45 acp and Autocomp test

[tommac919]

Like everyone else I know, powder is " get it while you can " basis...
I usu use Unique for 45acp, but just finished up my last and trying to get more is almost nill.

So in my powder stock, I see 3 lbs of AUTOCOMP I had gotten a while back when looking for 10mm powders.  Checking out the web site for the load data , there isn't much, but enough to work with. Not much on the web either (nothing in the books I have )

Winchester AutoComp  LRN @ .452"   OAL@1.200"   MIN@6.1 / 832  13,700 CUP  MAX@6.6 / 896  16,400 CUP
(fmj fp same max load of 6.6gr )

I make 20 at 6.2grs and 20 at 6.4grs  using OAL 1.25 with extreme 230 gr plated RN
Gun is a stock Sig 220

Well they shot very accurate, with 5 shots groups and 3" spread at 25 feet  ( the best I can do anyway )...
the 6.2 gr seemed a bit 'dirtier' then the 6.4 gr and I'll prob next try the max load as it seems they burn cleaner near the upper level load, no signs of any problems, no unburnt powder.   ** BTW, cleaner than the Unique I was using, tho the Unique seems a bit 'snappier ' .

In all, I was happy with the results as its just for paper anyway... and it seems to be an ok powder for the 45.

[The_Shadow]

tommac919, you have the same data I have, but AutoComp likes to be pushed...these powder makers just are not showing the data for everything these days.  I suspect that the charge could be push a little more.
AutoComp is one of those powders that didn't make many publications with that many cartridge/caliber/bullet combinations.

It does track the CFE pistol powder fairly close....

[The_Shadow]

BTW...St Marks SMP224 = Winchester AutoComp   

[tommac919]

tommac919, you have the same data I have, but AutoComp likes to be pushed...these powder makers just are not showing the data for everything these days.  I suspect that the charge could be push a little more.
snip

The spread is kind of on the small size, the good thing is it meters +/-  .1 gr in my hopper...
I'll be working up to max and go a little above to see how it works this week. 

Thanks for the info.. I'll check out CFE too

[tommac919]

Picked up some more Autocomp today...  new label on container


old ;

[The_Shadow]

My new container looks like this

[tommac919]

thanks for the fix... Yes what you said for the new one.

Lot #s about +40 on my new container.

[tommac919]

Ran some first tests earlier this week with Autocomp at 6.2 and 6.4grs.

Today I worked up at the higher end and over book value... all values hand weighed on balance scale

I made up 10 rounds of each all with Xtreme 230gr RN plated ( dia .452) , NEW federal brass, ( unknown silver primer as brass was from pulled heads ), oal 1.25, fired in a stock Sig 220.
Compared to same bullet/case but with Unique @ 6.4grs which was my old loading.
Sorry but no chronograph, but am getting one and will redo then post info .

***( max book value is 6.6gr with 230gr fmj/lead rn so be careful, do at own risk ! )***
6.6gr =  felt same as 6.4 AC load tested earlier but less than the Unique load
6.8gr =  felt same as 6.4 load of Unique, good load very accurate, today was able to 5shots @<2.5" at 25 ft. ( me, not the gun )
7.0gr =  more snappier the the Unique load, it felt like a really stout 45acp load, primers just barely starting to flatten on 4 of 10.

All cases measured and no difference in any of the loads from low to high, nothing noted except at the 7.0gr level the primer on some just starting to flatten so it's getting at the max for me and I prob would stay at the 6.8gr load for a safety factor.
Soot factor either equal to or slightly less than Unique if that worries anyone.