Powder for .45 ACP

[USCGLongBow]

I know this is an unusual question for a Long Range Forum, but I like the knowledge base from this website.

I've used nothing but Blue Dot in all my pistol for years, and have a number of favorite loads with it. However, I bought a Kimber about three years ago and am finally getting around to loading for it. My question is, does anyone have a favorite slow-burning powder they like to go to for both the .40SW and .45 ACP? Everything I have read on Blue Dot and .45 says the burn rate is too slow, or just that it is not ideal. If anyone has a different data, or some good Blue Dot .45 ACP loads I would love to hear them. I'm hoping to find a powder that compares to Blue Dot in my 40SW and still give me good performance in my .45 ACP.

I'm attaching some data from my 40SW pet loads just for comparison:
155gr XTP over 12.0gr Blue Dot (1321,1318fps over chrono)
135gr Nos HG over 12.2gr Blue Dot (1345, 1351, 1378? over chrono)
CAUTION: -These exceed published max loads and I have compensated for their use in my handgun. Please follow all published data when developing a load for your firearm.-

 

[436]

I know this is an unusual question for a Long Range Forum, but I like the knowledge base from this website.

I've used nothing but Blue Dot in all my pistol for years, and have a number of favorite loads with it. However, I bought a Kimber about three years ago and am finally getting around to loading for it. My question is, does anyone have a favorite slow-burning powder they like to go to for both the .40SW and .45 ACP? Everything I have read on Blue Dot and .45 says the burn rate is too slow, or just that it is not ideal. If anyone has a different data, or some good Blue Dot .45 ACP loads I would love to hear them. I'm hoping to find a powder that compares to Blue Dot in my 40SW and still give me good performance in my .45 ACP.

I'm attaching some data from my 40SW pet loads just for comparison:
155gr XTP over 12.0gr Blue Dot (1321,1318fps over chrono)
135gr Nos HG over 12.2gr Blue Dot (1345, 1351, 1378? over chrono)
CAUTION: -These exceed published max loads and I have compensated for their use in my handgun. Please follow all published data when developing a load for your firearm.-

Well just for conversation; I use a 1911 Colt Combat Elite the load that as been my go to for every thing is..... Remington nickel case, Win WLP primer, VV N-340 (6.5grs) Remington 230gr Golden Saber HP.. 1.235" OAL for a true 930 fps. Whether I'm shooting target or self defense this works day in and day out. Some of the 25 and 50 yards groups are amazing with this load, without beating the pistol all to hell. And on the two way range I'm sure it would work just fine.

As for Blue Dot.. it's my 10mm powder of choice most the time for my +P loads in the 10mm with 180gr'ers (note: get a supported barrel).. not big on using Blue Dot in my .45 ACP.
Just my .02
Cheer's
436

 

[USCGLongBow]

Remington nickel case, Win WLP primer, VV N-340 (6.5grs) Remington 230gr Golden Saber HP.. 1.235" OAL for a true 930 fps. Whether I'm shooting target or self defense this works day in and day out.
Just my .02
Cheer's
436

Just a quick manual reference and I'm seeing cross-over for 40SW and 45ACP with VV N-350, but not VV N-340. Is N-350 a powder you messed around with at all for load developing the .45ACP, or did you stick with N-340? I'm not as familiar with Vihtavuori powders, so I will need to do more research if I go that route.http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1269318648/vihtavuori-n320-smokeless-powder

 

[biggdawg]

I use power pistol, true blue and silhouette for my full power 40 and 45 loads.

with powder hard to find it is nice to have several loads available.

I also use titegroup for my light loads in both 40 and 45.

4.0 grains with 185's in the 40 and 4.3 gn with 230 fmj in 45

also 7.5gn of silhouette under 230 fmj in 45 is a pet load

 

[436]

Just a quick manual reference and I'm seeing cross-over for 40SW and 45ACP with VV N-350, but not VV N-340. Is N-350 a powder you messed around with at all for load developing the .45ACP, or did you stick with N-340? I'm not as familiar with Vihtavuori powders, so I will need to do more research if I go that route.http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1269318648/vihtavuori-n320-smokeless-powder

Yes you can use N-350... but'.., in my case and using a 230gr bullet in .45 ACP there was no seen advantage. I might pick up 5 or 10 fps, at the cost of a little more powder. I've used N-350 as I said'.., and found the real advantage of going with N-340 was accuracy in my pistol. As I said; previously, it's deadly accurate with amazing groups out to 50 plus yards. My whole deal was accuracy "and" performance N-340 gave me both.... N-350 just gave me a "very" little bit of performance over N-340

Hope that helps.
Cheer's
436

 

[USCGLongBow]

Yes you can use N-350... but'.., in my case and using a 230gr bullet in .45 ACP there was no seen advantage. I might pick up 5 or 10 fps, at the cost of a little more powder. I've used N-350 as I said'.., and found the real advantage of going with N-340 was accuracy in my pistol. As I said; previously, it's deadly accurate with amazing groups out to 50 plus yards. My whole deal was accuracy "and" performance N-340 gave me both.... N-350 just gave me a "very" little bit of performance over N-340

Hope that helps.
Cheer's
436

Sounds good, that is exactly what I wanted to know. I typically load for accuracy as well, the 40 being my CCW is the exception, so I will definitely consider your experience. I am using the kimber mostly as a forest carry/coyote gun right now so accuracy will be key.

 

[Caleb85]

I used a lot of 700X

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

I've been using Unique for all my non-magnum pistol reloading, but have since switched to the new Longshot. It is cleaner burning and meters better.