45 loads with 230RNL

rost495 · 05-16-2005, 08:02 AM

May not be the best place to post, but I'm in a bit of a hurry. I need to load up a few thousand rounds of 45 ammo with 230 RNL hard cast bullets. I don't need or want full power. Last time I loaded was with WW231. I am going to have a friend pickup 8 pounds of powder next weekend so its on hand.

Question is, whats the best option on powder? I'd prefer something clean burning. I'm all set on 231 again BUT could be swayed with the right info.

Again note its lead hard cast, not jacketed rounds. And something on the lines of reduced power.

I'm not a fan of AA at all since their powder can vary so much from lot to lot. BUT since 8 pounds is a lot of pistol powder I could accept this.

Thanks in advance, Jeff

05-16-2005, 11:52 AM

Well, I like Unique or bullseye 4-5gr . But you said clean. So I can't help you on that one.

Oops, I think I just figured out your not talking 45 colt here but 45ACP? Right? Scratch my previous post.

charlie brown · 05-16-2005, 12:11 PM

I use 5.4 grs of 231 behind a 230 gr LRN 96/6/2 alloy. It works fine for me. Pretty clean. I can go through over a hundred rounds without having any problems from fowling build up.

I am not sure what gun you have, but that is the middle of the road load for 231 with that bullet according to the Speer #12 Manual.

Roskoe · 05-16-2005, 12:22 PM

I have loaded 5.O grains of 231 behind a 230 lead round nose with good results. Use Federal primers and military brass. Pleasant load to shoot, but will still function in most guns without going to a lighter recoil spring. Another powder, if you can still find it, is WW 452 AA. This stuff has about the mildest recoil @ velocity of any propellant for the .45. It has been discontinued for about 10 years now. I think it was replaced by WW Super Lite (or maybe Super Target). Roskoe

Charley · 05-16-2005, 12:53 PM

I'm a dinosaur, always load my .45 ACPs with Flammable Dirt, AKA Unique, or Red Dot. The "new" Unique is cleaner burning than the old, BTW.

rost495 · 05-16-2005, 03:52 PM

Thanks to all!! And huge mental oops on my end. Yep its a 45 ACP in my Kimber Ultra Carry. Not a 45LC. Sorry about that.

Seems like 231 is still ok. Might look into the superlite though depending on what the gun show has to offer.

THanks again, Jeff

James B · 05-18-2005, 03:59 AM

The 230 grain RN is a dead give away thats its the 45 Auto. Its hard to do much better than the 231 all things considered. I gotta get busy and do a bunch of 45 auto too.

Its been so long since we have had any range weather that its hard to get fired up.

HighDesertWolf · 05-19-2005, 01:30 AM

cant go wrong with 231, with lead cast i usually go with fast powder seems to reduce the lead fouling, I dont really worry about dirty powders aslong as the lead fouling is reduced. I use alot of vectan BA10 for my target loads using 200 grain LSWC's (atleast untill i run out) and Clays or HP38 for my other cast lead 45 acp loads. I use power pistol or unique with my jacketed bullet loads.