.45 ACP loads for the DW

[walleyekiller]

Hi Guys,

As I await the arrival of my Guardian (.45) I'm trying to get prepared for some serious range time. That being the case I have a reloading question for you guys that have experience running reloads through the DW's.

First, I plan to do my break-in (500-600 rounds) with factory ball ammo. After that, I'm all about running reloads through my guns. So my question comes down to which recipe to go with. My beloved Sig P-220 .45 will eat anything you feed it, but I have been reading that the DW's, LB's, and a few other high-end firearms are very sensitive about what they will eat.

In the past I have used mostly cast SWC rounds and I load them using Red Dot or Hodgden Universal and have not had issues. However, a friend of mine had a Kimber and it would literally FTF every other round.

What is your preferred bullet for the DW? Also, which bullets would you stay far away from?

Thanks for your inputs!!!

George (Future COTEP cadet)

[lowery100]

A favorite of mine is 5gr of Red Dot with a 200 swc. Seems to be a very accurate load in my DW CBOB and my Kimber TLE II.

[rbert0005]

You'll probably have to find your own.
The load I use for just about everything is 200 Grn LSWC over 5.1 Grns of 231. 1.245 " long

Bob

[hdm25]

Originally Posted by walleyekiller

but I have been reading that the DW's, LB's, and a few other high-end firearms are very sensitive about what they will eat.

If it's truly high-end, it shouldn't be too picky about what it will eat.

[Dangerous]

200gr LSWC over 5.2gr of W231 or HP38 OAL adjusted so about 1/32 inch of shoulder is proud of the mouth. Crimp to .470

This is the most accurate load I have found for my PM Aussie.

[1911jr]

Originally Posted by hdm25

If it's truly high-end, it shouldn't be too picky about what it will eat.

That could be the case.

But I don't run 87 octane in my Testsrosa anymore.

[hdm25]

Originally Posted by 1911jr

That could be the case.

But I don't run 87 octane in my Testsrosa anymore.

Not a valid comparison at all.

To me, a "high-end" gun has as it's primary requirement extreme reliability. This means that it shouldn't be picky. If "high-end" means something else (aesthetic appeal, accuracy over reliability, etc.), then feel free to use the term in that manner but, in regard to handguns, reliability should be king.

[Tubbs]

I have found that 4 gr Clays is pretty much good under any 200 gr Plated or Lead combo. I use that load for 200 gr Plated RN, SWC, and LRN.

[walleyekiller]

Originally Posted by rbert0005

You'll probably have to find your own.
The load I use for just about everything is 200 Grn LSWC over 5.1 Grns of 231. 1.245 " long

Bob

Great information, thanks!! I like the fact that you guys included your preference on overall length and crimping because I was going to ask if DW's like something a little longer or shorter.

When the new toy gets here in March and I run some loads through it and I'll report back and let you know what I find. Thanks for your starting points.

Thanks again and safe shooting to all,

George

[Bald1]

I do NOT recommend this load to others but it works well for me at the altitude I live at:
--- 200gr hardcast SWC (H&G #68) over 6.0 gr W231 or ZIP OAL 1.240 / Lee crimp die finish ---
For whatever reason it's the most accurate (ironically also with the smallest SD) between 5.0 and 6.0grs that I get out of any of my 1911s. No barrel fouling issues either.

[HAIL CAESAR]

Originally Posted by Dangerous

200gr LSWC over 5.2gr of W231 or HP38 OAL adjusted so about 1/32 inch of shoulder is proud of the mouth. Crimp to .470

This is the most accurate load I have found for my PM Aussie.

That is my load too. I also load with 5.7 for alittle more juice.

[Blaster3094]

My Valor likes a 200gr LSWC over 6.3gr of Unique.

[CalWhit33]

No love for bullseye

[rduckwor]

Originally Posted by Dangerous

200gr LSWC over 5.2gr of W231 or HP38 OAL adjusted so about 1/32 inch of shoulder is proud of the mouth. Crimp to .470

This is the most accurate load I have found for my PM Aussie.

I run 5.6-5.6 Gr W231 under a Mo Bullets 200 Gr LSWC. Makes PF for IDPA and USPSA and shoots pretty good. Primers? Whatever I can find aside from Wolf.

[parisite]

Originally Posted by CalWhit33

No love for bullseye

I've tried a plethora of powders of all makes and nothing, I mean nothing, I've tried shoots any better than Bullseye. I keep coming back to it.

I like 4.7gr behind a 200gr LSWC.

[CZJedi]

For my PM 7, I have great results with 180 gr. LSWC over 4.0 gr. of WST with Winchester Primers. Very accurate; very light.

[Horoscope Fish]

Certainly nothing wrong with Bullseye, though I think there are cleaner choices. Personally, WST is the powder I keep coming back to.

Using 5.0 grains under a 230 grain "black bullet" gives me a nice, punchy, load, with almost zero smoke. I'm lovin' WST.

[Dave Bob]

200 grain SWC 4.9 WST, clean accurate and makes major in all my 1911s including commander size. My cbob loves em.

Dave

[CalWhit33]

Originally Posted by Horoscope Fish

Certainly nothing wrong with Bullseye, though I think there are cleaner choices. Personally, WST is the powder I keep coming back to.

Using 5.0 grains under a 230 grain "black bullet" gives me a nice, punchy, load, with almost zero smoke. I'm lovin' WST.

Maybe when my pound of bullseye runs out ill try some WST. Does anybody offer a sample pack where you can load up 50-100 rds of each powder just for trials?

[CZJedi]

Originally Posted by CalWhit33

Does anybody offer a sample pack where you can load up 50-100 rds of each powder just for trials?

I think you just found your new internet business!

[sophijo]

I've been happy with 225 Truncated cone (Mastercast.net) with 4.8gr WST.
OAL 1.220

[WheresTheExit]

Love WST - we run 4.2 - 4.3 behind a 230gr FMJ - soft, clean, and muzzle flash is non-existant. You'll love it in low light

[JDSig]

My main load is 4.1gr clays and any 200gr lead head I can get. LSWC and RNFP.

3.9gr clays and a 230gr LRN works good too.

[Ken45101]

I see everyone here replying with SWC and RN loads.

Does anyone shoot premium JHP ammo with their DWs? (Or are they just range guns?) Are there any bullets which the DWs have problems with?

Ken

[Tubbs]

Originally Posted by Ken45101

I see everyone here replying with SWC and RN loads.

Does anyone shoot premium JHP ammo with their DWs? (Or are they just range guns?) Are there any bullets which the DWs have problems with?

Ken

I don't load hardly any jacket bullets due to cost. I load to shoot high volume which usually consists of lead. When i shoot JHP for defense i buy factory. Just because its easier, i prefer factory rounds for saving my but, and again the cost. Some people like them and load them up but i choose not to.