I chose Power Pistol, because it gave good velocity in both editions (2/14 and 4/17), and I have had good results with it ( unlike Blue Dot). In both cases Blue Dot is #1 (893 and 957 fps with 9 grains). The largest position swap is Accurate #7 - the 15th edition gets the 2/17 highest velocity of 955fps with 9.6 grains, while the 14th edition gets the 11/14 (3rd slowest) velocity of 794fps with the same charge. The online data currently matches the 15th edition as of October 2020. Speer 14 is slower across the board, using a Sig P220 with a 4.4″ barrel, while the 15th edition uses a 5″ test barrel. The Speer 14th and 15th edition reloading manuals give very different data for this bullet. I’ve proven that to myself that with ultralight hammer springs when tuning 1911s. But the Fed 150 pierce in some of my guns (e.g a Freedom Arms revolver with an auxiliary 45 ACP cylinder, but a hammer set up to ignite 454 Casull), and I wanted ammunition that would work in any gun I dropped it into. Federal 150 primers would also be an outstanding choice, because they are easier to ignite. Most Speer load data uses CCI 300 primers, so they were probably the better choice if I had them. I choose Winchester WLP primers, because I’m trying to standardize on them for large pistol primers. I prepped the brass by sizing it with a Redding Dual Ring carbide die (it leaves a slight taper in the case, which I think helps feeding) and used Redding’s TiN coated Expander Die adjusted for minimal belling of the case mouth - just enough to start the bullet in by hand. I figured I’d always use new brass for whatever I worked up, so I should pick the component I was most likely to get new. I choose new Starline cases, because they’re my favorite brand for new brass. My goal was to safely beat it’s muzzle velocity, using components that worked well for me. It performed well and was very controllable, with a slightly lower than advertised muzzle velocity. I’ve previously tested some 45 ACP 230gr Speer Gold Dot LE Duty (#53966) ammunition. This is my first time making “modern defensive” ammunition. But I’m optimistic that 45 ACP won’t drive it too fast, and that 230 grains will still do useful work if it ruptures or over expands. I don’t know what problems it has at higher velocity. I’ve never used the the regular Gold Dot (#4482), so I can’t say how the the Short Barrel (#4483) is different, but it’s supposed to expand reliably at lower velocity, like you’d get in a shorter barreled gun. 45 ACP 230 Grain Speer Gold Dot Hollow Point Short Barrel (#4483), sectional density 0.162. I got a good deal on some bullet components a few years back and finally got around to loading them.

230 gr xtp accurate 5 oal