Handloads: A .45 ACP Semi-Wadcutter For Target Work

by
posted on November 20, 2023
.45 ACP Semi-Wadcutter

Shooting a large-diameter bullet has a lot of benefits—chief among them in target work is that the larger hole they produce has a better chance of breaking the line of the next highest scoring ring. To capitalize on this trait, wadcutter and semi-wadcutter (SWC) bullets were created to cut the cleanest, largest hole possible for formal competitions. This load is one of my favorites for the M1911 platform and features an accurate and clean-cutting 200-grain SWC from X-Treme bullets. The recipe starts with once-fired Winchester brass that has been cleaned and re-sized before being re-primed with Federal No. 150 primers. I then bell the case just enough to seat the bullet and prevent it from being gouged against the case mouth, as copper-plated bullets, like hard-cast lead projectiles, can be damaged in this way.

.45 ACP Semi-Wadcutter specsWinchester 231 has always been a phenomenal powder for M1911 ammunition. A charge of 5.3 grains produces excellent accuracy, and the recoil is manageable. The final steps involve seating the bullet so that a bit of the bearing surface is visible to help with reliable feeding. Typically ending with an overall length of 1.230" accomplishes this task and is short enough to feed through standard M1911 magazines. When building this load, I like to use Hornady’s Series II Custom Grade dies, as their built-in taper crimp eliminates the need to perform that action separately.

Many new shooters are apprehensive about shooting .45 ACP, but the low recoil of this load makes it a fantastic candidate for introducing someone to the M1911 platform or the cartridge in general. Best of all, this load is one of the least expensive for the .45 ACP in my recipe book, but you wouldn’t know that from its accuracy.

Latest

Battle Of Bunker Hill 1
Battle Of Bunker Hill 1

The Battle of Bunker Hill: 250 Years Later

The June 17, 1775, Battle of Bunker Hill marked one of the most pivotal moments in the early years in the American Revolution, as thousands of militiamen stood against determined assaults by British infantry outside Boston.

Bunker Hill: The U.S. Army’s Baptism By Fire

On June 17, 1775, British infantrymen assembled at the base of Breed’s Hill, one of two promontories that comprised the Charlestown Heights outside of Boston.

New M1 Garands Being Offered By CMP

Made in Alabama by Heritage Arms USA, the Civilian Marksmanship Program is now accepting orders for newly manufactured M1 Garands.

Handloading The .270 WSM

More than 20 years after its introduction, this member of the Winchester Short Magnum family still provides useful power to short-action platforms—and staying power to the WSM line.

The Armed Citizen® June 16, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Guns Of Dr. Maynard

Dr. Edward Maynard, a Washington, D.C.-based dentist, developed a number of mechanical innovations for firearms, including a new ignition system and a cavalry carbine that saw use in the American Civil War.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.