Preparing to load 45acp

4371 Views 64 Replies 16 Participants Last post by olfarhors, Feb 4, 2018

kmw1954

Discussion Starter · Jan 24, 2018

I know many of you folks are loading the 45acp and I will be just beginning so I'm looking for pointers. I have also started following the threads on this subject and am taking notes.

My first real question is on powders. What I have and what I enjoy using are HP-38, Ramshot Silhouette and am starting to use some AA#5. So of course I am looking for feedback on these powders and no I am not looking to expand my powder usage at this time unless I absolutely have to.. So please try to refrain from suggesting other powders. I have loads with the first two powders that are working very well in my 9mm and 380 so I know I will continue to use these powders.

Next is there any advantage in using any of the different bullet weights other than cost? Most of what I will be loading will be for hole punching paper at this time and will most likely be plated bullets, either Berry's or Xtreme though I now see that Cabela's is now also stocking Rainier.

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Yissnakk

· #2 · Jan 24, 2018

I use SNS Casting Powder Coated Lead bullets for making holes in paper - they're very inexpensive, don't lead up the barrel, and are nice and accurate. For powder, I typically use Red Dot or Bullseye since it's an economical and light shooting load; but for full-house I use either Power Pistol or BE-86.

There IS a slight cost advantage to using lighter bullets, but it's hardly worth it for plinking.

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Yissnakk

· #3 · Jan 24, 2018

Coated Bullets - .45 ACP / .45LC - snscasting

they run about $0.09 - $0.10 per bullet and charge $15 flat rate for up to 75 lbs (so buy BIG to save shipping)

texastaurusguy

· #4 · Jan 24, 2018

The good news is, 45acp is a very forgiving round to reload. Nice, big case, big bullets, just keep an eye on the powder dump before seating the bullet, like you do with any round, to make sure you don't have a double charge.

I've used HP-38 with great success in 45acp. I've never used the other two powders. Titegroup works good too, but some don't care for it because it doesn't take much powder, and I guess it makes some reloaders more susceptible to a double charge somehow. The way I reload, is once I put the powder in, I visually inspect then I put a bullet in the case mouth, then after I have all 100 with powder and a bullet in the mouth, I seat them all. This way, the cases don't sit around with an open case mouth, so I can't accidentally grab one thats already been charged and do something stupid. Works for me.

Good luck !

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kmw1954

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 24, 2018

Yissnakk said:
I typically use Red Dot or Bullseye since it's an economical and light shooting load; but for full-house I use either Power Pistol or BE-86..

Thanks for the input but I will be sticking to the powders I already have in-house for now.

Reactions: 2

Yissnakk

· #6 · Jan 24, 2018

It appears that right now, Xtreme Bullets are having a 7% off all bullets and a $5.00 shipping charge. Makes them really affordable.

Reactions: 2

kmw1954

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jan 24, 2018

Yissnakk said:
It appears that right now, Xtreme Bullets are having a 7% off all bullets and a $5.00 shipping charge. Makes them really affordable.

Haven't seen that yet but will look. Also right now I'm arguing with Xtreme over the rebate I never received. Also I'm leaning towards the Barry's for my first purchase as I can get just a box of 250 to get started because I also just ordered dies and still need to pick up Large Pistol Primers.

Reactions: 3

kmw1954

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 24, 2018

Just noticed the title, could a mod correct it for me? Can't seem to edit it.

MOONDAWG

· #9 · Jan 24, 2018

Two of my favorite hard cast .45 ACP 230 grain loads are 5.1 grs. of BULLSEYE or 5.1 grs. of AA#2.

Either load gives me 850-900 FPS depending on barrel length'

I used BULLSEYE for years, but AA#2 is much cleaner burning (read less smoke & fouling) when shot on indoor ranges.

Reactions: 1

olfarhors

· #10 · Jan 24, 2018

kmw1954 said:
I know many of you folks are loading the 45acp and I will be just beginning so I'm looking for pointers. I have also started following the threads on this subject and am taking notes.

My first real question is on powders. What I have and what I enjoy using are HP-38, Ramshot Silhouette and am starting to use some AA#5. So of course I am looking for feedback on these powders and no I am not looking to expand my powder usage at this time unless I absolutely have to.. So please try to refrain from suggesting other powders. I have loads with the first two powders that are working very well in my 9mm and 380 so I know I will continue to use these powders.

Next is there any advantage in using any of the different bullet weights other than cost? Most of what I will be loading will be for hole punching paper at this time and will most likely be plated bullets, either Berry's or Xtreme though I now see that Cabela's is now also stocking Rainier.

I use almost exclusively HS-6 now, although I have used more Accurate #5 than anything, I am still have about 8 pounds of HS-6 to go through then its likely back to Accurate #5.
I went to HS-6 when the great powder/primer shortage was here and No Acc #5 was available.
both do a good job for me but the Acc #5 is a tad cleaner burning at 45 acp loading levels, move up to more power (like Plus P) and the HS 6 burns clean as well.
I have pretty much used 200 grain flat point or 200 grain SWC for target practice in all my 45 acp.
you just missed a great sale on Extreme projectiles a few weeks back.

Reactions: 4

darbo

· #11 · Jan 24, 2018

My experience is limited but will give you what I have done. First thing I like about loading .45acp is simply that the size of the case and bullets makes handling them so much easier for my fat fumble fingers!

I have only used HP38/Win231 and they have worked well for me. As for bullet weights I have loaded from 185gr. to 230gr. The only issues I ever had was with Xtreme 185gr and 200gr. plasted SWC. The problem was that I couldn't get them to feed in my PT1911s. I think others have had no issues. Still not sure why I had trouble with them but switched to Xtreme 200gr. round nose. Now 185gr and 200gr. lead SWC were never an issue.

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Peacemakr40

· #12 · Jan 25, 2018

HP 38 works great for 380 auto, 9mm and... 45ACP. And it's not just standard 230 gr ball ammo. HP38 has load data from 185-250 gr.; lead, plated, FMJ's HPs. doesn't matter.

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Czechbikr

· #13 · Jan 25, 2018

I'm another HP 38 fan and since you have it and like the way it meters there's no reason to change. When the powder crunch occurred a few years back I had to switch off. I had a choice of Universal or Titegroup and chose the former for the reasons stated above...I looked at the tiny loads and narrow range of charges and felt that Universal was safer for me. I pretty much stick to Xtreme now and buy them when there's a deal going on. It's about my favorite round to load. I did do a box of 185 SWC that fed fine in my PT1911 and made nice round holes in cardboard...just went back to 230 grain for tradition.

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kmw1954

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jan 25, 2018

kmw1954 said:
Just noticed the title, could a mod correct it for me? Can't seem to edit it.

Whichever of you did it, THANK YOU!!!

kmw1954

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jan 25, 2018

Czechbikr said:
I'm another HP 38 fan and since you have it and like the way it meters there's no reason to change.

I did do a box of 185 SWC that fed fine in my PT1911 and made nice round holes in cardboard...just went back to 230 grain for tradition.

I may take you up on that offer you made for the cast lead you are not going to use and I sent you an email about another item.

Reactions: 1

texastaurusguy

· #16 · Jan 25, 2018

kmw1954 said:
Whichever of you did it, THANK YOU!!!

Anytime.

Reactions: 2

kmw1954

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jan 25, 2018

While surfin thru Armslist I came across an ad from someone that has listed some reloading supplies so I contacted them. Two of the items are 45 bullets, he has 500 Sierra 185gr Match and 200 Hornady 185gr Hollow points. He's asking $180.00 for the lot of 700, is this a good deal? I really don't know as I have never dealt with the 45 or Jacketed.

Czechbikr

· #18 · Jan 25, 2018 (Edited)

kmw1954 said:
While surfin thru Armslist I came across an ad from someone that has listed some reloading supplies so I contacted them. Two of the items are 45 bullets, he has 500 Sierra 185gr Match and 200 Hornady 185gr Hollow points. He's asking $180.00 for the lot of 700, is this a good deal? I really don't know as I have never dealt with the 45 or Jacketed.

Looks like retail to me on the Sierra:

https://www.natchezss.com/sierra-to...llets-45-cal-451-185-gr-fpj-match-100-ct.html

https://eastcoastreloading.com/collections/pistol-bullets-jacketed/products/45-185grain-gdhp-100

Reactions: 1

jimb1972

· #19 · Jan 25, 2018

kmw1954 said:
While surfin thru Armslist I came across an ad from someone that has listed some reloading supplies so I contacted them. Two of the items are 45 bullets, he has 500 Sierra 185gr Match and 200 Hornady 185gr Hollow points. He's asking $180.00 for the lot of 700, is this a good deal? I really don't know as I have never dealt with the 45 or Jacketed.

I wouldn't pay that much for them. Everglades ammunition will sell you 1000 jhp cheaper.

Reactions: 1

kmw1954

Discussion Starter · #20 · Jan 25, 2018

Czechbikr said:
Looks like retail to me on the Sierra:

That is kinda what I was finding but wasn't sure.

Did you see my email? I was mistaken they are actually Federal, not Remington.

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