My Favorite Load for the .45

After a considerable amount of experimenting, I have determined the components and measurements that produce the most accurate load for my .45 caliber pistol at both 50 and 25 yards. You must experiment to find a load that works best for your pistol, yet utilizes components that are affordable.

A True Hardball Load for .45 Service Pistol

The following represents recipies to duplicate a true .45 caliber hardball load.

The NRA has published some load info that should fill your needs.

American Rifleman June 1993, pgs. 44-45
Loads to simulate Hardball recoil and energy 850 +/- 30 FPS vel

200-220 WC lead (such as Lyman 452460) OAL 1.16"
4.6-5.0 gr BE, Red or Green Dot, 700X
6.0-6.5 gr Unique
5.5-6.0 gr WW231
The above loads can also be used with a 230 gr FMJ bullet to get 850 FPS
+/- 30 with overall length of 1.25"

American Rifleman January 1987, pg. 66
Loads to Duplicate Military Ball Ammo

230 gr FMJ
4.6 gr BE
5.6 gr WW231
6.5 gr Unique

A Load for the 9mm Service Pistol

Here is a 9mm load that David Sams has been using for testing Beretta 92 barrels and his completed guns that has been proven sub 1.5" groups at 50 yds is as follows:

• Starline brass
• 115gr Hornady FMJ-RN bullet
• 6.0 - 6.2gr Alliant Power Pistol powder
• Rem #5  1/2 SP primers
• O.A.L. -- 1.120" no-crimp

Out of a barrel test fixture using Bar-Sto barrels groups have consistently run between  .975" to 1.5" averaging about 1". Through David's completed 92F's, he claims that they have been running 1.3" - 1.5" as a reminder these are hand-loaded.

A Load for the .32 Caliber Pistol

Here is a .32 S&W Long load, courtesy of Dr. Darius Young, for the .32 caliber center-fire pistol. It is designed for pistols that have had replacement barrels of .308" diameter and yields remarkable results at 50 yds.

• Starline brass
• 100gr H&N Swaged hollow-based wadcutter @ .312 diameter
• 1.8gr of Accurate #2 powder

Manufacturers of Reloading Components