Just ordered 185's for 45 ACP and was planning on using Clays...Mistake?

[12glocks]

I mostly shoot 3 gun but just had an old Colt 1911 gone through and want to run some single stack in IPSA.  I had read the reloading section here and thought Clays would be a good choice.  I have about 10 pounds left over from my shotgun days.  I ordered 2000 185 JHP's from Precision Delta and I am now questioning myself.  I wonder if I should have ordered 230's to use with Clays.  My Lyman manual has the max below major PF but the Hodgdon site said I can go up to 4.9 gr (its for a SWC) and that would make it easy.

 

I use N320 for 9mm and have quite a bit of that on hand.  I also have 15-20 pounds of Power Pistol.  I know that will make major easy,  but be flashy and louder with a more pronounced recoil impulse.  One of my goals is to use up some of my other propellants like Clays or Power Pistol.

 

It seems like a lot of folks are using 200 grain bullets.  Any load recommendations to make major on these 185's coming in?  As usual, thanks in advance!

Edited August 28, 2017 by 12glocks

[Steve RA]

I don't think you will have a problem with Clays and the 185s.  Just start a little low and work up to wherever you want to be.

[zzt]

You can make major with Clays and a 185 JHP.  Just be careful.  Clays gets really spikey at the top end.  I'd use the N320 for major and Clays for minor or your 50 yard bullseye load.

[wgj3]

Clays is fine for your plan. I used it for 4-5 yrs of shooting SS and CDP with 185gr MG jhp's.

[78Staff]

Also, older Clays (Australian) is hotter than current Clays (Canada) - so, as other have mentioned, just work up you loads.  With older Australian Clays, 3.5g under a LSW 185 is a popular Bullesye load.