PDA

View Full Version : Comparing reload performance between Kahr and other firearms



pbagley
05-07-2014, 07:40 PM
Is there any interest in see a comparison of reload performance between a Kahr pistol and other brands/types?

Warning: Any reloading data found in this thread is presented for entertainment purposes only. There may be unintentional errors in data entry. All data must be checked against reliable reloading data sources prior to use. The author(s) of data in this thread assume no responsibility for the actions of others.

There, that's out of the way.

First example: 45ACP with Power Pistol powder and Berry's bullets. At the range I shot these over the chronograph using my Kahr CW45 and a 1911 with a new Roto4m barrel.

Load: 8.8gr. Power Pistol, Berry's 185gr Plated Flat Point, CCI primer, WCC71 brass
Kahr CW45 (3.64" barrel): 1031 fps, 33 fps extreme spread
1911 (Roto4M 5" barrel): 1152 fps, 40 fps extreme spread
Difference: 121 fps, 10.5%, with 72% of the barrel length of the 1911.

Second example: 9mm with SR7625 and Rocky Mountain Reloading 115gr. Plated Hollow Point bullets. This has been my most accurate 9mm load to date. I shot these from a CM9 and a SCCY CPX2. Both have about the same length barrels.

Load: 4.7 SR7625, RMR 115 gr Plated Hollow Point, WW primer, FC brass
Kahr CM9 (3.0" barrel): 982 fps, 73 fps extreme spread
SCCY CPX2 (3.1" barrel): 979 fps, 60 fps extreme spread
Difference: 3 fps, 0.3%

The comparison between firearms is what I think is interesting. Seeing that with Power Pistol I lose more than 10% compared to a 1911 is amazing to me. Can't wait to see how faster powders compare between these two guns.

Let me know if you're interested. I can add more data as I collect it.

muggsy
05-07-2014, 07:43 PM
Data is good. Bring it on.

garyb
05-07-2014, 08:00 PM
How about the 40 with longshot powder?

pbagley
05-07-2014, 09:07 PM
I've only got one 40 S&W (Kahr, of course), so nothing to compare with. Sorry. And no LongShot powder. I've tried PowerPistol and SR7625 so far with good results.

AIRret
05-08-2014, 05:48 AM
Very interesting, thanks.

Southerngunner
05-08-2014, 10:10 AM
I dont have a chronograph but The info is very usefull. The last few years I have stuck with WW231 for my 45Acp and 9mm loads but I also have used quite a lot of Titegroup Lately, they both meter well through my powder funnels.

pbagley
05-13-2014, 08:59 PM
This post contains 45ACP info.

Date: 5/7/2014 Temp: 55f
Load: 8.8gr. Power Pistol, Berry's 185gr Plated Flat Point, CCI primer, WCC71 brass
Kahr CW45 (3.64" barrel): 1031 fps, 33 fps extreme spread
1911 (Roto4M 5" barrel) : 1152 fps, 40 fps extreme spread
Difference: 121 fps, 10.5%, with 72% of the barrel length of the 1911.

Date: 5/24/2014 Temp: 70f
Load: 8.3gr. Power Pistol, Berry's 185gr Plated Flat Point, CCI primer, TXX84 match brass
Kahr CW45 (3.64" barrel): 989 fps, 62 fps extreme spread
1911 (Roto4M 5" barrel) : 1086 fps, 38 fps extreme spread
Difference: 97 fps, 9%, with 72% of the barrel length of the 1911.
Had failures to feed in the Roto4M barrel with the bullet jammed into the feed ramp. The bullet was driven into the case reducing OAL.

Date: 5/13/2014 Temp: 50f
Load: 6.3gr. SR7625, Berry's 185gr Plated Flat Point, CCI primer, TZZ84 brass
Kahr CW45 (3.64" barrel): 722 fps, 95 fps extreme spread
1911 (Roto4M 5" barrel) : 824 fps, 82 fps extreme spread
Difference: 102 fps, 12.4%, with 72% of the barrel length of the 1911.

Groups shot at 25 yards:
http://i57.servimg.com/u/f57/13/62/95/74/20140518.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=679&u=13629574)

http://i57.servimg.com/u/f57/13/62/95/74/20140519.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=680&u=13629574)


This load was expected to have a smaller difference between the two barrel lengths than the Power Pistol load - the theory was that the faster powder would more completely burn in the shorter barrel.

At 722 fps average in the CW45 it is surprising that the load was 100% functional. I used this load to shoot a National Match Course - 10 rounds at 50 yards, 20 rounds at 25 yards - with the CW45. Score was a very reasonable 260x5 using a two hand hold. Needless to say, the groups shot during the National Match Course were far better than the one shot over the chronograph.

http://i57.servimg.com/u/f57/13/62/95/74/20140524.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=685&u=13629574)

http://i57.servimg.com/u/f57/13/62/95/74/20140525.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=686&u=13629574)

pbagley
05-13-2014, 09:32 PM
This post will report on .40 S&W 165gr. bullet load performance.

Date: 5/07/2014 Temp: 55f
Load: Winchester White Box 165gr Jacketed Flat Point (factory, provided for comparison purposes)
Kahr CM40 (3.1" barrel): 1010 fps, 69fps extreme spread

Date: 5/13/2014 Temp: 50f
Load: 6.0gr. SR7625, Rocky Mountain Reloading 165gr Plated Hollow Point, WW primer, WIN brass (WWB empties)
Kahr CM40 (3.1" barrel): 990 fps, 113fps extreme spread

Load: 7.1gr. Power Pistol, Rocky Mountain Reloading 165gr Plated Hollow Point, WW primer, WIN brass (WWB empties)
Kahr CM40 (3.1" barrel): 1055 fps, 53fps extreme spread

Targets shot at 25 yards:
http://i57.servimg.com/u/f57/13/62/95/74/20140521.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=682&u=13629574)


http://i57.servimg.com/u/f57/13/62/95/74/20140520.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=681&u=13629574)

garyb
05-14-2014, 07:50 AM
I have a few lbs of power pistol for my 40 but have not tried it. I actually purchased it for my wife's 380, but I did so because I could also use it in my 40's. I have found the longshot to be very clean and reliable in my 40's, but I guess I need to try the power pistol to see how it compares to longshot.

pbagley
05-25-2014, 07:53 PM
This post concerns .380 ACP. Loads are compared between a Kahr CW380 and a Taurus PT 738 TCP.

Date : May 24, 2014 Temp 70f
Load : 2.6 700-x, Berry's 100gr. plated hollow base round nose, Blazer brass, WW primer.
Kahr CW380: 708 fps, 82 fps extreme spread
PT 738 TCP : 741 fps, 113 extreme spread
Accuracy was not as good as factory ammo.
Load is about 100 fps slower than factory 95gr loads.

Date : May 24, 2014 Temp 70f
Load : 2.7 700-x, Berry's 100gr. plated round nose, Blazer brass, WW primer.
Kahr CW380: 764 fps, 56 fps extreme spread
PT 738 TCP : 771 fps, 142 extreme spread
Accuracy is not as good as factory ammo.

Still looking for a good reload for the .380.

pbagley
05-25-2014, 08:26 PM
This post will contain 40 S&W defensive load performance data.

Temp: 55f
Load: MagTech 155gr Jacketed Hollow Point (50 rounds box for $26.99 at Fleet Farm)
Kahr CM40 (3.1" barrel): 1137 fps, 30fps extreme spread

May 24, 2014 Temp: 70f
Load: MagTech 180gr Jacketed Hollow Point (50 rounds box for $27.99 at Fleet Farm)
Kahr CM40 (3.1" barrel): 943 fps, 38fps extreme spread

Temp: 55f
Load: Hornady Critical Defense 165gr FTX
Kahr CM40 (3.1" barrel): 1071 fps, 11fps extreme spread


Accuracy results: All target shot at 25 yards during chronygraph session.

http://i57.servimg.com/u/f57/13/62/95/74/20140528.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=689&u=13629574)


http://i57.servimg.com/u/f57/13/62/95/74/20140526.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=687&u=13629574)


http://i57.servimg.com/u/f57/13/62/95/74/20140527.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=688&u=13629574)

garyb
05-27-2014, 11:28 AM
Looks like your CM likes the MagTech 180's. Are you benching to put as much on the ammo as possible and less on other factors?

pbagley
05-27-2014, 05:50 PM
@garyb - All rounds were shot using a two hand hold at 25 yards. Not benched. The groups are the rounds chronographed. Sorry, some of the mistakes are mine. That said, my CM40 really likes the MagTech 180 HP's.

garyb
05-28-2014, 07:13 AM
I was curious and sincerely am not being critical with your test data. But would your ammo group comparisons be better represented off the bench than off hand? In other words, eliminate a variable?

pbagley
05-28-2014, 06:33 PM
I was curious and sincerely am not being critical with your test data. But would your ammo group comparisons be better represented off the bench than off hand? In other words, eliminate a variable?

I agree, and a ransom rest would be even better. But part of the evaluation is how well I can shoot the reload under test. Of course comparisons between a 1911 and a CW45 are not fair no matter how I shoot them.

muggsy
05-28-2014, 07:43 PM
I have a few lbs of power pistol for my 40 but have not tried it. I actually purchased it for my wife's 380, but I did so because I could also use it in my 40's. I have found the longshot to be very clean and reliable in my 40's, but I guess I need to try the power pistol to see how it compares to longshot.

Power Pistol works great for 9MM as well.

garyb
05-29-2014, 05:55 AM
It seems to be a versatile powder for semi's (380 to 40 at least). Eventually I will get a chance to evaluate and compare it to longshot powder. Because I only load for 380 and 40, it may be a good all around powder to stock...if it shoots clean and accurate for me.

pbagley
05-29-2014, 10:35 AM
In 9mm, I did not have good accuracy from Power Pistol in my CM9 or CPX2. That could be me having bad days, but in A/B tests against loads using other powders with the same bullet and primer always performed better. Usual disclaimers apply.

In the larger .40 and .45 the loads are accurate and the velocities are more consistent. My container seems to produce faster velocities than the Aliant data would suggest for the .45 loads. Always check your data before loading. I found other sources for load data that had similar velocities to what I've measured from my 1911 and CW45.

Good luck.

100percent
05-29-2014, 04:20 PM
I did a bit of data collection this afternoon.

Lee TC lead bullet. 180 grains.
Speer once shot brass
Winchester primer.
IMR 800X 6.5grains
Lee Load master press.
All depriming and repriming is done on a single stage press. I want to inspect every primed brass before I load it.

Here are the velocities:
Kahr PM40
Low 845
High 905
Average 886
Extreme Spread 60
Standard Deviation 25

Glock 27
Low 885
High 924
Avg 899
ES 39
SD 17

Hi Point 40 carbine
Low 1161
High 1236
Avg 1201
ES 74
SD 30

Note that the 16" barrel is good for 300fps over the 3-3.5" barrels in the pistols.
My tests were over 5 rounds in each gun. The ES and SD are not that valuable, except to say that I think they are all good for being being produced in my shop without weighing charges just measured by volume.

All my 40s cycle this round well.

pbagley
06-02-2014, 08:05 PM
Thanks Mr. 100percent! I've been wondering how our Kahr's would compare with a G27.

pbagley
07-23-2014, 04:41 PM
Finally had a free evening to take the ShootingChrony to the range. This time I have some .380 ACP reloads to report on.

First load: 100 gr. Xtreme plated flat point with 2.7 gr. of Bullseye. This is an old pound of powder I found under the bench. Xtreme bullets is a supplier I've tried because Rocky Mountain Reloading was out of stock on everything I wanted to buy.

The CW380 : 730 fps average, 64 extreme spread
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20140717.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=757&u=13629574)

Taurus PT 738 TCP: 730 fps average, 59 extreme spread
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20140718.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=758&u=13629574)
As you can see, the Taurus like this load while the Kahr does not care for it as much.

Next we have the same 100 gr. Xtreme plated flat point with 2.7 gr. of 700X. I find 700X to be a very difficult powder to use in my powder measures.

The CW380 : 733 fps average, 62 extreme spread.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20140719.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=759&u=13629574)

Taurus PT 738 TCP: 750 fps average, 67 extreme spread.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20140720.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=760&u=13629574)
Looks like the TCP likes this load better as well.

Last load: The same 100 gr. Xtreme plated flat point with 4.0 gr. of AutoComp. I've read that this powder does not do well below a certain pressure threshold. I think the CW380 results confirm this, and that next time I'll use perhaps .1 or .2 gr. more powder to see if the results become more consistent.

The CW380: 778 fps average, 91 extreme spread.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20140721.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=761&u=13629574)

Taurus PT 738 TCP: 810 fps average, 52 extreme spread.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20140722.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=762&u=13629574)
Here I think the CW380 has printed a better group. I shot a second 10 through the CW380 with nearly the same results (786fps average, 132 extreme spread).

That's it for this installment.
* All data provided for your enjoyment, verify all load data against reliable sources before proceeding to load using the data in this thread.
* All targets shot at 25 yards using a two hand hold. Not bench-rested or sand-bagged. Part of the evaluation is shootability.

Once again the powder on the local retailer's shelves were all things I'd not tried before. I'll be glad when we can get WW231 and Unique again. So I've tried AutoComp, selected in ignorance. I'll try to get some 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45ACP data soon.

pbagley
08-22-2014, 04:38 PM
The following is a follow-up to the previous 380ACP post. This time I increased the charge to 4.1 gr. to see if there was an improvement in groups and extreme spread.

Here are the contenders. You'll notice a addition to the mouse gun stable.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/img_2010.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=770&u=13629574)

Let's start with the CW380. 824fps ten shot average, 50 fps extreme spread.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20140815.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=772&u=13629574)

Next the 738 TCP. 830fps ten shot average, 102fps extreme spread.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20140816.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=773&u=13629574)

And last the new guy. Rasberry Ruger LCP. 813fps ten shot average, 130fps extreme spread.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20140817.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=774&u=13629574)

All targets shot at 25 yards. Chronygraph at 10 feet. I think that AutoComp powder is not great in the 380, perhaps due to not generating enough pressure.

pbagley
10-07-2014, 06:19 PM
This installment is once again for the 380 ACP.

First load under test is 2.9 gr. TiteGroup with a 100gr plated flat point (pfp) from Xtreme bullets and a CCI small pistol primer.
Average / Extreme Spread
CW380: ... 765 / 53
LCP: ........ 727 / 52
TCP: ........ 769 / 72

Groups:
CW380 - looks like jerk zone to me, but I thought I was shooting about as well as my normal:
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141012.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=777&u=13629574)

LCP - things seem to be a bit low but generally in a wide wobble zone:
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141013.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=778&u=13629574)

TCP - now the groups are getting tighter. Finally:
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141014.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=779&u=13629574)


If 2,9 gr. is good, then 3.0 gr. must be better, right? This time I only chronygraphed the CW380 and LCP.

Average / Extreme Spread
CW380: ... 796 / 53
LCP: ........ 765 / 68

And the groups:

CW380 - Again groups is a little low but better.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141015.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=780&u=13629574)

LCP - Again I think it looks better:
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141016.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=781&u=13629574)

I'll probably be loading up the rest of the box of bullets at the max load of 3.0 TiteGroup.

pbagley
10-08-2014, 08:45 PM
This post concerns the 40S&W in the CM40. No comparison since I don't have a second 40 S&W available.

Load #1 : 4.6 gr. TiteGroup, 165gr xTreme plated hollow point, CCI primer.
Average Velocity: ... 877
Extreme Spread: ...... 58
Temperature: .......... 50f

This is a easy shooting load, very easy to control. Accuracy was not quite what I want to see at 25 yards. I'll try increasing the load to see if it gets better.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141017.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=782&u=13629574)

Load #2 is 6.5gr. AutoComp, 165gr xTreme plated hollow point, CCI primer.
Average Velocity: ... 943
Extreme Spread: ...... 72
Temperature: .......... 50f

This load is a real handful, especially considering it is the lightest recommended load for AutoComp. Recoil is a lot more than you would expect for the velocity. Accuracy is good despite the way it kicks... enough that my thumb activated the slide stop. The two fliers need to come in. I will probably abandon this powder in 40 S&W. Hopefully it will do better in 9mm.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141018.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=783&u=13629574)

pbagley
10-08-2014, 09:00 PM
One more - this time not a reload but instead .22lr in a Jennings J22. Again, the target was shot at 25 yards with 30 rounds of Remington 36gr HP's. I pasted up one of the 380 targets from earlier, and I did not expect much of a group. I was wrong.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141019.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=784&u=13629574)

I would have used a new target if I had expected any kind of grouping at all. In the interest of full disclosure, there were multiple jams. I did get though the first magazine OK. I had at least one jam every magazine after that. All I can say is that the practice with the mouse guns seems to be paying off.

pbagley
10-22-2014, 06:27 PM
This post concerns the 40S&W round. This time I have a second 40S&W along for comparison.
Kahr CM40 - 3" barrel
Taurus PT140 - 3.1" barrel

In the last 40S&W installment I had issues with activating the slide stop. To combat this I reduced the OAL of the loaded cartridges.
- Old OAL: 1.13
- New OAL: 1.12



AutoComp
6.5
xTreme
165
php





65f
Kahr CM40
1009fps
47



Taurus PT140
986
80







Kahr CM40 - not sure how I put that one high... I will admit it's my fault. I had one and only one slide lock back with the shorter OAL, and reduced felt recoil.:
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141021.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=786&u=13629574)

Taurus PT140 - groups are not as nice as the Kahr :
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141023.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=788&u=13629574)

Second load under test, also loaded to the shorter 1.12" OAL


TiteGroup
4.8
xTreme
165
php







Kahr CM40
970fps
59


Taurus PT140
950fps
20



Kahr CM40 group - Not quite centered, and I wrote 4.6 instead of 4.8 on the target.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141024.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=789&u=13629574)


Taurus PT140 group - I'm blaming the caffine I drank on the way to the range for this bad group. Low extreme spread, but this was the first group chronographed. Sun was playing up the sensors, so not every shot was recorded and there were only six of ten that recorded.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141025.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=790&u=13629574)

As always, all data is presented for your entertainment only. Check all reloading data against trusted sources. You are responsible for your own reloads.

muggsy
10-23-2014, 08:28 AM
This post concerns .380 ACP. Loads are compared between a Kahr CW380 and a Taurus PT 738 TCP.

Date : May 24, 2014 Temp 70f
Load : 2.6 700-x, Berry's 100gr. plated hollow base round nose, Blazer brass, WW primer.
Kahr CW380: 708 fps, 82 fps extreme spread
PT 738 TCP : 741 fps, 113 extreme spread
Accuracy was not as good as factory ammo.
Load is about 100 fps slower than factory 95gr loads.

Date : May 24, 2014 Temp 70f
Load : 2.7 700-x, Berry's 100gr. plated round nose, Blazer brass, WW primer.
Kahr CW380: 764 fps, 56 fps extreme spread
PT 738 TCP : 771 fps, 142 extreme spread
Accuracy is not as good as factory ammo.

Still looking for a good reload for the .380.

I've had good accuracy results with my P380 using using 4.3 gr. of Power Pistol behind the 100 gr. berry's plated lead RN bullet and CCI small pistol primers.

pbagley
10-23-2014, 09:51 PM
Thanks. I will give that one a try and see how it compares to TiteGroup and BullsEye.

Edit - Darned little reloading data for PowerPistol and the 100gr plated bullet. 4.6gr. seems to be the maximum load from multiple sources, so 4.3 will likely be OK. Some opined that TiteGroup was not good in the 380ACP. I'm getting fair results, not great but still OK I guess in the TCP, less so in the LCP and CW380. Stay tuned for results when I get a chance to try them at the range.

muggsy
10-26-2014, 08:28 PM
PowerPistol is low flash and a fairly clean burning powder. On a good day I can keep all of my shots within a 3" circle at 21 feet with this load.

pbagley
11-01-2014, 09:10 PM
Here we go with the 380 ACP

The load under test this time is a 100 gr. Xtreme plated flat point with 4.3gr. of Power Pistol.

The chronograph was playing up with full direct sunlight this afternoon. I captured what I could. The cool temperatures and weak battery may be part of the reason for the shots not recorded as well.



Gun:
Average Velocity
Extreme Spread




CW380 2.58"
792
65


LCP 2.75"
801
44


738 TCP 2.84"
816
105



Accuracy:
CW380 - this load shoots a little low, and a bit to the left. Not jerking, at least I don't think I am. :
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141114.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/13629574/798)

Ruger LCP - once again the 25 yard accuracy is disappointing. Dry firing one with an empty magazing showd me putting things to the right, but all shots are going a bit left and wild. The next group (no chronograph) was a little better, but not much.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141113.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/13629574/797)

Last the good old TCP. 25 yard accuracy is better with all shots on the repair center.
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/13/62/95/74/20141115.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/13629574/799)

There you have it. I think this can be a good accurate load in some guns. The TCP seems to like it just fine.

grandpa1466
11-29-2014, 08:44 PM
This post concerns .380 ACP. Loads are compared between a Kahr CW380 and a Taurus PT 738 TCP.


Load is about 100 fps slower than factory 95gr loads.

Date : May 24, 2014 Temp 70f
Load : 2.7 700-x, Berry's 100gr. plated round nose, Blazer brass, WW primer.
Kahr CW380: 764 fps, 56 fps extreme spread
PT 738 TCP : 771 fps, 142 extreme spread
Accuracy is not as good as factory ammo.

Still looking for a good reload for the .380.

I found a recipe with 700-x that works well in my TCP. 2.2 grains under a moly-coated 95 grain LRN produces very good accuracy for me. It is my all-the-time round in that gun.

pbagley
12-05-2015, 08:27 PM
What does one do the weekend after an alleged terrorist attack in CA, USA? Go to the range and test some new .45 ACP reloads, of course.

For today's experiment I have some reloads consisting of a light charge of 6.3 gr. CFE under a 200 gr. PHP from Xtreme. It's 44 degrees Fahrenheit

1911 (5") 822 fps average, 90 extreme spread
Khar CW45 784 fps average, 70 extreme spread
Khar CM45 709 fps average, 107 extreme spread

Accuracy is pretty good overall. This is typical, printed at 25 yards from the CM45:
http://i68.servimg.com/u/f68/13/62/95/74/20151210.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/13629574/854)

Velocities have a pretty big extreme spread, but accuracy is good at 25 yards.
Odd things you notice
- from the 1911 I notice powder hitting my face. It stings.
- recoil is very light, but there are no failures to feed.

Next time I think I'll try a bit more powder, perhaps going to 6.5 or so.

pbagley
12-13-2015, 06:55 PM
This weekend I tried upping the charge of CFE to 6.7gr. with the same 200gr. plated hollow point bullet from Xtreme. A new battery in the chronograph and off to the range I went.


1911 (5") 844 fps average, 99 extreme spread
Khar CW45 799 fps average, 59 extreme spread
Khar CM45 749 fps average, 77 extreme spread

No more powder hitting my face from the 1911. Group sizes are about the same, a bit more recoil but still comfortable to shoot. I'm not happy about the extreme spread in velocities. First shot from each magazine is low, the rest are much closer to the same velocities. I speculate this is due to the cool temperatures.

pbagley
01-31-2016, 09:50 PM
A while back someone asked if I was shooting from a rest for accuracy testing. I was not, and I did not have a decent rest for handgun. Fast forward to the after Christmas clearance at Menards, and I bought a Cadwell rest for rifle and handgun. Today I gave it a try for the first time with the CM45.
http://i68.servimg.com/u/f68/13/62/95/74/20160110.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/13629574/860)

I noticed that the first round always felt a little weak, just like before. I wonder if CFE is a bit temperature sensitive. We will see when it warms up I guess.

Just for fun I followed these 10 with 20 more shots standing on my two hinds legs and shooting two handed like usual. Of course the group size opened up a bit. Odd that I shot a little higher.
http://i68.servimg.com/u/f68/13/62/95/74/20160111.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/13629574/861)

pbagley
01-31-2016, 09:57 PM
I found a recipe with 700-x that works well in my TCP. 2.2 grains under a moly-coated 95 grain LRN produces very good accuracy for me. It is my all-the-time round in that gun.

Hi Grandpa1466,

I've tried 700x, and then gave it away to my son in law. I found that 700x would kind of gum up my RCBS rotary powder measure. My accuracy with 700x was not as good as other powders. So far the best with the xTreme 100 gr. plated bullets is CFE in my very limited experience.