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I loaded my first 50 rounds of .45 ACP for my two 1911's tonight using my new Lee Classic 4 hole turret press! I've got to say, it feels pretty good knowing that I made my own ammo for the first time. :yipee:
I loaded 230 grain FMJ bullets over two different charges of HP-38: 25 rounds at 4.2 grains and 25 rounds at 4.5 grains. That powder has a starting load of 4.2 grains and a max of 5.3, so I figured both of mine should be a pretty safe way to start. I was using the Lee Auto Disk that came in the kit.
I started out using the .40 disk opening, and I weighed a series of 30 charges before I started loading to see how consistent it was going to be. My first 10 varied from 4.0 to 4.4, but then it started getting very consistent. After about #15, it threw 4.2 grains every time except for two, and those two weighed in at 4.3 grains. I was pretty impressed.
When I switched to the .43 disk opening, I weighed a series of 10 more charges before loading any more. 8 charges weighed 4.5 grains, and two weighed around 4.6 grains. Again, I was pretty impressed.
While loading, I weighed every tenth charge (and sometimes more often), and it was always within a tenth of a grain. Hopefully I have as good of luck with other powders in the future.
I wasn't sure exactly how deep to seat the bullet, so I looked at the max OAL of 1.275 that the Lee loading manual listed, and then measured about 8 factory rounds of two different brands which varied from about 1.255 to 1.270. I decided to try 1.268 and figure I can always seat them a bit deeper if I have trouble with them feeding. Does that sound like a good approach?
So, does it sound like I did okay for my first attempt? I guess I won't know for sure until I get to the range with them. Unfortunately, I'm going to be busy this weekend, so I won't be able to try them for almost two weeks. Man, that sucks!
I did manage to crush the sidewall of my second case when I tried to seat the bullet. :bang: I assumed it was due to not putting enough flare on the case mouth (I had been pretty careful to start the bullet straight), so I readjusted for a bit more and tried it again. Fixed! Worked like a champ after that. So, now that I have a destroyed case with a live primer in it, what's the best way to dispose of that?
I also ordered some bullets for my 30-06, but it said they would be shipped in 3-4 weeks. Oh well, I guess the .45s will keep me busy until then.
Just thought I would share a bit about my first experience and make sure there isn't anything I did that immediately throws up a red flag.
I loaded 230 grain FMJ bullets over two different charges of HP-38: 25 rounds at 4.2 grains and 25 rounds at 4.5 grains. That powder has a starting load of 4.2 grains and a max of 5.3, so I figured both of mine should be a pretty safe way to start. I was using the Lee Auto Disk that came in the kit.
I started out using the .40 disk opening, and I weighed a series of 30 charges before I started loading to see how consistent it was going to be. My first 10 varied from 4.0 to 4.4, but then it started getting very consistent. After about #15, it threw 4.2 grains every time except for two, and those two weighed in at 4.3 grains. I was pretty impressed.
When I switched to the .43 disk opening, I weighed a series of 10 more charges before loading any more. 8 charges weighed 4.5 grains, and two weighed around 4.6 grains. Again, I was pretty impressed.
While loading, I weighed every tenth charge (and sometimes more often), and it was always within a tenth of a grain. Hopefully I have as good of luck with other powders in the future.
I wasn't sure exactly how deep to seat the bullet, so I looked at the max OAL of 1.275 that the Lee loading manual listed, and then measured about 8 factory rounds of two different brands which varied from about 1.255 to 1.270. I decided to try 1.268 and figure I can always seat them a bit deeper if I have trouble with them feeding. Does that sound like a good approach?
So, does it sound like I did okay for my first attempt? I guess I won't know for sure until I get to the range with them. Unfortunately, I'm going to be busy this weekend, so I won't be able to try them for almost two weeks. Man, that sucks!
I did manage to crush the sidewall of my second case when I tried to seat the bullet. :bang: I assumed it was due to not putting enough flare on the case mouth (I had been pretty careful to start the bullet straight), so I readjusted for a bit more and tried it again. Fixed! Worked like a champ after that. So, now that I have a destroyed case with a live primer in it, what's the best way to dispose of that?
I also ordered some bullets for my 30-06, but it said they would be shipped in 3-4 weeks. Oh well, I guess the .45s will keep me busy until then.
Just thought I would share a bit about my first experience and make sure there isn't anything I did that immediately throws up a red flag.