.45 Receipe for G21

*Klutch* · 01-27-2010, 13:10

Hey guys, I went to the range today with some reloads I made for a G21 that I recently acquired. I had a bunch of FTfeed and FTEject some stovepipes and some that never left the chamber. I'm using range brass,CCI LP primers, 5.0gr of Unique and Berry's 230gr double struck round nose with an OAL of 1.27. I also fired some Speer GD, Double Tap 230gr bonded with no issues so I know it's my load. I am looking for a good load for Unique Powder these are my first .45 and also my first anything with Unique; any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Craig

Boxerglocker · 01-27-2010, 13:18

Just a quick look at 3 of my manuals/sources shows you are loading just at the recommended starting charge. I personally always start about a third into the recommended loading range.
Make a few test loads at .1 g increasing increments till you find a charge that is relaible. Watch for pressure signs on the higher scale charges. Do not exceed the max.
One more thought, any Glock is designed to be fired with full power factory ammo. If you load light, you will get FTF's and FTE's unless you change out your recoil spring for a lighter one.

*Klutch* · 01-27-2010, 13:20

Boxer thanks for the info. I want to keep my G21 stock and adjust my charge to suit the pistol.

Adam9997 · 01-27-2010, 13:24

I use Unique with Berrys 230 plated, I use 6.2gr. Chronographed average is 866 fps.

Boxerglocker · 01-27-2010, 13:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam9997

I use Unique with Berrys 230 plated, I use 6.2gr. Chronographed average is 866 fps.

Thats pretty much Max recommended charge at 199 PF is it not? What OAL is that loaded to and what gun/length barrel?

I don't load .45 ACP much, a little FMJ 230 with WST for use out of my brother in laws duty G21. I don't have my own .45 pistol yet. Just like to collect the data for future reference.

vtbluegrass · 01-27-2010, 13:37

What boxer said is true for most pistols you encounter. If you are loading low pressure/velocity rounds you may need a lighter recoil spring. If you like the accuracy you are getting with your current load for plinking or gaming I would definitely get the springs. Recoil springs are cheap and can be changed in seconds when you want to shoot your full power factor or defense ammo.

Adam9997 · 01-27-2010, 13:43

I believe I'm close to the top. Alliant site lists max at 6.5 @ 832 fps. My OAL is 1.272-1.275. No signs of pressure on cases, little snappier than Winchesters which averaged 826fps. I have a 3rd gen G21 with a lone wolf barrel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxerglocker

Thats pretty much Max recommended charge at 199 PF is it not? What OAL is that loaded to and what gun/length barrel?

I don't load .45 ACP much, a little FMJ 230 with WST for use out of my brother in laws duty G21. I don't have my own .45 pistol yet. Just like to collect the data for future reference.

*Klutch* · 01-27-2010, 14:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam9997

I believe I'm close to the top. Alliant site lists max at 6.5 @ 832 fps. My OAL is 1.272-1.275. No signs of pressure on cases, little snappier than Winchesters which averaged 826fps. I have a 3rd gen G21 with a lone wolf barrel.

thanks Adam, I guess my load was lighter than I thought. I will be bumping up my load to 6.0; my G21 is 3rd gen but with stock barrel.

Adam9997 · 01-27-2010, 17:13

6.0 will work very well, I used it for a while and the average velocity I had was around 815 fps from a stock barrel. I also use the 6.2 in my 1911 without any problems. Good Luck

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Klutch*

thanks Adam, I guess my load was lighter than I thought. I will be bumping up my load to 6.0; my G21 is 3rd gen but with stock barrel.

BK63 · 01-27-2010, 19:42

I run 5.8 grains of Unique with a 230 grain bullet in my G30. It's not too light and not too hot for the range. I never have a jam. So as others have said 5.8 to 6 should work fine. You were definately a bit light on the charge. Once you find what your gun likes they function very well.

cgk60 · 01-27-2010, 22:40

I think your load is to light. I have to get above 5.5 grains of unique to get the pistol to function. My normal load is 6.0 grains.

RetDet · 01-27-2010, 22:51

I loaded up about 2500 rounds of 7 grains of Unique pushing a Hornaday 230 grain flat nose. It was a juicy load, and it bucked a mite, but it knocked the snot out of Col. Cooper's pepper poppers and actually made dents in them.

I had to step back to military ball for the shoot-offs to gain more recoil control.

DustyDawg48 · 01-28-2010, 08:24

Thanks for posting this info. I'm about ready to switch from Bullseye to Unique and sure enough, I'm using a G21.

Adam9997 · 01-28-2010, 08:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by DustyDawg48

Thanks for posting this info. I'm about ready to switch from Bullseye to Unique and sure enough, I'm using a G21.

Whatever loader you're using just keep checking the powder measure. I have a 550 and noticed variance when loading unique. I don't have that problem with HP-38

whitey4311 · 01-28-2010, 09:08

I use bullseye and that is all I have ever used from my 1911's to my 21sf. I found that at 1.265 col I get some variances that push out to 1.27 and its too long. I was having some issues with feeding so I backed down to 1.26 and seem to have fixed the problem.

With BE 4.5 grns at 1.265 with a FMJ 230 grn bullet is really nice. Any lighter and I could actually feel the slide movement it was so slow and at 4.0 grns BE brass was hitting my face. Right not all brass is about 2-3 ft off my shoulder in a pile so its easy on the gun and feels good to shoot.

fredj338 · 01-28-2010, 09:43

AS noted already, your load is just a bit too light. My regular practice laod is 6gr under a Berry's, Ranier or cast 230grRN @ 1.230"-1.250" depending on bullet. It makes about 850fps in a 5" gun, burns pretty clean (for Unique). It's not anywhere near max. Going to 6.5gr will get you to the top end pushing +P @ 900fps+. Lyman says yo ucan go to 7.3gr for 900fps+, but I suspect it is a bit hotter than that.

*Klutch* · 01-28-2010, 16:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredj338

AS noted already, your load is just a bit too light. My regular practice laod is 6gr under a Berry's, Ranier or cast 230grRN @ 1.230"-1.250" depending on bullet. It makes about 850fps in a 5" gun, burns pretty clean (for Unique). It's not anywhere near max. Going to 6.5gr will get you to the top end pushing +P @ 900fps+. Lyman says yo ucan go to 7.3gr for 900fps+, but I suspect it is a bit hotter than that.

Great info Fred, thanks for the advice I'm going to up my charge and seat my bullet deeper. To everyone: I would like to hear more of your loads for Unique, I'm also considering getting some W231 for the .45 and I have at least 3lbs of Titegroup but for now I mostly load my 9mm and .38 with that, but if anyone has good experience with those for .45 I'd like to hear it.
Thanks
Craig

PS- I'm looking for a new press and thinking either the Dillon Square Deal or Hornady Lock-n-Load what do you guys use and what do you think of the choices?

ilgunguygt · 01-28-2010, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Klutch*

Great info Fred, thanks for the advice I'm going to up my charge and seat my bullet deeper. To everyone: I would like to hear more of your loads for Unique, I'm also considering getting some W231 for the .45 and I have at least 3lbs of Titegroup but for now I mostly load my 9mm and .38 with that, but if anyone has good experience with those for .45 I'd like to hear it.
Thanks
Craig

PS- I'm looking for a new press and thinking either the Dillon Square Deal or Hornady Lock-n-Load what do you guys use and what do you think of the choices?

I'm not a big fan of dillon. They have a good product and good customer service, but i would buy the LNL. Take advantage of the free bullets offer they extended.

YogiBearFan · 01-28-2010, 22:56

Most common recipes call for around 5gr of a fast powder and a 230gr RN bullet of some sort.

Bullseye, Titegroup, W231, Clays, and Unique all work in that category of target load just fine.

5gr of Bullseye or 5.4gr of W231 are my main powders for loading 45acp.

ilgunguygt · 01-28-2010, 23:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by YogiBearFan

Most common recipes call for around 5gr of a fast powder and a 230gr RN bullet of some sort.

Bullseye, Titegroup, W231, Clays, and Unique all work in that category of target load just fine.

5gr of Bullseye or 5.4gr of W231 are my main powders for loading 45acp.

700x is another good powder for target loads in 45acp, it just doesnt meter great in all powder measures. My Lee Auto Disk does well with it though.

ChaneyD · 01-29-2010, 07:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Klutch*

Hey guys, I went to the range today with some reloads I made for a G21 that I recently acquired. I had a bunch of FTfeed and FTEject some stovepipes and some that never left the chamber. I'm using range brass,CCI LP primers, 5.0gr of Unique and Berry's 230gr double struck round nose with an OAL of 1.27. I also fired some Speer GD, Double Tap 230gr bonded with no issues so I know it's my load. I am looking for a good load for Unique Powder these are my first .45 and also my first anything with Unique; any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Craig

I use 5gr. Bullseye with a OAL of 1.235 on a 200gr LRNFP. Make sure your crimp is good. I use my barrel for testing my reloads. If it drops in with a nice 'clink' it's good to go.

kshutt · 01-29-2010, 13:11

My G21 shoots well with this load: Rainier plated 230RN, 6.0 grns. Unique, Federal #150 primers, and OAL @ 1.260. Your load with 5.0 grns. of Unique was just too light, and I think 1.270 is also too long. Enjoy!

rem2429 · 01-29-2010, 13:24

If it is sticking when you cycle by hand, it is your OAL. I have had this issue with my 21 and had to play with the seating depth and crimp to get it to run. I do not have my load info handy, sorry for that, but try hand cycling a mag or two.

*Klutch* · 01-29-2010, 17:50

Does anyone have the crimp measurement off hand?

ChaneyD · 01-29-2010, 17:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Klutch*

Does anyone have the crimp measurement off hand?

See my post above.