[TN.Frank]

As always loads for the 45acp using a 230gr cast bullet using Unique are all over the place. Lee book lists one and only one load, 5.0grs. Speer has two, 5.3grs to Start and 5.8grs as Max.
Lyman really takes the cake, 5.5grs to Start and 7.3grs as Max, 7.3grs, wow. Anyway, added em' all up and the average for all the loads is 5.9grs which is close to the Speer Max of 5.8grs. Wonder if I should start with 5.6grs to play it safe then bump up 1grs at a time until I get to 5.8grs just to see how things go OR should I just jump in with both feet and go with the 5.8grs since it's way under the Max Load suggested by the Lyman book?
What are some of ya'll pet loads for a stock 1911a1 Commander size semi-auto? Thanks.

[DoctaGlockta]

I usually use 5.8 for 230 grain LRN and 6.0 for plated but that is out of a G30sf. I'm not worthy of a 1911 yet. Good luck.

[TN.Frank]

Originally Posted by DoctaGlockta

I usually use 5.8 for 230 grain LRN and 6.0 for plated but that is out of a G30sf. I'm not worthy of a 1911 yet. Good luck.

LOL, you could afford an ATI or RIA, they're no more expensive then a Glock. You can find them all day long for $500 or less if you shop around and that's for a new one.
I got into mine with 3, 8 round stainless Colt mags, Blackhawk Serpa holster and a box of 20 rounds of Hornedy HP's for $450.
Anyway, I digress, so, 5.8grs should be ok then or do you think I should back off and start at 5.6grs just to play it safe?

[PCJim]

Did you look at the powder manufacturer's reloading data? Alliant lists 6.5gr Unique as MAX with a 230gr TMJRN at 1.26 COL. That's the data I would use as most reliable.

You should be good starting at 5.6gr and working up as you feel the need, doing so responsibly of course.

[TN.Frank]

Originally Posted by PCJim

Did you look at the powder manufacturer's reloading data? Alliant lists 6.5gr Unique as MAX with a 230gr TMJRN at 1.26 COL. That's the data I would use as most reliable.

You should be good starting at 5.6gr and working up as you feel the need, doing so responsibly of course.

I looked at my Speer #11, Lyman #46, Lee and the Alliant book. In my Alliant book they list 5.0grs for a 230gr Lead(target load) then they go to 6.4grs for 230gr HP and 6.0grs for 230gr FMJ. Of course this little free Alliant book IS from 1996 so loads may have changed.
By the way, "TMJRN" is a Total Metal Jacket Round Nose, I'm shooting cast lead so the loads will be a lot different.

[Zombie Steve]

Are we talking about lead round nose, semi wadcutter, tc... what?

I don't have my data in front of me, but depending on the bullet profile, the OAL is going to make a pretty big difference... likely why you're seeing data all over the place.

Most sources will have round nose loaded to 1.270ish, semi wadcutters around 1.200ish...

[TN.Frank]

Truncated Cone, 230gr Lee Tumble Lube. I think I'm just going to start with 5.6grs of Unique and see if it functions ok then if there's no pressure signs I'll bump up to 5.8grs and give it a try. I'm looking for 825-850fps.

[Zombie Steve]

Work up to 5.8 grains, 1.210". Enjoy.

[cole]

I'm happy with 230gr LRN 5.2gr @ 1.135" in Glocks and 1911s. I ran up to 6.2gr and that had some kick indeed.

[TN.Frank]

I still don't understand how Lyman can go up to 7.3grs. That seems like quite a bit above the other manuals. Heck, I've had my Speer manual longer then any of the others and I've grown to trust it and even they're saying 5.8grs as MAX., what's up with that.

[PCJim]

Originally Posted by TN.Frank

I looked at my Speer #11, Lyman #46, Lee and the Alliant book. In my Alliant book they list 5.0grs for a 230gr Lead(target load) then they go to 6.4grs for 230gr HP and 6.0grs for 230gr FMJ. Of course this little free Alliant book IS from 1996 so loads may have changed.
By the way, "TMJRN" is a Total Metal Jacket Round Nose, I'm shooting cast lead so the loads will be a lot different.

Originally Posted by TN.Frank

Truncated Cone, 230gr Lee Tumble Lube. I think I'm just going to start with 5.6grs of Unique and see if it functions ok then if there's no pressure signs I'll bump up to 5.8grs and give it a try. I'm looking for 825-850fps.

From Alliant's reloading manual (which can be downloaded from their website, strongly recommended!):

230 gr Speer LRN, Unique, CCI 300, 1.270", 5.8 gr, 849fps

Based on that data, 5.6 is going to be closing in on their recommended max load rather quickly.

[Zombie Steve]

I use the same 230 grain tc lee boolit, although I size them / .452"... 5.8 grains Unique at 1.210" OAL they clock 853 average from a 5" 1911. Very accurate and an extreme spread of 41 with mixed brass (not great, not horrible). Fairly clean, too.

Also shot that load moved out to 1.230" and they clocked 784 fps, although I didn't put the test gun in my notes. Unlikely, but I may have used a P220. These were slightly more dirty.

That was in December. Might be doing a little faster in hot weather.

[fredj338]

Originally Posted by PCJim

Did you look at the powder manufacturer's reloading data? Alliant lists 6.5gr Unique as MAX with a 230gr TMJRN at 1.26 COL. That's the data I would use as most reliable.

You should be good starting at 5.6gr and working up as you feel the need, doing so responsibly of course.

But he wants lead bullet data Jim. I find 6gr runs ball equiv, about 850fps w/ a 230grLRN @ 1.250".

[PCJim]

Originally Posted by fredj338

But he wants lead bullet data Jim. I find 6gr runs ball equiv, about 850fps w/ a 230grLRN @ 1.250".

True, that data was for jacketed data and I missed the "cast" reference in the OP. He reposted that he was using lead after my post. The later post provided the LRN data from the Alliant site. Guess I should have also provided the link so he can get the data himself...

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/default.aspx

[Jake Starr]

I use 5.5 grs and forgetabodit.

[SDGlock23]

For Unique, if memory serves me correct I use 6 grs at somewhere between 1.230-1.240".