Best Powder Choice for .45 ACP

[Mac4444]

I've been having a discussion with several fellow shooters about .45 acp loads. I've been using Clays for several years (185 HP/XTP & Gold Dot - 4.5 Clays – 5.0 for warmer loads.) plus I also shoot other bullets on occasion also loaded with Clays. Good clean accurate shooting with no residue. Two of my buddies swear by AA #7 10.5 and 11.5 for hotter loads. I generally carry and shoot either a Colt Defender or a Springfield Champion and I practise with every gun I carry at my home range. They swear by the old argument that the fuller the case, the less chance for powder weight deviation, thus more consistent accuracy. I buy this for my varmint reloading but I’m not sure for handguns. I use AA #7 for .357 for my 640 for +P loads. Can any of you experienced pistoleros give me your take on AA#7 for .45 ACP in the 31/2 and 4 inch 1911 barrels? Thanks Mac

PS I tried to search for both 1911 and 45 ACP but nothing came up. This happens all the time for me when I'm trying to go back to older posts on a subject I'm interested in ????

 

[Deputy527]

I've used Bullseye for 45 and AA#5 for 9. I just recently bought W231, but haven't loaded any up yet.

Bullseye 4.8-5.0 230g FMJ in my Kimbers's. Bullseye is dirty, but I clean religiously. During range time shooting a few hundred, I've not had any function problems. Good cheap powder.

I've been wanting to try Clays, but one powder at a time.

 

[Mac4444]

Most accurate .45 ACP load I have ever found

I used to shoot 1911 Bulleye and my reloader in South Bend loads 3.9 Bullseye over a cast 185 grain SWC, mixed brass, Win primers and the most accurate load I have ever found from the bench. I'm talking one hole groups with 10 shots without fliers many times in accurate guns. Mac

 

[Wabatuckian]

Depends on the bullet weight.

For 230gn, I like 5.2gn of W231.

I tried AA#7 and found it to be dirty, but it shot well.

Supposedly AA#5 (or was it #2?) was designed to be used in the .45acp.

I'm wanting to try Unique, but haven't been able to find any.

Josh <><

 

[IndyGunworks]

5.5 grains of Unique make a decent target load... smokey though, not overly dirty... i have pretty much settled on HP-38 for all my handgun loads, however its not best suited for the 45

 

[BE Mike]

All the powders mentioned are good. I've recently used Alliant American Select. Since it is primarily a shotgun powder, it might be a little easier to obtain. It is a very clean burning powder. Another good powder is Alliant Power Pistol for some heavy loads. I do like Bullseye. As has been said it is dirty, but you can load some very good loads with the .45 ACP, as well as, a lot of other pistol cartridges.

 

[El Cazador]

Hogdon TiteGroup works pretty well for me. 230 gr Hornady HAP, 5.0 gr Titegroup.

I need to buy some W231 and use it to see how well it compares.

 

[palerider0485]

unique 6.0 grains 230 grain fmg ball works wonders

 

[x10]

I'm a hardcore W231 fan, I've used 5 grains for 20 years and its always worked and clean. It meters well, and is consistent in hot and cold Temps,
I'm going to make people unhappy but I hate Bullsey and Unique, Both are dirty and smell bad,

I have recently bought some WST to try its supposed to be W231 but better