[faiello5]

Hi all. Don't have a chrono, so I must ask here. About how many grains of powder do I need to make the IDPA power factor of 165 from a 5" 1911. I am using W231 with Winchester primers and a 200g LSWC bullet. OAL is 1.255 & crimp is .469. Thanks.

Regards,
Frank

 

[Larry A]

Faiello5,I load alot of W231 and I have found that 5.7gr. will make a 169 power factor with a KImber Gold Match. It makes 172 in my Springfield, both gov't models. I'm still shooting up all my 5.9 and still haven't got the 165 pf where I want it. I will probably end up at 5.6 for Kimber and 5.5 for my Springfield.

 

[banjobart]

Larry A is right on the mark with my Chronograph, too.

 

[mike benedict]

I load 5.7 gr of WW231 and a 200 Gr swc which makes 185 pf.

Velocity varies with both temp. and humidity Bullet weight also varies a grain of 2. In my opinion it would be most unwise to load too lightly and risk a DQ at a match.
I would not shoot anything under 175pf at any match. 20 fps spread between shots with 231 is pretty normal and that takes 165pf to 161 pf. If that happens you are SOl.

Mike


------------------
Mike Benedict
Custom Kydex Holsters

Talon Tactical Holsters

 

[Paranator]

Kimber Gold Match
5.5 grns. W231
230grn. Star bullet
1.170 OAL
Average Velocity 761fps.
PF. 175

If your going to use W231 I would stay on the plus side of 170pf. since it is affected by temperature and humidity.

If you ever want to try a powder with a similar burn rate as W231 that isn't affected by temp. and hum. as much try Hodgdon HP-38.

PARNATOR...

 

[Howardk]

I chronoed a load today using 230 gr. RN Montana Gold FMJ with 5.5 gr. W231, Federal primers, and a 1.262 OAL. On my Baer PII the PF was 183 and on my Kimber (with a Kart barrel) it was 187. I'm guessing about 5.2 gr. of W231 should make just over the 165 PF on my guns. BTW, I'm REALLY impressed with the Montana Gold bullets. The smallest FPS spread I've ever had.

 

[Chico]

5.2 grains of W231 is the minimum - 167K from 835 fps. Considering altitude factors, climatic conditions when loading, and other variables - 5.3 grains is the more realistic minimum. The only time I have personally seen ammo chronographed for minimum PF was at the IDPA Nationals. Set your powder measure to between 5.3 and 5.4 to be safe. Can you imagine taking a week's vacation and spending hundreds OF $$ to travel to Mississippi to be DQ'd for too low a PF? It happened to some competitors.