[stealthsniper]

After a lot of messing around, I've pretty much finished development on a decent range/practice load. I haven't been able to chrono it yet, but insofar as accuracy and reliability go, I've had no problems. The load produces a moderate amount of recoil and cycles the slide properly even with a 24lb spring in place. All testing relates to my XD Service, though the round has also performed nicely in a friend's SC.

CASE: mixed headstamp, 0.838" ± .001"
BULLET: Berry's Plated, 165gr FP
POWDER: Accurate No. 5, 6.1gr
OAL: 1.120" + .002"

Accuracy is on par with or better than WWB. Recoil seems lower, particularly less "snappy." Unfortunately, like every AA5 load that I've tried, it's fairly dirty. For that reason, I'm switching back to Win 231 once I finish off my supply of AA5 powder.

I hope this comes of some use to the other reloaders here.

 

[Camper]

231 powder at 5 grains makes a good clean load for the 165gr bullet and 4.3 grains of regular Clays, not Universal, makes an even cleaner load.

 

[stealthsniper]

231 powder at 5 grains makes a good clean load for the 165gr bullet and 4.3 grains of regular Clays, not Universal, makes an even cleaner load.

Thanks for the tip. I see that you've read over the Speer manual, too.