Beginner needs .45acp advice.

[PO2Hammer]

I'm going to start rolling my own and could use some advice.
My first caliber will be .45acp for my Glock 21.
I'm looking at an RCBS Pro 2000, RCBS dies (these are available localy) and I'll be aiming for an accurate 185 grain match load (full power).
If you have any advice to share as far as powder, bullets, etc..., I would appreciate it.
My second caliber will be .357 magnum.
Thanks.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Noting from the number of post (403), you have been reading and participating in some of the discusions here. Then you know to have a manual or two handy to refer to.

I have a Colt .45 ACP that works quite well using W-231 and three .357 magnums. One likes Alliant 2400, one likes W-296 and the other likes W-231. You will have to try a number of powders, primers, bullets and cases and combinations there of, not to mention various seating depths and other factors that effect down range results...You may have joined the ranks of the rest of us mad scientist...

 

[PO2Hammer]

Does W-231 meter well, or do you measure by weight?
My one big concern is trusting the progressive powder measure to be consistant.

 

[The Bushmaster]

It's a ball powder and is very consistent in most powder measures both automatic and manual...

I have a problem trusting any powder measuring system and will drop a charge into the pan then trickle to the desired charge then drop it into the case. I'm just that way and not in a real big hurry to load large quantities at one sitting. You will have to ask "The Big Boys" about that...

Merry Christmas to you and yours...

 

[Jim Watson]

Get the book.

That said, I load most non-magnum pistol calibers with HP38 which is just Hodgdon's label on the same powder sold as Winchester 231. It is a Ball powder and meters very precisely. I check occasionally as I load on a progressive and almost never find one far off of what I set the measure for.

I don't know why you specifically want 185 grain .45 ACP bullets or for what sort of match, but I recommend you avoid the stubby semiwadcutters used in factory match ammo. I have not had good results with plated bullets and would recommend against using cast bullets in a Glock to start with. Some folks like Joe D. use them regularly, some are scared of them, some will tell you they will blow up your gun. Get some experience before you decide.

The Remington bulk 185 grain JHPs are pretty good and are less expensive than name brands. You must be SURE that your bullets are tight in the brass. Bullet setback against the feed ramp is the quickest way to excessive pressure. I use an EGW undersize sizing die (Lee "U" die) to be sure the brass is snug on any jacketed bullet lighter than 230 grains. And a taper crimp to be sure, but you cannot crimp a loose bullet tight.

 

[georgeduz]

i use bulleye,alike the 200gr semi wadcutter,u cant use full load if u want tight groups,with the stock spring u wont be able to use the lower loads.from i noticed make sure u have a good powder drop and scale,and the crimp must be the same if u want tight groups.there is nothing wrong with mr watson way,but i use the lead wadcutters and there fine and u will get a good crimp around them.i do like 231 powder,but i got some bullseye real cheep.oh the lead wont blow up ur gun.thats all i use for the past 20years out of a glock ruger SA ,and colt 1911.

 

[Ol` Joe]

Any of the ball powders will be more accurate in a measure then flake or stick powders. I use a lot of Tite group and like it for lite target loads and Powder Pistol for heavy full house loads, not +P! WW231, Clays and Bullseye are also good choices for target. The Nosler or Sierra 185gr HPs are known as very accurate bullets in the 45acp. I like the Nosler in mine, and am sure it shoots much better then I do.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Yup...Jim Watson is correct...I forgot ...Get or make sure you have a couple of load data manuals...Most of them will, in deed, answer many of your questions...

Merry Christmas to you and yours...

 

[xring44]

I've been useing green dot in my .45ACP behind 185 grain Nosler HPs,,great accuracy,,great speed...I use blue dot in my .357 with 158 grain semi jacketed HPs it does better for me than anything else I've tryed (don't use a magnum primer with blue dot.)

 

[PO2Hammer]

I was looking at Remington 185 grain match FMJ-TC bullets. Not a true SWC, and the have a jacket, not plated.
I'm just looking for an accurate load for killing paper out to 50 yards. I don't need the cheapest ingredients to pinch pennies, just looking for top notch accuracy and the satisfaction of rolling my own.
W-231 looks like a winner.
Any good reloading links?
Thanks to all, and Merry Christmas.