doc540
Member
WalMart WWB value packs don't seem to be expensive if you buy 5-10 boxes at at time.
Any non reloaders struggling to put .45acp down range?
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mgmorden
Member
The requirement for a new barrel is indeed only a problem for lead bullets (whether they're commercial cast or home-cast).
In .40S&W specifically Glock factory barrels tend to bulge the brass a bit regardless of bullet type, which makes some people get an aftermarket barrel for that, but it's not a requirement, and it's only a problem for .40S&W so with .45ACP you're fine.
As to putting in too much powder - it can happen, but its not as if you're eye-balling it
. You measure your charges on a scale and its good to go. After you get comfortable with it you can move on to a powder measure (which I know I was apprehensive about at first, but I LOVE now). I actually use a cheapo Lee "Perfect" powder measure that came with my initial start kit. It works fine. You just zero your scale, and then set the scale to your desired charge weight. Start throwing charges from the measure. If they're too heavy or light, adjust and try again. Once you get it throwing the charge you want, go ahead and throw ten charges into the pan, weigh it, and it should be 10x your expect charge. That assures that you're getting a good average (all measures will have minor variations from throw to throw, but as long as you're not shooting absolute max loads a little variation is fine). Once I get the measure set I just keep pulling the lever for the charge I want. I usually weigh a charge ever hundred rounds or so just to make sure it hasn't moved, but I never have actually had to adjust it due to this - it has always stayed put until I adjust it for a new load.
Its really, really not that bad. I tend to be a little on the clumsy side myself, and in the 7-8 years that I've been reloading, I've still never overcharged a case, never loaded a squib, and never have blown anything up. As long as you go into it intending to be careful, its fine.
robctwo
Member
I started reloading in 2004 on my friend's Lee Loadmaster. I soon bought a Hornady LnL. I've put about 165,000 through it. My neighbor has put 25,000 through it. I load 200 gr lead swc for about $10.00 per hundred. I don't cast my bullets. It takes about an hour to load 200-300, and it is fun. Progressive auto index press really cuts down on risk of double charge.
Components are readily available again. You might even find a guy with a storage shed full of stuff he's looking to unload.
Components are readily available again. You might even find a guy with a storage shed full of stuff he's looking to unload.
If you aren't reloading, you aren't really shooting! I could not imagine shooting factory .45 on a regular basis. Even if you use "expensive" bullets and aren't casting your own, you should be able to make your ammo 60% cheaper at a minimum. If you're new to reloading and looking for a bullet supplier, take a look at montana gold. All orders are shipped free in the US.
Bobson
Member
Do any of the major ammo manufacturers sell their bullets for reloaders?
Say I was into reloading, and wanted to load up my own batches of .45 ACP using Speer's 230 grain Gold Dot HP. Is that even possible?
If not, what bullets do people use? Seems like quality bullet choice would be pretty important.
Say I was into reloading, and wanted to load up my own batches of .45 ACP using Speer's 230 grain Gold Dot HP. Is that even possible?
If not, what bullets do people use? Seems like quality bullet choice would be pretty important.
FWIW
If you don't want to get into reloading there is another way, I've been reloading for over 40 yrs.
I bought a few boxes of Herters steel case .45 several years ago just to see how it would work for plinking, Silhouette to milk jugs. I found it to be very accurate and dependable for this type of shooting. If you check Cabelas site (often) you can get a 50 round box for about $11-13 when you buy 1K rounds.
I have put this through many .45's without any problems and have never seen any objective quality evidence that steel cases cause any damage.
Just my .02
If you don't want to get into reloading there is another way, I've been reloading for over 40 yrs.
I bought a few boxes of Herters steel case .45 several years ago just to see how it would work for plinking, Silhouette to milk jugs. I found it to be very accurate and dependable for this type of shooting. If you check Cabelas site (often) you can get a 50 round box for about $11-13 when you buy 1K rounds.
I have put this through many .45's without any problems and have never seen any objective quality evidence that steel cases cause any damage.
Just my .02
Yes 14.99 per 50 - Go to Google search for reeloading/bullet suppliers, you will find many dealers that carry reloading supplies. Midwest, Natchez, etc. . Reloaders try many brands to find the one that does the job the reloader wants - Speed, power, accuracy, cheepness, etc.
mgmorden
Member
You can order just about any of the major ammo companies bullets for reloading. That said, Speer Gold Dots don't see a lot of use on the reloading bench. It's mostly a carry bullet, and you don't usually carry reloads. FMJ's are cheaper and work better for target work.
What you'll notice is that most of the premium bullets sold to reloaders tend to be for hunting. You can load up as deadly of hunting ammo as you want without lawyers questioning your motives.
Overall though, your available bullet selection is much, MUCH better when reloading.
Just as a point of interest, the best bullet deal I've found recently has been Precision Delta. $79 per 1000 for 124gr 9mm bullets with free shipping. 230gr .45 FMJ's are $119 per 1000 - also with free shipping.
If you like moly-coated bullets, Bayou Bullets has 125gr 9mm for $67 per 1k. 230gr .45 for $91 per 1k.
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You could always start learning to reload.
It ends up right about half the price of new ammunition most of the time (it is harder to beat things like 9 mm since so much is made).
A shell is often THE most expensive part of a round.
It can last a while, and in .45 ACP you are likely to lose it before it wears out.
It ends up right about half the price of new ammunition most of the time (it is harder to beat things like 9 mm since so much is made).
A shell is often THE most expensive part of a round.
It can last a while, and in .45 ACP you are likely to lose it before it wears out.
Zach S
Member
Yes. I don't have the room at home for a reloading bench, and wont put one in the garage due to the number of sparks associated with steel fabrication and the number of tools that get thrown... Then you also have to consider time, which I'm usually pretty short on due to the hours I work, and being a single dad.
I've considered buying a 9mm 1911 for the simple fact its almost the same price that .45ACP was ten years ago. And besides, another 1911? Sound like a good idea to me.
I've considered buying a 9mm 1911 for the simple fact its almost the same price that .45ACP was ten years ago. And besides, another 1911? Sound like a good idea to me.
essayons21
Member
Pick up brass at the range. When you have accumulated a couple thousand casings (takes less time than you would think), trade them to reloaders for factory ammo.
I reload, I just traded about 2k rounds of .40 brass (which I don't shoot) for a couple hundred match grade .308 bullets.
I reload, I just traded about 2k rounds of .40 brass (which I don't shoot) for a couple hundred match grade .308 bullets.
M2 Carbine
member
That's obscene.
I can't imagine paying that for a box of ammo.
My reloaded ammo is so inexpensive ($3.00/50 for 45 ACP) that I give friends and new shooters the ammo that they shoot on my range.
For what you spent on your new glock you could have bought a progressive press and everything you need to get started reloading. Its VERY easy to reload ammo for 1/3 the cost of factory ammo, and you can do it for even less if you scour the internet for deals and buy in bulk.
orionengnr
Member
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Depending on your definition of "cheap", most would say that ship sailed a long time ago.
Handloading (or .22LR) are the only choices for truly "cheap" ammo these days.
I do not cast my own, but I can still load .45 acp for about $6/50 rounds. Those who cast can cut that nearly in half.
Bottom line: If you like to shoot, bite the bullet, buy a good press and the ancillary equipment.
Cry once, and grin forever more.
railroader
Member
I agree with start reloading. I have been using a Lee turet press for over ten years and I reload all my handgun ammo with it. It isn't as fast as a Dillon but a complete set up can be had for around $200. That would include the press, a powder measure a set of dies, and a cheap tumbler for the brass.
You don't have to leave your powder out in the open and let sparks hit it. In fact, you shouldn't leave it in the garage at all. You should keep it in a climate controlled area, like an indoor closet. Are you planning to fab steel and reload at exactly the same time? The risk you are imagining isn't risk at all.
LiveLife
Member
For me, cost savings for 9mm is about 1/2 but much more for 45ACP. I have reloaded over 300,000 rounds and may go over million reloads before I die.brickeyee said:
If I average factory ammo price between $12/50 for 9mm to $28/50 for 45ACP ($0.24/round to $0.56/round), cost savings is substantial when I am averaging $5.50/50 for 9mm reloads to $6.50/50 for 45ACP reloads. And chances are, cost of factory ammo and reloading components will only go higher in the future.
So, if I shoot one million rounds before I die, that would be cost savings of $130,000 to $430,000+ over my life time (dang, you could buy a house with that much savings!).
As many posted, if you haven't already considered reloading, I highly recommend it before your round count goes any higher.
I feel the pain of high .45 prices but I have no intention of ever reloading again. I did it for a while in the 1980s. I found it tedious, boring and something that ate a huge chunk out of my free time. If it's something you like to do--I'm happy for you.
These days, to deal with those high ammo prices, I look for bargains and buy in quantity when I find good prices. It's kind of amazing the range of prices you find for the same brand and type of ammo when you shop around--not only FMJ range ammo but premium JHP ammo as well. By doing a little shopping around, I've found I can still afford to shoot my .45s without any real sacrifice.
These days, to deal with those high ammo prices, I look for bargains and buy in quantity when I find good prices. It's kind of amazing the range of prices you find for the same brand and type of ammo when you shop around--not only FMJ range ammo but premium JHP ammo as well. By doing a little shopping around, I've found I can still afford to shoot my .45s without any real sacrifice.
DC Plumber
Member
Like all of the others have said, start reloading. Even if you don't cast your own, you'll save money. There is a ton of once fired brass. You can buy 230g LRN bullets for a really good price.
In the end, you'll probably end up knowing more about ballistics, guns and physics than most of your friends. Try it. You just might like it. Buy some inexpensive Lee equipment and get started. You'll probably pay for the equipment in the first 1000 rounds, or less.
The only factory ammo I buy is for my 22 rimfires, oh, and a box here and there for my 380.
In the end, you'll probably end up knowing more about ballistics, guns and physics than most of your friends. Try it. You just might like it. Buy some inexpensive Lee equipment and get started. You'll probably pay for the equipment in the first 1000 rounds, or less.
The only factory ammo I buy is for my 22 rimfires, oh, and a box here and there for my 380.
luzyfuerza
Member
Reading this thread made me want to go back and calculate my cost to load a box of 50 rounds of .45 acp using current prices. The total is $5.17 and I don't cast my own bullets. I couldn't shoot nearly as much as I do if I didn't reload. Yea, it takes time, but what fun!
Metal Tiger
Member
Yes, reloading is part of the game. Without it I could not shoot as much as I do.
huntsman
Member
would you list your components?
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