Heavier bullet than 230 gr in 45 GAP

NonPCnraRN · 10-04-2010, 16:30

Anybody use a bullet heavier than 230 gr in the 45 GAP such as the 255 gr SWC? I am thinking of a G36 because of smaller hands but then started reading about all the pros of the 45 GAP models. I want to load the Beartooth 255 gr WFN bullet. Some people like velocity, I like heavy bullets with wide meplats. I know it is doable in the 45 ACP, I have seen 45 ACP loads using the Beartooth 265 gr WFN (1911 style pistol). I am not familiar with 45 GAP pistols / loads. In the meantime I think I'll check Buffalo Bore as they make heavy bullet ammo. If anyone here has any info it would be appreciated as I like the GAP concept. The design for the case web reminds me of the 45 Super except for the small primer which makes this stubby GAP case even stronger.

***Jr.*** · 10-04-2010, 16:38

I wish, I sent a e-mail to Buffalo bore and double tap asking for just a 200 or 230 gr hardcast but no replies yet.

David_Ely · 10-04-2010, 16:50

230gr bullets is actually pushing it in the GAP round. When it was originally designed, 200gr bullets were the max. With a heavier bullet, you'd either run out of case to put powder in or the OAL would be too long. And that's not taking into account the increase in pressure that weight of bullet would add.

9mmParabellum · 10-04-2010, 16:52

200gr is about as best you are going to get in the Gap

TACC GLOCK · 10-04-2010, 16:55

Good luck with that, I have never seen anybody using anything other than 200 or 230 grain with any consistency.

fasteddie565 · 10-04-2010, 18:39

I try to shoot ammo that lauches a bullet fast enough to kill a bad guy and put the detailed emphasis, analysis and wringing of hands on how well I place said projectile where I want it to go.

jwizzl497 · 10-05-2010, 19:22

Not too hijack this but I gotta quick question. If the gap was designed around the 200g bullet - Is the 230gGAP on par with 230g ACP?

**DannyR** · 10-05-2010, 19:26

1. The 230 GAP is par with the 230ACP.

2. SWC bullets will not function in a G30 or G36 because of their short action.

3. I shoot only jacketed 200-gr bullets in my GAP's.

NonPCnraRN · 10-06-2010, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannyR

1. The 230 GAP is par with the 230ACP.

2. SWC bullets will not function in a G30 or G36 because of their short action.

3. I shoot only jacketed 200-gr bullets in my GAP's.

Related to #2 above, are the SWC loads loaded to a longer oal than 45 ACP ball? I would think that a WFN should work if the same length as ball ammo. I would like to replicate the WFN style in 45 ACP found in the 40 cal 200 gr DT load. It appears that the GAP cartridge is too short.

Rusty Phillips · 10-09-2010, 16:00

i have loaded 255 lswc's over minimal charges of titegroup

even shot the Statesville GSSF match years ago with them

no benefit over 200 or 230 grain LRN

there was a thread or two here on GT with pictures at one time but i think lost long ago

Ak.Hiker · 10-10-2010, 23:21

Double Tap loads a 230 grain Flat point FMJ at a listed 940 in the 45 GAP. Might be an option. I have shot this bullet loaded in the 45 ACP in my Glock 36 without any problems.

What? Me worry? · 10-25-2010, 20:17

So which is a better carry load.

Federal 230gr Hydra-Shoks?

Or...

Winchester 185gr Silvertips?

Those are the two loads I am considering...I just can't decide.

David_Ely · 10-25-2010, 21:10

I've never heard anything good about silvertip bullets. Go with either the Hydra-shok or better yet, Speer Gold Dots. I carry the 185gr but it seems most state agencies that issue GAPs use the 200gr.

Ak.Hiker · 10-26-2010, 00:08

Those 230 grain Hydra-Shok bullets have a good track record on the street. I prefer the penetration of the 230 grain loads so my vote is for the Hydra Shok.

What? Me worry? · 10-26-2010, 07:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by David_Ely

I've never heard anything good about silvertip bullets. Go with either the Hydra-shok or better yet, Speer Gold Dots. I carry the 185gr but it seems most state agencies that issue GAPs use the 200gr.

The main reason I like Silvertips is because of a deputy I work with, who also happens to be a good friend of mine and knows more about weapons and ammo than I will ever know.

A few years ago, he shot a bad guy in the throat with a .45ACP 230gr Gold Dot during a hostage situation. It should have killed the guy graveyard dead, DRT, but he lived, served his time in prison and is back in the world today. He does sport a cute little .45 caliber scar on his goozle and talks with a kinda growl, but the bottom line is, he lived through a shot that should have had him pushing up daisies, but instead, it never even expanded. Go figure!

The deputy immediately went back to the drawing board, shot a small fortune worth of ammo...every brand, weight, caliber, etc. and documented his results. He found that the Winchester Silvertips provided more expansion on a whole than roughly any other cartridge he fired. Today, he carries Silvertips exclusively in every weapon he owns.

For that reason, I kinda like the Silvertips.