The 45 Super cartridge has gained significant popularity among handgun enthusiasts seeking a potent round with impressive stopping power. This guide provides comprehensive 45 Super load data for reloaders, emphasizing safety and accuracy. Always consult your firearm's manual before attempting any reloading. Improper loading can lead to serious injury or damage to your firearm.
Understanding 45 Super Ballistics
Before diving into load data, it's crucial to understand the 45 Super's unique ballistics. It's a higher-pressure cartridge compared to the standard 45 ACP, demanding careful attention to detail when reloading. This higher pressure translates to increased velocity and energy, making it a formidable self-defense round. The 45 Super's performance is markedly different from its 45 ACP counterpart, showcasing a greater impact on targets.
Key Considerations for Reloading 45 Super
Several factors significantly impact the performance and safety of your 45 Super reloads. These crucial elements must be addressed meticulously to ensure both accuracy and safety:
1. Selecting the Right Components
- Case: Only use new or once-fired brass specifically designed for 45 Super. Using cases from other cartridges is dangerous.
- Powder: Choose a powder suitable for high-pressure loads. Research thoroughly and consult published load data from reputable sources. Experimenting with powders not specifically listed for 45 Super is strongly discouraged.
- Primer: Use a standard large pistol primer.
- Bullet: The bullet weight and type will influence the final load data. Consider factors like bullet profile and material (jacketed, lead, etc.) when selecting your projectiles. Remember to match bullet weight with powder charges based on proven load data.
2. Equipment and Techniques
- Press: A reliable reloading press is essential. A progressive press can significantly speed up the process, but a single-stage press provides better control, particularly crucial for high-pressure cartridges.
- Scale: An accurate powder scale is paramount. Consistent powder charges are crucial for consistent performance and safety.
- Caliper: Use a caliper to ensure your cases are properly sized and your bullets are of the correct dimensions.
- Case Gauge: A case gauge verifies that your reloaded cases are within acceptable dimensions. This step is critical for preventing malfunctions.
- Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when reloading.
3. Starting Low and Working Up
Never jump straight to maximum loads. Always start with the minimum charge listed in your chosen load data and gradually increase while carefully monitoring pressure signs. Observe your brass for signs of excessive pressure such as flattened primers, bulged cases, or excessive primer flow.
45 Super Load Data (Example – Consult Multiple Sources)
Disclaimer: The following is example data only and should not be used without consulting multiple sources and verifying compatibility with your specific components and firearm. This data is for informational purposes and does not constitute a recommendation.
| Bullet Weight (grains) | Powder (specify brand and type) | Powder Charge (grains) | Primer | COL (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | [Powder Name] | [Minimum Charge] | [Primer Type] | [COL] | Start Low, Work Up |
| 200 | [Powder Name] | [Mid-Range Charge] | [Primer Type] | [COL] | Monitor Pressure Signs |
| 200 | [Powder Name] | [Maximum Charge] | [Primer Type] | [COL] | Do Not Exceed |
Remember to replace the bracketed information with specific data from your chosen powder manufacturer.
Sources for Reliable Load Data
Consult multiple sources to gather accurate and verified load data. Reputable sources include:
- Powder Manufacturers: The most reliable source of load data is directly from the powder manufacturers. Their websites often provide comprehensive data sheets.
- Reloading Manuals: Established reloading manuals, such as those from Lyman, Sierra, or Hornady, are also excellent resources.
- Online Forums: While online forums can be helpful, always cross-reference information found there with data from established sources.
Safety First
Reloading 45 Super requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of safe reloading practices. Always prioritize safety and never compromise on proper techniques and equipment. Incorrect reloading can result in catastrophic consequences. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, seek guidance from experienced reloaders before proceeding.
This guide is for informational purposes only. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any injuries or damages resulting from the use of this information. Always consult your firearm's manual and multiple reliable sources before undertaking any reloading activity.
