I've been reloading reloading for almost a year now, and I'd like to throw a couple observations about .45 auto out there for comment.
Here's the load I've been using since april:
Extreme Bullets 230gr Plated LRN
5.0 gr 700x
CCI small pistol primers (No.500) or Winchester WLP as appropriate for the case
Many different case brands, all trimed to .890"
OAL 1.26 (kinda long)
Firearm: Taurus PT1911
I've loaded and fired more than 1500 rounds of this load
1) I like the small pistol primers because the gun, cases, and primer pockets are noticeably cleaner after firing than with the large primers;however, the large primers generate noticably more recoil and hit the steel targets with more authority. For SD/HD, I'll stick to large primers for a little extra punch. For range sessions I'll use mostly small pistoll primer cases for easier cleaning.
2) 700x is a good powder that meters just fine (despite the way it "feels" in the powder thrower). Plus, it's an inexpensive powder ($15/lb compared to the $27 I paid for a pound of Powerpistol).
3) I use RCBS carbide dies and a Lee Factory Crimp die. I started out seating and taper-crimping in one operation with just the RCBS dies. The results were a failure to feed about every 200 rounds. I've since switched to taper crimping with in a fourth step using a Lee factory crimp die. As a result, I can't reember the last time I had a failure to feed or any type of malfuction. Plus, I' pretty sure the Lee Factory crimp has improved the overall consistency/accuracy.
Anyway, just my observations.
Here's the load I've been using since april:
Extreme Bullets 230gr Plated LRN
5.0 gr 700x
CCI small pistol primers (No.500) or Winchester WLP as appropriate for the case
Many different case brands, all trimed to .890"
OAL 1.26 (kinda long)
Firearm: Taurus PT1911
I've loaded and fired more than 1500 rounds of this load
1) I like the small pistol primers because the gun, cases, and primer pockets are noticeably cleaner after firing than with the large primers;however, the large primers generate noticably more recoil and hit the steel targets with more authority. For SD/HD, I'll stick to large primers for a little extra punch. For range sessions I'll use mostly small pistoll primer cases for easier cleaning.
2) 700x is a good powder that meters just fine (despite the way it "feels" in the powder thrower). Plus, it's an inexpensive powder ($15/lb compared to the $27 I paid for a pound of Powerpistol).
3) I use RCBS carbide dies and a Lee Factory Crimp die. I started out seating and taper-crimping in one operation with just the RCBS dies. The results were a failure to feed about every 200 rounds. I've since switched to taper crimping with in a fourth step using a Lee factory crimp die. As a result, I can't reember the last time I had a failure to feed or any type of malfuction. Plus, I' pretty sure the Lee Factory crimp has improved the overall consistency/accuracy.
Anyway, just my observations.