Plated Vs. Lead Powder Variation

[aosthed]

I've been loading .45ACP 200gr L-SWC (Oregon Trail) with 4.5gr VV-N310, 1.250 OAL, .469 Crimp (ala the "Wislon Load").

At roughly 4,000 ft elevation this reliably gives me 850 fps and shoots incredibly accurate. Often during the winter months I am forced to shoot indoors and I am trying to develop a similar load with plated bullets.

Does anyone have some advice on VV-N310 loads for plated (West Coast Bullets) .45ACP 200gr SWC's? Should I expect the same velocity/accuracy with a plated bullet using 4.5gr of N310? Or have any of you found something better for a plated 200gr SWC?

[g56]

I believe a plated bullet should be treated the same as a jacketed bullet, cast bullet reloading info isn't applicable. There is one available that splits the difference, I have used National Bullets copperized bullets, they aren't the same as a plated or jacketed bullet, it's closer to a cast bullet, it still has a lube band, but no leading at reasonable velocity and I couldn't detect any smoke at an indoor range, so it's a pretty good choice, I like it.

[Run n Gun]

I REALLY tried to make West Coasts 200 SWC feed reliably in my gun and finally had to give up. The one thing I did find out is they’re incredibly sensitive to how much crimp you use. I too used Laser-Cast 200s with the same OAL and crimp and when I first got the WCs I left everything the same, ran off a hundred and went to the range. The accuracy was dismal, and then I remembered when I ordered them they told me to “go easy on the crimp”. Not changing anything EXCEPT the crimp (going from .468-.469 to .471) I loaded up some more and retuned to the range. My God what a difference! The group size, at ten yards, went from 2-2 ½” to one (small) hole! They’re still the most accurate bullets I’ve ever shot. Try 4.8gr Titegroup, it worked for me.

Good Luck,

Ed

[aosthed]

Good feedback on both posts. I'm a little nervous since my Wilson CQB is very accurate but fickle with crimp/OAL. I too have been crimping to .469, but will try backing off a little for some test rounds to .471. Good advice, thank you.

[MoNsTeR]

I use 4.6gr N310 with Berry's 200s. N310 is WHERE IT'S AT in .45.

Plated bullets seem to give velocities below cast but above jacketed.

If plated heads don't give you what you're looking for, you might try the coated cast bullets (Precision, Bear Creek, MasterBlaster).

[Run n Gun]

Monster gives some good advice. My latest load in my quest for low cost/no leading/no smoke/reliable feeding IPSC round is Master Blaster’s 200gr. So far the results are promising, the only small drawback is that the accuracy is only average. Certainly accurate enough for IPSC, but not good enough for the other precision shooting games I also play. I haven’t tried Bear Creek or Precision, but at $52/1000 delivered it’s hard to beat Master Blasters.

Ed

[aosthed]

Good info. I have looked at the Master Blaster bullets and they definitely are interesting to consider.

I can get the West Coast Bullets plated 200gr SWC at $50/1000 delivered (buying bulk, direct). I didn't realize the Master Blasters where as cheap... probably worth a little expiramentation.

[Skywalker]

Aosthed,

I am not able to give you the precise info you need, but I can relate on a similar situation.

I've been shooting for some time flat-point lead 200 grainers in .40 S&W, then I decided to shoot (in matches) plated bullets of the very same shape and weight (the same italian manufacturer for both lead and plated bullets).

Below you can find the different loads I had to use:

200 grs. Lead FP:

4.0 grs Vihtavuori N-320

1.200" O.A.L.

175 PF

200 grs. Plated FP:

4.4 grs Vihtavuori N-320

1.200" O.A.L.

177 PF

I guess you'll have to work up your load for the plated bullets starting from your lead recipe in .1grs inceremnts and verify the results with a chrono.