Acme ‘Lipstick’ Bullets

In Part I last month we looked at Acme’s “Lipstick” bullets used in sixguns; now we switch to using them in some of my favorite semi-automatics. Just in case you missed Part I we will review just a little bit about what Acme Bullet Company is all about.

Test Batch

For testing Acme Bullets in semi-automatics, I used five different bullets in .38 Super, four in 9mm, and two in both .45 ACP and 10 mm. I even loaded some in .40 S&W for use in a pistol I have probably not shot for at least two decades, namely the Ruger P91. In their catalog Acme lists only two bullets for use in the .38 Super, namely a 150-gr. and 160-gr. RN bullet. However, I found those designed for the 9mm work just fine in the .38 Super. All of the 9mm bullets are sized to 0.356″ while those for the Super are at 0.357″, the .45 ACP bullets are at 0.452″ while the 10mm bullets come in at 0.401″.

Tale Of The Crimp

Loading for semi-automatic pistols requires a little more effort than for sixgun loads. With the latter I get along fine with three dies — full-length sizing/decapping, expanding and seating/crimping. However, when I use a progressive press for revolver loads, I use all four stages and separate the seating and crimping into two operations. With a progressive this requires no extra effort, just one extra die. Switching to loading for semi-automatic pistols, I find separating the seating and crimping into two operations always results in better loads. In addition I used a Lyman Cartridge Case Gauge to check the dimensions of my load, which virtually assures the rounds will chamber easily.

For every one of these semi-automatic pistol rounds mentioned, I use my standard set of dies but only seat the bullet without crimping. Once I have a good batch of cartridges with bullets seated to the proper length on my Rockchucker I then run each round through the crimping stage using the Lee Factory Crimp Die. This die is very easy to set and as with the Cartridge Case Gauge, helps to ensure cartridges are the proper dimensions for easy feeding. I also use the .45 ACP Lee Factory Crimp Die for crimping bullets without a crimping groove in .45 Auto Rim cases. Another valuable Lee accessory I have found is the .45 ACP Carbide Minimum Sizing Die. This helps to ensure a tight bullet to case fit.

For use in the .45 ACP I use both the Acme 200-gr. SWC and the 230-gr. RN. The former is one of my favorite designs for use in the .45 ACP and I have been casting this bullet from both a Hensley & Gibbs #68 and an RCBS #45-201 mold for decades. This was also one of Jeff Cooper’s favorite .45 bullet designs. Loaded over 5.9 grains of Sport Pistol results in a muzzle velocity of right at 940 fps with groups just over 1″ in a Colt 1911 Combat Elite. It also outshoots my home-cast RCBS bullets. This same bullet over 7.0 grains of True Blue is right at the same muzzle velocity and shoots even tighter groups from a 6″ Iver Johnson Long Slide.

Super Loads

For the .38 Super — which to me with semi-automatics is what the .44 Special is to sixguns — I assembled all my loads with a long-time old favorite standby, namely Unique. With 5.5 grains of Unique the 124-gr. RN clocks just over 1,100 fps and the 122-gr. RN increases the muzzle velocity significantly coming in at 1,185 fps. Both shoot groups just over 1″ in the Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec .38 Super, while the latter load at 1,175 fps in a Kimber Stainless Target II groups right at 1″.

Wonder Nine

Switching to the 9mm resulted in some very impressive groups using Sport Pistol powder. One of these was the 115-gr. RN Acme over 4.8 grains of Sport Pistol. In a pair of Springfield 9mms — a Stainless 1991A1 Range Officer and a Kimber Stainless Steel Target II — this load clocked at just over 1,200 fps with all loads just over 1″. One of the best groups, probably the best group, I have ever had from a 9mm came from the Acme 147-gr. FM over 3.8 grains of Sport Pistol at just over 1,000 fps. In the above mentioned Springfield Armory Range Officer this load put five shots in 5/8″ at 20 yards. This is one of those stop when you are ahead situations as I don’t guarantee I could do it again.

Top 10

Switching to the 10mm I went back to Unique using 6.0 grains under the Acme 180-gr. FP and 5.5 grains with the 200-gr. RN. With the Nighthawk Long Slide, loads clocked out at 1,015 and 1,000 fps respectively with 1″ groups. Both of these loads shot equally well in the Ruger SR1911 Target Model with muzzle velocities right at 960 fps. No doubt both of these bullets could be driven faster, however, they are right at my range for everyday carry loads.

The full line of Acme products can be found at www.acmebullet.com. I don’t think you will be disappointed in the performance of their “Lipstick” bullets.

www.acmebullet.com

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