Zero 185 gr SWC or SWHP

Should I prefer the 45 APC SWC Hollow Point over the SWC, or does it really matter?  It seems like the hollow point would have more bearing surface which might be better.

The hollow points will give you more bearing surface and will move the center of gravity further back. Both of these things will theoretical give more accuracy. Probably not enough to notice.

If you have feeding issues with the LSWCHP, try the 200gr SWC. They have the same bearing surface.

Dave

I have had great test results with the SWCHP.  I can use the same load at both 50 and 25.  5.4 BE86.  Crimp .464.  This got me a 2" group at 50 yds with mixed brass I normally use at 25 yds only which means for me it has been used many many times.

If I did not start casting I would still use the Zero 185 SWCHP

From what I can tell, the 185 SWC is a modified clone of the 200 by shortening the bearing portion and perhaps the nose.  Whereas the 185 HPSWC is a hollow point version of the 200 grain SWC.  With the HP 185 it is for practical purposes a #68 clone with a lighter weight.  Interestingly, the maker Bear Creek Supply makes their swaged 185 a “hollow base” rather than hollow nose.  Both the Zero and the Bear Creek shoot well in my pistols.

The Zero HPSWC is the most accurate bullet out of my guns and I also use the same load for the short line with a 160gr SWC. No adjustments at all to the press as I use the seater that seats on the edge of the bullet.

orpheoet wrote:The Zero HPSWC is the most accurate bullet out of my guns and I also use the same load for the short line with a 160gr SWC. No adjustments at all to the press as I use the seater that seats on the edge of the bullet.

Hello orpheoet (or anyone else),

I just bought a used David Sams 1911. His load recommendation is for a Zero 185 gr JHP, or a Nosler 185 gr JHP. He said he didn't have any lead data.

The Zero 185s are OOS everywhere right now. I did find some Nosler 185s in stock and ordered 500 ... at $.38 apiece delivered.

Roze has the Zero 185 SWHP in stock for $.11 apiece delivered. I'm tempted to give them a try.

I've loaded a lot of jacketed rifle and pistol bullets over the years, but not much lead. Anything I should be aware of, shooting cast lead out of this gun?

What seater are you using that only contacts the edge of the bullet?

Any goto loads? I have Starline brass, CCI and Tula large primers, and lots of N310, N312, and N320.

Thank you

pgg wrote:

orpheoet wrote:The Zero HPSWC is the most accurate bullet out of my guns and I also use the same load for the short line with a 160gr SWC. No adjustments at all to the press as I use the seater that seats on the edge of the bullet.

Hello orpheoet (or anyone else),

I just bought a used David Sams 1911. His load recommendation is for a Zero 185 gr JHP, or a Nosler 185 gr JHP. He said he didn't have any lead data.

The Zero 185s are OOS everywhere right now. I did find some Nosler 185s in stock and ordered 500 ... at $.38 apiece delivered.

Roze has the Zero 185 SWHP in stock for $.11 apiece delivered. I'm tempted to give them a try.

I've loaded a lot of jacketed rifle and pistol bullets over the years, but not much lead. Anything I should be aware of, shooting cast lead out of this gun?

What seater are you using that only contacts the edge of the bullet?

Any goto loads? I have Starline brass, CCI and Tula large primers, and lots of N310, N312, and N320.  

Thank you

ASYM uses Zero 185 JHP for their renown BE ammo.  So you should not hesitate trying these bullets.  As for load - I presume you have David Sams with frame mount optic.  If correct and without knowing more details about gun, I'd suggest trying 3.8 - 4.0 gr BE or 3.8 (with temperatures above 65 degrees, otherwise starting load should be 3.9gr) - 4.2 gr N310.  You will need to play with OAL in range 1.205" (ASYM) - 1.225".  Very light crimp - 0.469"+ - 0.470". 

I didn't have chance to play with Zero's swaged 185gr HP.  However based on my experience with coated / cast bullets, and assuming frame mount configuration I suggest loading at OAL 0.92" base to shoulder, but with much tighter crimp - ~0.464" using minus -0.4gr to the above charges.  FWIW - my frame mount 1911 by David Sams likes 200gr coated #68 (i.e. Brazos) bullets on top of 3.0gr BE loaded at 1.24 / 0.92 OAL, 0.464" crimp, Federal #150 / WLP primers.


Testing, testing, testing.....

AP

If you are using a Dillon press you can get a replacement seater that only touches the shoulder from Uniquetek.

If you want to try the 185 HPSWC  lead bullet,  I’d load to 775 fps-850 fps or so with the powders you have.  Other data here and elsewhere can be used for guidance.  I know 4.2 BE shoots VERY well in my pistol with 185 bullets and 3.8 BE also shoots OK but 4.2 seems better.  I haven’t shot much 310 except with JHP and it shot well but seemed a bit “snappier”.  Dunno if that was due to jacketed or the powder.

Back in the day, the top shooters who tested at 50 yards said that the Zero LHP shot just a little better than the solid 185 grain bullet. Since they were the same price, I went with the hollow point. Neither bullet shot as well at 50 yards as the Nosler 185 gr. JHP, so I ended up using them at the long line and the Zero LHP at the short line.

I ordered the 185 grain bullets from Bear Creek.  When those and my dies arrive next week I'll pull out my 20+ year old can of Bullseye and load them up.

FWIW BRAZOS PRECISION makes excellent .45 cal HiTek Coated Lead bullets. They have 160, 180 and 200 gr in a SWC configuration.

I like the .452 HiTek coated Bevel Base 200 gr SWC, They also have them in Flat Base. 
I find 3.7 - 3.8 gr CLAYS. or 3.8 - 3.9 gr VV N310 or 3.9 - 4.1 WST are all excellent.

Allgoodhits wrote:FWIW BRAZOS PRECISION makes excellent .45 cal HiTek Coated Lead bullets. They have 160, 180 and 200 gr in a SWC configuration.

I like the .452 HiTek coated Bevel Base 200 gr SWC, They also have them in Flat Base. 
I find 3.7 - 3.8 gr CLAYS. or 3.8 - 3.9 gr VV N310 or 3.9 - 4.1 WST are all excellent.

+1 for Brazos Precision!

I load their 45 180gr SWC/Bevel Base/Groove
Lube or Coating: Hi-Tek Gold, Diameter: 0.452



My load is 4.0 of VV N310


Val

Even before COVID the SWHPs were always out of stock, vs the SWCs

They're in-stock right now!

Dave

HPSWC is one of the best bullets and will shoot as good as JHP out of a Kart Barrel. I cleaned 4x a LL once with them out of my KC Wad Gun. 

They shoot soft too, 3.9 VV310, WST or BE Seated a little short 1.235 to 1.24 , light taper crimp, .4685 and your are GTG. 

They are an improvement on the old star bullet,