N320 load for Major?

[GregJ]

Curious what others are loading N320 for Major PF. I scored a few lbs and will starting loading some match ammo to save my W231 and WST until the "crisis" subsides somewhat.

Gun is 5" 1911, 230gr Zero bullets.

I've seen 4.6 to 4.8gr IIRC. Start is supposed to be 4.9 and max is 5.2. Pretty narrow range. Of couse I will chrono, just wanted to get a good starting point. TIA

Edited May 19, 2014 by GregJ

[Roons]

I have a ST I Trojan 5". Montana Gold 180 HP, 1.180 OAL, 5.1gr n320 makes 171 pf

[GregJ]

As a starting point, I loaded up a few at 4.6gr (230gr Zero @ 1.240, Winchester brass), 640 fps avg / 147 pf. Very smoky, probably because the load was so weak.

Going to test some at 5.0 gr tonight.

Edited May 22, 2014 by GregJ

[Mbauer67]

I shoot 4.7 gr's of N320 in my STI 1911, with a 230 gr bear creek moly bullet at 1.260" OAL. My power factor is around 160-165. So start at 4.5 if you are using lead.

[GregJ]

Got some more chrono results. All Winchester brass, using Lee U sizing die, 230gr Zero @ 1.240. 6 rounds each string.

5.0g:

low=685.7 hi=708.9 avg=701.6 pf=161.3

5.1g:

low=713.9 hi=740.0 avg=725.8 pf=166.9

5.2g:

low=701.2* hi=755.3 avg=743.3 pf=170.9

*On this string, I threw out the low, and the 5 shot avg=751.6 pf=172.8

I like to stay around 740/170pf, so I may load a few hundred up @ 5.2 and test them.

Edited May 22, 2014 by GregJ

[Jeff Matzka]

5.2g:

low=701.2* hi=755.3 avg=743.3 pf=170.9

I like to stay around 740/170pf, so I may load a few hundred up @ 5.2 and test them.

That definitely sounds like the winning load. Let us know how you like it.

[GregJ]

Seems I made an error on the OAL when I tested the loads above. The OAL was actually 1.22 and not 1.240. I had loaded a bunch of practice rounds and forgot to change the seater back.

Loaded a bunch at 5.1g and shot them yesterday, they shot well at a steel match yesterdy, but the chrono is not quite where I wanted. 5.2g is next to load up a bunch and try. After I settle in on the 5.2, I will re-bench at 25yds to make sure the POI hasnt changed.

5.1g Zero 230 @ 1.240:

low=717.8 hi=746.5 6 shot avg=730.1 pf=167.9 (cutting it tooooo close)

Edited June 1, 2014 by GregJ

[honda01]

Try some 200gr XTP bullets. I've used 5.0 grains for IDPA matches, very nice shooting. OAL 1.245. Should have no trouble making major PF.

[GregJ]

I'm in a quandary now. 5.2gr out of my 5" 1911 barely makes major. The published load range for a 230 gr is 4.9 low and a max of 5.2, which I am at now. I will try some at 5.3 and check for pressure, see what they crono at, etc.

6 rounds, 230gr Zero @.1.240, 5.2gr N320, Winchester brass

low= 698.4 high 745.3 avg= 725.8 PF= 166.9

[Dirtychemist]

Shorten your overall length. 1.220" might get you a higher power factor without exceeding published loads (which are conservative to begin with).

[Butterpuc]

I'm in a quandary now. 5.2gr out of my 5" 1911 barely makes major. The published load range for a 230 gr is 4.9 low and a max of 5.2, which I am at now. I will try some at 5.3 and check for pressure, see what they crono at, etc.

6 rounds, 230gr Zero @.1.240, 5.2gr N320, Winchester brass

low= 698.4 high 745.3 avg= 725.8 PF= 166.9

your tolerances in your handgun may be much lower than the tested handgun Vihtavouri used. It does show a max load of 5.2gr but that is also showing a velocity of 850fps with a 230gr Hornady FMJ. You are getting a 100fps lower velocity than VV. You may be running much lower pressures.