Got some 185 grain bullets for a .45, a weight I have not loaded previously. Having 5 powders that will work, do I ladder test 1 powder at a time or start with minimum loads for all 5? What would a smart guy do?

For me, it would depend on what I was wanting to accomplish. Plinking load, competition load or duplicate self-defense load?

Plinkers mostly.

For plinkers I just use what the manual recommends..ie, 45 Acp, xxgrains equals 840 FPS....and I use their recipe. I don’t even bother to work up a load or chrono my load...if it functions in my gun it’s GTG

I only build loads for power factor for USPSA so they will pass chrono at a match. Or target ammo for a rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by sunburn:
Plinkers mostly.

For me, I'd put away the Power Pistol, grab the W231 and go from there

IMO, Ladder and OCW tests are a waste of time for plinking or practice ammo. The only time I mess with those is for rifle match ammo. I suppose I might if I was a bulleye pistol shooter or something like that, but otherwise it's not worth the effort. Now, if you're one of those guys who just likes tinkering with loads, then by all means go for it.

W231 or HP38 have always been my go-to for .45ACP, at any bullet weight.

I have loaded a "ton" of 185gr bullets in 45ACP brass......in fact, I am currently loading a large batch, as my supply was running low. I load for plinking/target mostly these days. I have tried a number of powders over the years, but keep coming back to good old Bullseye......it gets the job done!!

Thanks for all the replys. Am looking for an easy shooting and accurate load, so I will start with 231 and Clays. I appreciate the input.

When you find one be sure to post the load.
We all want more recipes!

Finally had a chance to test using 185 grain plated.
W231 with 5.0, 5.5, and 5.9 grains
Tite Group at 5.0 and 5.5

W231 5.5 was very accurate and soft shooting, 5.0 the same but no last round slide lock back with the HK. Fine with the P12 and XDM.

Tite Group was a snappy recoil and not as accurate. 231 so good no need to test more powders. Thanks for all the replys/input!