Lead and .45 acp in an XD

[para_org]

Hey gang;

As some of you might recall, there have been a couple or three recent discussions on using lead ammo reloads in the XD .45 acp .

Short answer is that in most of these guns the LSWC will jam on extraction. Springfield's US 'smith shop is very aware of the problem, and their suggested fix is an experimental slide modification.

I also was going to try some 225gr LFP (or TC if you are so inclined) and I am happy to report these results.

On an initial guess of 5 gr. of WW231 behind the Lazer-cast 225gr tc/fp seems to work fine and with no feed/extraction issues. In fact I can probably left off a bit on the loading, as it seems close to full-speed, although I am only going by feel. (i.e. I have not chronographed this loading yet.)

I forget off-hand what the OAL is, but my notes should indicate what it is if anybody is interested. Basically the bullet is seated so the brass lip at the mouth of the case is situated so that it does not overhang the bullet's widest point, and the bullet's widest point is almost but not quite inside the brass case. i.e. A nice simple transition between the two. A good taper crimp and sizing helps here. (In my case ala the 4 die set from Lee on a LoadMaster press.)

I just wanted to let you all know what I have found with my own experimentation.

[Novadesigns]

To date I have fed my XD-45 Service... MasterBlasters Moly 230gr lrn and 200gr lsp (lead spire point), Precision Moly 200gr rnfp, 185gr Sierra Match FPJ, Hornady 230gr JHP XTP, Speer 230gr TMJ, and 185gr Sierra lswc with not a single feed extraction or ejection issue from my gun.

I have used Clays, WST, Win 231 and Bullseye, Federal 150 Primers and Winchester LP Primers.

Again no issues whatsoever.

The only round that has had feeding problems are some remanufactured ammo using Ranier plated SWC bullets. That turned out to be a COAL issue, which I remedied by seating the bullets a little further into the case.


This gun will literally eat anything.

[para_org]

Yes some guns will feed the 200 gr. lswc based on the H&G #68 design. Most will not.

Consider yourself very lucky and ENJOY it !!

[nunnya]

Para_org,
I've recently ordered some 230gr.LFN from Bear Creek Bullets so I'm glad
you've had success with this bullet profile.
Where can I find more info. on this experimental slide mod. for LSW jams?
They're Kryptonite for an otherwise flawless pistol.
I can see why it happens but have found no resolution.

Thanks,
nunnya

[para_org]

You are VERY welcome.

As far as I know, this slide mod MIGHT have been tried on ONE pistol by some/one of the guys at Springfield's 'smith shop. From what I can tell it should not otherwise cripple the gun, but the mod does require welding on the bottom of the slide.

I rather not get into specifics at this time, as I have not tried this myself and it is NOT my idea either.

[Sharpsshooter]

230g LRN cast bullets, air cooled WW, sized to .452, Lyman Super Moly lube, 4.7g Titegroup, WLP primer, OAL 1.200.

This loads, shoots and extracts flawlessly. Zero problems to date.

I will be testing the same load with 4.4g Titegroup today.

[rgeliske]

I have shot 205g Bear Creek Moly RNFP with no problems in my XD45. It wil probably become my range bullet of choice for the XD45 after I shoot up about 600 Ranier 200g Plated RN. These both shoot well with 5.0g TG but the Bear Creek are more consistant and accurate.

[f4tweet]

I use Bear Creek moly 200gr. SWC, 5.2-5.6 gr. of 231 or HP-38, WLP, crimp of .470, OAL of 1.230. Works fine. I found the load was OAL sensitive, that is why 1.230 OAL. Try it!

[khillery]

My 5 in. compac/tacfeels and functions well at this level with some old Bull-X225gr tcfp lead. The cases are Rem, WLP, taper crimp to .472. Over all length to just touch the lands. I think it will still work at 4.3 or possibly below. Point of aim is perfect with 4.5 and won't be bad with 4.3 either. Like Para Ord, I thought 5.0 felt like too much.
Fifteen rounds showed twelve touching each other[one hole] and two close, one pulled to just off the black on a fifty foot target at that range, indoors rested. I am very happy with that accuracy for informal games and my own satisfaction.
The loads came out of a Lee Pro 1000, a finicky loader, but once you get to know it, very well thought out and slick...a tremendous bargin.
My Glock 36 would handle just about any of my reloads, and all bullet weights. It was equally accurate, much lighter, and the recoil was curiously not much worse due to the lower bore axis. The Glock gave more trigger sting with hot loads which I didn't like, but I do like the longer reach of the trigger compared to the XD . Both are stock.
I will attempt 200 grainers next, with more powder than I used before hitting on this load.

[ZIgMund]

I have yet to try any cast bullets, but I am interested in using them for cost savings. I currenly load some for of plated or jacketed rounds. I have had really great results loading hornady 185gr xtp, and 230gr fmj. both loaded using clays. I noticed a dramatic reduction in recoil over the Winchester range loads, and my home loads. no problems with feeding or extraction/ejection. I use the lee 4 die carbide set, and I do crimp every round with the factory crimp die.