CW45 Likes Stiffer Loads
I was on the verge of trading my CW45 for something that (1) liked my handloads and (2) wouldn't deposit hot brass between my eyelid and glasses. I got to experimenting, after buying the most recent Hodgdon "Reloading" magazine/reloading manual and checking out some .45 loads. I've reloaded since the mid-'70's and have been an Alliant guy...Unique, Bullseye, Red Dot...but they don't exist around here anymore. So now I like to use Long Shot powder...it's available here and is a decent, although not exact, sub for Unique (there's a very up-to-date burn rate chart in that issue). It tends to like higher pressure cart's like the 9 and 40 but works here and with my .357, with my cast bullets. I discovered that, if I dumped a little more than I did before in the .45 case (following the book, of course), and stick to an overall length of not more than 1.240" (seating the SWC front band flush with the case mouth) that I have fairly well solved the kamikaze cases and the FTF, inaccuracy, etc. problems. I use my Lee copy of the old H&G 68 200 SWC and a moderate load of LS...I get 832 fps out of it and accuracy. It's not a barn-burner but I tend to like to keep loads on the "green" side of the green/red power scale (the same reason I don't drive my vehicles in the tach's red section...plus, they won't go that fast.... I find they can be accurate, be easier on the gun and my 64-yr.-old body, and are a bit cheaper to make in the long run. (Casting my own bullets helps keep costs down, too.). I understand that this is not a 25-yard target pistol but I shot 5 shots at 15 yards with 4 touching each other. Anyway, just a thought...try several loads before giving up and selling the gun. That is NOT a news flash to you; I tend to be "it doesn't like my pet load so out it goes"... am learning patience, weed-hopper! Sorry if this post should've been in the reloading section but I'm new to the forum and not sure of navigation. I DO like my CM9 - carry it in a pocket. I will start carrying the 45 when it cools off and I can hide it better, although with deep enough pockets, a feller could almost carry it there. Anyway...comments? Similar experiences?
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Originally Posted by Armybrat
