So, there's very few things I hate and am afraid of more that snakes.........
I carry a 1911 almost exclusively (yes, even when I mow). I have loaded numerous .38 Spl shot loads in the past because they're easy, but I decided to do a little research and cook up some 45ACP shot loads that would cycle my pistol. I have been tinkering with this for a couple of weeks. Mission accomplished as of today.
This load data is not published, so use it at your own risk.
I took .308 Win cases and cut them off at 1.15". I used a copper tubing cutter. This measurement was based on trial and error for the throat in MY pistol and what would fit in the magazine. It would likely work in most chambers and magazines, as after I found what worked for mine, I shortened it a few more thousandths.
Next, I chamfered/de-burred the case mouth, and ran the case through a 45ACP sizing/de-capping die, and primed with a Lg Pistol Primer.
Next, Making sure to lube around the case mouth, I ran the case up into a 40/10mm seating die to neck down the mouth. I ran it in an 1/8" or so, took it out and checked head spacing in my barrel, and repeated until I found the proper head spacing. The die was then adjusted accordingly.
Based on other research and experiments, I opted to use Titegroup, which was the fastest powder I had available. Based on what I could get for shot payload (140 gr), and what data is available for TG in 45ACP loads, I settled on 5gr of Titegroup.
Once the powder was in the case, I used a 45ACP case and mallet to cut an over powder wad, and used the head of a nail to seat that wad card, which was cut from a primer sleeve. I added about 140gr of #8 shot and then cut an overshot wad of the same primer sleeve using a 10mm casing and mallet and placed it over the shot.
I then rolled the edges of the case mouth over using an old Lee Classic Loader crimp die for 38 Spl and mallet. I put a small drop of Gorilla Wood glue on the over shot wad card and smeared it around in there to help weather proof and keep the card in place.
After letting the glue cure, I loaded 7 in my Kimber mag, set up a piece of cardboard, and backed off about 15 feet. All 7 rounds shot, cycled the pistol (even though the empties just kind of "dribbled" out the side) and it patterned well enough to kill those that would slither up to me. Since I rapidly shot the rounds into the same piece of cardboard, I didn't measure the pattern, but it made a mess of the spot I was using as a bulls-eye.
Anyway, I figured I would throw that out there for anyone who felt the need to make shot loads for a 45ACP. instead of paying outlandish prices for commercial CCI's.
You may have to tinker with the powder and shot payloads to get YOUR gun to cycle, but as I've shown, it can be done.
I carry a 1911 almost exclusively (yes, even when I mow). I have loaded numerous .38 Spl shot loads in the past because they're easy, but I decided to do a little research and cook up some 45ACP shot loads that would cycle my pistol. I have been tinkering with this for a couple of weeks. Mission accomplished as of today.
This load data is not published, so use it at your own risk.
I took .308 Win cases and cut them off at 1.15". I used a copper tubing cutter. This measurement was based on trial and error for the throat in MY pistol and what would fit in the magazine. It would likely work in most chambers and magazines, as after I found what worked for mine, I shortened it a few more thousandths.
Next, I chamfered/de-burred the case mouth, and ran the case through a 45ACP sizing/de-capping die, and primed with a Lg Pistol Primer.
Next, Making sure to lube around the case mouth, I ran the case up into a 40/10mm seating die to neck down the mouth. I ran it in an 1/8" or so, took it out and checked head spacing in my barrel, and repeated until I found the proper head spacing. The die was then adjusted accordingly.
Based on other research and experiments, I opted to use Titegroup, which was the fastest powder I had available. Based on what I could get for shot payload (140 gr), and what data is available for TG in 45ACP loads, I settled on 5gr of Titegroup.
Once the powder was in the case, I used a 45ACP case and mallet to cut an over powder wad, and used the head of a nail to seat that wad card, which was cut from a primer sleeve. I added about 140gr of #8 shot and then cut an overshot wad of the same primer sleeve using a 10mm casing and mallet and placed it over the shot.
I then rolled the edges of the case mouth over using an old Lee Classic Loader crimp die for 38 Spl and mallet. I put a small drop of Gorilla Wood glue on the over shot wad card and smeared it around in there to help weather proof and keep the card in place.
After letting the glue cure, I loaded 7 in my Kimber mag, set up a piece of cardboard, and backed off about 15 feet. All 7 rounds shot, cycled the pistol (even though the empties just kind of "dribbled" out the side) and it patterned well enough to kill those that would slither up to me. Since I rapidly shot the rounds into the same piece of cardboard, I didn't measure the pattern, but it made a mess of the spot I was using as a bulls-eye.
Anyway, I figured I would throw that out there for anyone who felt the need to make shot loads for a 45ACP. instead of paying outlandish prices for commercial CCI's.
You may have to tinker with the powder and shot payloads to get YOUR gun to cycle, but as I've shown, it can be done.
