45 ACP loads without stepping into +P territory

[mofosheee]

Hello BE forum

 

I have a Colt 45 Defender (3" barrel with aluminum frame) and got to thinkin how do I know that I'm not creating loads in the +P envelope

and

does anybody have a suggestion for loads that this pistol might like?

Thanks!

 

Edited September 22, 2023 by mofosheee

[RangerTrace]

What powder are you using and what is your charge weight along with your bullet weight?  You should be able to easily google your powder name and caliber/bullet and get some starting load data.

 

For instance (9mm in my case)  N330 and 124 grain 9mm load.  Gets me all kinds of information.  Or just search in these forums.  

[ddc]

1 hour ago, mofosheee said:

Hello BE forum

 

I have a Colt 45 Defender (3" barrel with aluminum frame) and got to thinkin how do I know that I'm not creating loads in the +P envelope

and

does anybody have a suggestion for loads that this pistol might like?

Thanks!

 

 

What do your loads chrono at? You do have a chrono? Those numbers along with published load data should give you a pretty good idea about where you are at pressure wise. You may have to interpolate a bit because it is unlikely your load is an exact match for any published data.

[mofosheee]

Yes, I have a chrono.  It's a new pistol and I haven't made any loads yet.

Was using; 5.6gr W231 on a 230gr @ 1.245" in a 4.25" barrel........forgot what vel they were.

Thinking that a 185gr (or lighter) bullet would seem more ideal

 

[LDRIDER]

I use Roze 185 HP over 6.1 W231 . Very accurate out of a 4" barrel. Im using

them at the local Tuesday night indoor league shoot. Hard to beat them.

[superdude]

Published load data with pressure testing will tell you if your load exceeds standard pressure - or not. Consult loading manuals for that information. 

[Farmer]

Std psi is 21000 +P is 23000 so you know what to look for in the manuals.