Need load suggestions

[Seabear]

I know this is not the reloading forum, however since it gets more traffic, and it is a special circumstance I hope I will be indulged.

Ok, I just got in a "case" of 200gr LRNFP from http://www.precisionbullets.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. (2250 bullets) I am sure my mailman hates me since it had a hand written number with an exclamation point!!!!!!!!!!! 69lbs!!!!!!!!! LOL A lot of weight in a small box.

So, here is the deal. I am going to load these for my S&W 625JM 4" revolver to be used to shoot Steel Challenge . Specifically , for the Texas Open to be held at our range here in Corpus Christi. (Hope you guys can make it) More on that later...

Anywho, I am going to try some loads with Hogdon "Universal". I had been using Titegroup and had a nice load for reduced recoil with 185 gr swc over 3.6 grains. Dave at Precision doesn't recomend that powder. Universal IS one of his recomended powders due to slower burn rate.

Most data I can find is intended for 1911s. I don't have to make an action cycle, however I do have some 35yard shots to reach.

Any suggestions?

I appreciate any help I can get, I hate to waste a bunch testing, time is short. Our range is closed for construction which should be finished in a day or two and we have a match Sunday.

[Seabear]

By the way, while I am rambling ...let me say that Dave at Precision was a pleasure to deal with. This was my first order with him, and I got a confirmation email of the order , a personal email telling me they would be 2 weeks out, and delivery prior to the 2 weeks. No charge till the bullets shipped either.

[Jumping Frog]

What are you looking for power-wise? Powder puff loads, like cowboy action shooting, or do you need harder hitting to knock down the steel plates? Do the rules require a minimum power factor?

[Seabear]

What are you looking for power-wise? Powder puff loads, like cowboy action shooting, or do you need harder hitting to knock down the steel plates? Do the rules require a minimum power factor?

Just accuracy to 35 yards. Minimal recoil...powder puff ...however accurate. I'm gonna load a few tests tomorrow if I can clear my bench. LOL

[ghostrider]

I would think any published starting load would suit your needs. There are plenty of good powders to choose from:
green dot, HS-6, WW231... trail boss might be worth considering.

[Seabear]

I have zero data on minimum loads.

I will be loading 200gr lrnfp with Hogdon Universal "clays tech" with Federal brass , small pistol primer.

Hog. Universal shows Max .45acp at 6.4 r with a 185 JSWC.

I'm gonna load 12 at 5 gr.

12 at 4 gr.

12 at 3.5

and go from there . Testing groups and accuracy at various distances. No need to test function, it's for a six shooter.

[ghostrider]

I have zero data on minimum loads.

you must have at least 1 loading manual, don't you?

If not, you need to buy one. :-)

meanwhile, Hodgdon has plenty of data online:
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


For 45ACP 200gr with universal, they give this data:
Bullet Weight (Gr.) Manufacturer Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure
200 GR. CAST LSWC Hodgdon Universal .451" 1.225" 5.8 889 13,900 CUP 6.3 962 16,800 CUP

[Seabear]

I have looked through Hogdon's data. It is intended for .45acp in a 1911 or similar pistol. This is a 4" revolver. Different animal all together.

[Jumping Frog]

and go from there . Testing groups and accuracy at various distances. No need to test function, it's for a six shooter.

Yeah, but go too light and you can stick a round in the barrel. Lead bullet -- stay above 600 fps.

Hodgdon's website shows 5.8 gr (starting) to 6.3 gr (max) for a 200 gr lead bullet.

You try something like 3.5 grains, I'd be worried about sticking a bullet in the barrel.

I don't care if it is a revolver or a semiauto -- both still have barrels where a bullet can stick and mess up your day.

[ghostrider]

I have looked through Hogdon's data. It is intended for .45acp in a 1911 or similar pistol. This is a 4" revolver. Different animal all together.

true enough, but the minimum loads should not have much recoil in that revolver. As Jumping Frog says, you want to be
careful about going too light.

It sounds like a nice light load in Trail Boss would do the trick.

[Seabear]

I won't go too low, I have to hit 35 yard plates. WIth 3.6 of Titegroup they had plenty of punch, but guys claimed they could see the bullet going to the plate. LOL

The revolver although heavy has a little sharper recoil than a 1911 because there is no slide/spring taking up energy. Full house loads are fun, but sight recovery takes too long for speed shooting therefore the lighter loads.

I need to order a new Reloading Manual my old stuff just doesn't have what I am looking for, and online hasn't been much help. I guess if I was using Trailboss I could find more info, but it's more expensive.

[Seabear]

OK, finally had a chance to make various loads . We are rebuilding the burms at our range so I had to go out real early this morning before the workers showed up.

They had taken down our target boards so I had to use a surveyors stick for a target stand and shoot offhand standing rather than getting to bench for accuracy. I'm pretty pleased considering we have 35 mph winds this morning.

I loaded 6 rounds for each load since I was limited on range time. Started with 5.5 grains of universal, then 5.0, 4.7,4.5, and 4.0 all with the 200 gr lrnfp from precision with the Federal brass small primer. Accuracy with all was good off hand at 12 yards (4 shots), and even decent hiting 12" plate at 30 yards (2shots). Not sure if it was me, but I found the 4.7 grain load to be the best group with no flyer.

The biggest problem I found was with the 4.0 grain load. It left a huge amount of unburned powder everywhere. I had a hand full of it after shooting 6 rounds. So it's definitely out. It also droped one below the plate at 35 yards.

The 5.5 seemed to shoot a tad high, however it was the first group I shot and likely was me and the wind.

I may go with the 5.0 since I feel it is suffiecient to also run in my Ultra II, however I am really leaning to the 4.7 , they were all minimal on the recoil, with the 4.7 just feeling like the sweet spot.

Not my best shooting, however it's all double action, and all I have to do is hit the plate right? LOL

Pics to follow.
5.5 grains

[Seabear]

5.0 grains

[Seabear]

4.7 grains

[Seabear]

4.5 grains