same data may be used for each. Jacketed Lead core bullets come in a variety of configurations. Jacketed Hollow points and Jacketed Flat points of the same weight use the same data. Round nosed, lead core, full metal jacketed bullets of the same weight can also use the same data.

In conclusion, bullets with similar shapes and construction materials will utilize the same data. And, above all else, work up your loads by starting with the beginning load and increase charges in small increments, at all times watching for case head pressure signs and stiff extraction.

[Hefights]

I'm running Win 231 for 230 gr FMJ. Win 231 is the same as HP-38 and Hodgdon shows identical data. For me 5.0 gr works great and duplicates factory loads.

As the manual always says, work up the loads.

[Hecklerusp45]

Thanks for all of the replies. I am now using 5.0 gr of HP-38, but recoil felt "light" so I wanted to ask around.

[barretcreek]

Here's a suggestion. Look at as much data you find for HP38/231 with similar bullets to the one you want. Try a couple different loads and pick the one which puts the ejected cases closest together, or throws them in the same area as the GI load you wish to copy. My 1911s throw the cases from different loads to different places. Just my off the wall method. Don't know if the HK will do the same.

[Hecklerusp45]

Here's a suggestion. Look at as much data you find for HP38/231 with similar bullets to the one you want. Try a couple different loads and pick the one which puts the ejected cases closest together, or throws them in the same area as the GI load you wish to copy. My 1911s throw the cases from different loads to different places. Just my off the wall method. Don't know if the HK will do the same.

not a bad idea, thanks.

[Former Cav]

Chronographed loads for you. Scroll down to number 16.
HTH
Bob

CRONOGRAPHED LOADS through an Oehler 35P



1) with an M1A Springfield in 7.62 Nato.
ONce fired LC brass from scharch mfg.
Large rifle winchester brand primers (standard)
150 Hornady brand BTSP bullets
45.0 grains of varget brand powder
HIgh 2755, LOW 2710, AVG 2722 Spread 45 Std Dev 18
Very Accurate Load, tight groups, 1 in with IRON sights and 62 year old eyes!

2) Radway green 1985 same rifle 2699 (one round only)

3) Load as above ( in load number 1) but through a FAL SAR 48 Match rifle
High 2736, LOW 2696, AVG 2721 Spread 40 Std Dev 17

4) FAL SAR 48 Match rifle
Radway Green 1985
High 2824, Low 2786, AVG 2801, Spread 38 Std Dev 20
CAVIM 1990
High 2666, Low 2633, AVG 2645, Spread 33 Std Dev 13
These are both very accurate and are TIGHT groups. 1 in at 100 or less!!
Wish I had 100 cases of each!

5) M1A Springfield in 7.62 Nato
Remington Peters Nickel Brass (easier to find)
CCI # 34 (magnum rated) primers
44.5 Grains Varget
High 2761, Low 2742, AVG 2751 Spread 19 Std Dev 9

6) CAVIM 1990 dated
High 2716, Low 2699, AVG 2710, spread 17 Std Dev 9
Very accurate as above in the FAL

7) Bulgarian Makarov
Sellier and Bellot ammo
910 (one round with me only... too bad)

8) Wolf brand for above
High 1071 Low 1049, AVG 1057 Spread 22 Std Dev 11

9) Savage Rifle, bolt, 1 in 8 twist Kreiger SS barrel 6.5 x .284
Lapua Brass
Lg Rifle Winchester Brand standard primer
142 Sierra Match King MOLY coated
48.3 Grains Hodgdon 4831 SC
High 2735, LOW 2687, AVG 2716, Spread 48, Std Dev 25

10) Savage Rifle, Bolt, 1 in 9.25 savage barrel .243 winchester
R/P Nickel Brass
Standard Large Rifle Winchester Brand primers
75 Grain Hornady Brand VMAX MOLY coated
39.7 grains Varget
High 3308, Low 3212, AVG 3272, Spread 96 Std Dev 52

11) AK type 56 Poly tech 7.62 x 39
Chicom copper washed bullets 1967 dated
High 2374, Low 2345, Avg 2357, Spread 29, Std Dev 10

12) Savage Rifle, Bolt, 25-06 savage barrel (shot out in 750 rounds!!)
R/P Nickel Brass
Standard large rifle Winchester brand primers
117 grains Sierra BT MOLY coated
40.8 Varget
High 2747, Low 2734, AVG 2706 Spread 46, Std Dev 23
This was the most WORTHLESS caliber I have ever owned. It became the 6.5 x .284

13) YUGO M48 8 mm Mauser Bolt rifle.. from Ames for about $89 way back when
8MM Turk surplus ammo 1944 date brass case on stripper clips
Unassembled.. bullet weights 155.0, 154.9, 154.0, 154.0, and 153.9
Powder is flake type weighs 49.1, 48.9, 49.2, 49.1 and 49.1 (pretty consistent)
High 2836, Low 2800 AVG 2815 Spread 36, Std Dev 17

14) Romanian Ammo 1972 date, painted laquered green steel case
High 2621, Low 2602, AVG 2608, Spread 19, Std Dev 07

15) |AR 15 DPMS 1 in 8 twist “service rifle” for NRA highpower
LC Brass
Standard small rifle Winchester brand primers
77 grain sierra match king MOLY coated
24.5 grains Varget
High 2667, LOW 2600, AVG 2633, Spread 67 Std Dev 26

16) Colt Govt Model 1911 in 45
MIXED brass
Large Standard Pistol Winchester brand primers
200 grain semi wad cutter bevel based
5.7 grains of Winchester #231 powder
High 855, Low 827, Avg 845, Spread 28, Std Dev 10
Same pistol, PMC brand factory loads 230 BALL FMJ
High 826, Low 797, Avg 806, Spread 29, Std Dev 11
I use 5.4 grains of Win #231 powder behind the 230 grain FMJ.
YOu can buy good 230's from
https://precisiondelta.com/
good prices and GREAT bullets.

This is through a Oehler 35 P Chronograph and is about 8 years worth of data
Sadly, I’ve sold lots of these weapons. Just don’t have enough room for them.

Dec 12, 2014

A friend and I went out to table mesa yesterday.
Looks like nobody is obeying the signs about taking up your trash.
any how... here is some load data through a Oehler 35P chronograph
38 SPCL through a model 64, 4 inch, double action only round but SS from J&G sales for $279 (recently)
4.7 grains of Winchester 231 powder with winchester brand standard small pistol primers in remington brass, 158 Grain Lead SWC.
High 928
Low 875
Spread 53
Average 903
Standard Deviation 17
This is a nice accurate load. Probably a 38+P load is my guess.

44SPCL through a model 396 S&W 3 inch barrel, round butt, SS, target sights. Bought NEW many years ago.
All bullets Montana Gold brand 240 Grain Jacketed, flat point with lead exposed. (not really a hollow point)
With 5.5 Grains of WIn 231, Standard Large pistol winchester primers, Mixed cases. (Win and Rem and Starfire)
H 666
L 622
SPD 44
A 642
SD 16

As above but with 6.0 grain of Win 231
H 720
L 664
SPD 56
A 692
SD 22

As above but with 6.5 Grains of Win 231
H 776
L 755
SPD 21
A 762
SD 11

These were 5 round groups for the 44. 6 rounds for the 38.

The last load barks harder then does my 45 auto with 230 FMJ at 850 FPS.

I didn't get to test my 7.62 Nato loads as a sky screen upright shattered.........WHEN WE WERE DONE SHOOTING.... go figure.! I think they got hard and brittle in this Phoenix climate even though I keep it all in the house in an Air Conditioned room.

My friend shot his 55 grain PMC .223 and it was 3095 FPS.

[Former Cav]

BTW... I've also fired that load through the HK USP 45, Colt Gov't model series 70 Mark IV, springfield GI model, FN-FNX45, Glock model 30, and Kimber Polymer target with all the same results.