45 acp velocities

I chronographed my 185gr LSWC and they are going ~880 fps. This was a load I used in our winter league to function properly in 40 degree weather but did not chrono it in the cold. Today it was in the 80’s and recoil feels a bit hotter with the temp increase. 

880 fps seems a bit fast. I am curious what MV is everyone else using? 

-Trevor

Many suns ago I asked NSK replied


At 10:26 PM 6/3/03 -0700, Jack H wrote:
Is there any such thing as a "sweet spot" velocity for
certain type bullets to settle in to tight groups?

for the 200gr LSWC?
700-750 FPS
the 185 Star HP?
750-800 FPS
the 185 Nosler JHP?
780-820 FPS

Also if you build a load that gives a certain velocity
with one powder, and match the velocity with another
powder, all else being the same, would they give
similar results group wise? Why? why not?

Not necessarily, although, they could. It is not all about velocity. It is all about the barrel and the gun! More about the barrel. Even though you have achieved the same velocity, it is entirely possible that the pressure curves are not the same, or even the peak pressure curves. Now, it is possible if the 2 powders that you have chosen are very similar in burning rate. Like BE and Titegroup, for example. Or, Titegroup and S1000; or Clays, AAN100 or VVN310. Then it is possible that even the same powder charge will produce exactly the same results.
Regards,
Neil
NSK Co

From a look at the match ammo loaded today and in years past from Federal, Winchester and Remington, the velocities were: 185 JSWC 770, 230 JRN 830, and Winchester loaded a 210 LSWC to 710.  

I found that my pistol shoots 200 LSWC best around 700, and JHP about 750. Powders I’ve found best are Bullseye, WST, 700X and Titegroup.  Even if I matched the velocity, the groups weren’t always the same size so it varies.

Thanks for the feedback!

What’s become of Neil? Long time no see

Neil retired many moons ago. Hopefully enjoying it!
Jon

hengehold wrote:I chronographed my 185gr LSWC and they are going ~880 fps. This was a load I used in our winter league to function properly in 40 degree weather but did not chrono it in the cold. Today it was in the 80’s and recoil feels a bit hotter with the temp increase. 

880 fps seems a bit fast. I am curious what MV is everyone else using? 

-Trevor

Trevor,

What powder are you using?  

Our indoor range had heating issues one year.  It was really cold on the line.  The moderator of this list compounded that problem by keeping his ammo in his truck all day.  I'd have to guess at the temperature of his cartridges, but I wouldn't be surprised if they measured 15 degrees F when we started shooting.  He normally loads with Bullseye, which would have done fine, but that day he was trying a summer load of N310 behind a lead semi-wadcutter.  It didn't take long for everyone on the line to realize that temperature makes a difference with VV powders.  I actually watched one of his bullets bounce off the target at 50ft.  It left a nice dent that was perfectly centered left-to-right.  Unfortunately, it was way down in the National Target Co text box, below the scoring rings.  Despite the good laugh, no points from that shot.  

So, sometimes temperature matters--even at 50 feet.

David