After a lot of internet searching I found a couple of promising loads. Today I sent the first test batch downrange and I have to say that they were pretty awesome.
Berry's 250gr RNFP (really more like a conical flat point like a .40 S&W 180gr bullet).
I moly'd them for fun.
3.4grs of Clays
CCI LPP
1.245 OAL
Load data suggests these would be about 700fps out of a 5" barrel (major power factor would be about 650fps). The moly may have reduced that though. They were so smooth and easy that they weren't even like a 45ACP (very little push and not much muzzle rise). JollyRoger shot some and might comment.
After we ran out we shot some of my "pin" loads (5.4gr Universal w/ 230gr LRN). The "pin" loads kicked a lot more. The "pin" loads should be about 850fps though.
Because of the moly and how soft they shot I'll probably add .1 or .2 grains before I chrono them. But as of now these are a real pleasure to shoot. Plus they were 100% in both 1911 and XD.
UPDATE:
250gr Berry's FP moly, 3.4 Clays, CCI LPP, 60 degrees, 5" barrel, average 702fps
250gr Berry's FP moly, 3.4 Clays, CCI LPP, 60 degrees, 4" barrel, average 663fps
250gr Berry's FP, 3.6 Clays, CCI LPP, 60 degrees, 5" barrel, average 685fps
250gr Berry's FP, 3.6 Clays, CCI LPP, 60 degrees, 4" barrel, average 666fps
230gr Lasercast LRN, 5.4 Universal, CCI LPP, 60 degrees, 5" barrel, average 823fps
230gr Lasercast LRN, 5.4 Universal, CCI LPP, 60 degrees, 4" barrel, average 754fps
It's interesting that the moly bullets were faster even though the load was less. That's opposite of moly behavior in a rifle (it may just be the powder selection too). These 250gr plunkin loads are nice and soft and still make major power factor. Although, if I were to compete with a 4" pistol I'd want to add a little more powder (0.2 should make the load safe for major out of the 4" barrel).
The 230gr "pin" loads are not quite hot enough. I want at least 850fps out of the 5" barrel. I have some Masterblaster polymer bullets on the way. That will be the next write up.
