185 gr JHP or FJP

[Indy]

Does anyone have a good load for a 45 cal 185 gr Gold dot HP or a Sierra FJP? I am looking for a mid-range target load. Powder selection would be 231, clays, or titegroup. (I apologize if this question has been asked before, but I couldn't find it after a search.) I guess I am searching for an accurate and clean load.
Thanks,
Indy

[arkie]

There is a very good thread running on Clays powder in this forum right now. It's worth reading if you're thinking of using Clays. Most here seem to prefer 231. I've been using titegroup with excellent results.

[Indy]

I have been watching the Clays loads, but everyone seems to be interested in 200 LSWCs. I haven't seen any 185gr jacketed. At least I couldn't find any. Arkie if you know of a thread, please let me know. I may have scrolled right past it.
Indy

[arkie]

Does anyone have a good load for a 45 cal 185 gr Gold dot HP or a Sierra FJP? I am looking for a mid-range target load. Powder selection would be 231, clays, or titegroup. (I apologize if this question has been asked before, but I couldn't find it after a search.) I guess I am searching for an accurate and clean load.
Thanks,
Indy
The reason I referred you to the Clays thread was there seems to be an issue with that powder. It is designed for use in shotguns with "specific handgun applications" according to Hodgdon's web page. Titegroup on the other hand is designed for pistols.

The data that I have for 185 gn bullets comes from Hogdon's manual and Lee.

Hodgdon: 185 gn hdy jswc
Titegroup: 5.0 grains starting load 5.5 grains maximum load
Clays : 4.5 grains starting load 4.9 grains maximum load



Lee Modern Reloading: 185 grain jacketed bullet
Clays : 4.5 grains starting load 4.9 grains maximum load
titegroup : 5.0 " 5.5 "
win 231 : 5.1 " 6.1 "


Those are the only loads listed in those 2 manuals for the 185 gn bullet with the powders you specified. There was no specific info on HP or FPJ bullets. Speer's website is incredibly uninformative. Best bet would be to buy their manual.

Is there a specific reason you want to reload those bullets? Seems to me you could get the feel of your .45 loading something cheaper. Gold Dot bullets can't be cheap. In fact, last time I bought bullets 200 200 gn lswc speer bullets cost exactly the same as 100 185 gn lswc! I don't know why that would be. Sorry I couldn't offer more info.

[pa_guns]

Hi

I started out a thread a bit back with a 185 / 200 grain question. The consensus was that the 200 grain would be easier to find. It also turns out there are more choices at 200 grains (not always a good thing).

The issue with the 200 grain's seems to be feeding (compared to 230 grain RN's). I would bet that the 185's are a even bit more temperamental.

That's not to say dump the 185's. I have used them, but that was about 20+ years ago. Clays and Titegroup were not available in the US back then. Powder choices tended more towards Unique if I remember correctly.

Bob