bullet and powder selection help..

[redbandit98]

Hello all, first off I am a complete reloading newbie. I have been wanting to get into reloading for quite some time. Unfortunately, I think I waited too long as the supplies are few and far between. I need some help picking out what bullets to purchase to reload 45 ACP. Let it be known, that Im not planning on reloading until I can read a few books, and ask some more questions. I tried all the bookstores, gunshops etc just trying to find manuals,,all out. So, I ordered a few and am waiting on them to get here. I also just ordered a lee classic press kit, 505 rcbs scale, tumbler, etc. All i really need is powder,primers, and bullets. I have about 1k once fired brass cases to get started on. I shoot only 45s, which consist of a few xd's, a kimber 1911, and an old smith 25-2 target revolver. I need to know what types of bullets will feed ok in the autos. I have no problem using lead as far as health is concerned. I have just "been told" that a semi wad cutter wont feed very good in a 1911. So, should I just order some round nose lead, or plated round nose in 200 or 230 grain? I was looking at these http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=115811, http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=59&category=5&secondary=13&keywords=, or these http://www.berrysmfg.com/57.php I know this is probably elementary and im sorry, but I cant even read up on it as no one has anything in stock!! Also, about the powder. I have heard power pistol is a good powder. As you can tell I have no idea, but Im wanting to order this stuff as most of its backordered. If i can get it "on the way" I can read up on it and ask questions while waiting.

thanks for reading.
matt

 

[lgbloader]

I have shot 200 gr LSWC in all my 1911's and have had zero problems. I also like 230 LRN.

Try Unique. Good powder for beginning hand loaders. It's about as forgiving a powder as they come.

For S&G's, I am also going to try Trail Boss for the following (from Hogdon's Annual manual for 2009)

200 GR Cast LSWC COL: 1.225
Trail Boss: 3.5gr 652 Vel / 9,200 cup - 5.5gr 816 vel / 16,100 cup


230 GR Cast LRN - COL: 1.200
Trail Boss: 3.5gr 658 vel / 11,200 cup - 4.5gr 761 vel / 15,100 cup

* Use of the above recipes at your own risk.

LGB

 

[Chief-7700]

Welcome

Matt, Your off to a good start! Read as many reloading manuals as you can and you can always ask questions in this forum. Granted you will get many different opinions on what bullet,powder,primers, ect......... At least you informed us of your selection of a reloading machine.
Ok here are my opinions"
POWDER:
1. Win-231
2. Bullseye
3. Titegroup
4. Unique

BULLETS:
200 gr LSWC from www.bulletworks.com
gave up on the overpriced plated 230 gr RN
Still use for FMJ Winchester

Primers:
Winchester
whatever I can find

Have fun and go SLOW
Chief

 

[redbandit98]

thanks for the replies, I was wanting to go with a square deal b or a hornady progressive. I figured I would be better off going with the classic turret to start off. I have been reading on powders from the time I posted that and many seem to favor the winchester 231. Since its a popular powder, I can probably pick some up at the local shop. As far as bullets, I see most people go with the 200 grain swc vs the 230 grain round nose. Is this due to cost savings or velocity? I know most factory hardball is 230 grain ball. Just curious as to why the 200 over the 230 grain? Less powder to get the same velocity? This is all new to me and I appreciate you guys taking time to answer the questions. I know this would probably be all answered in a good reloading book. Unfortunatly, like I said before there are none to be found around here at the moment.

thanks
matt

 

[Chief-7700]

Matt, You opened a door that I thought was closed ok buy the Dillon Square Deal press, the downside to the SD are it does not use standard dies. I reload on a blue machine and love it and that is my opinion.
Chiuef

 

[redbandit98]

haha no i WANTED the square deal but bought the classic turret. For a little over the initial cost of the square deal, I got a press, tumbler, seperator, speer reloading manual, media, rcbs 505 scale etc.. Now I realize the square deal is probably twice the press the turret is, and waay faster. I just could not justify the cost of one yet. If I start reloading and get really into it, I will buy one and keep my turret as well. Right now, my primary concern is getting the supplies. I have read till im blue in the face on whether to go with plated or just plain lead bullets. swc or round nose. It sucks to be a newbie..lol

matt

 

[Chief-7700]

Matt for supplies take a look at:
http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/
www.grafs.com
www.bulletworks.com

I buy in bulk it is cheaper and my Dillon XL-650 is very hungry machine.
"I must feed the machine"
Chief

 

[Baldy]

Buy in bulk all you can. The .45acp is a very good one to start with. I use LSWC's 200gr, Bullseye or Win-231 for powder, and Win large primers. I haven't had any problems shooting my loads in years. I use range brass and I have had 0 failures in over three years in four different pistols. I load about 2,000 .45acp's every month to six weeks. Cost me a little over $10.00 a hundred. Go slow and good luck.

 

[redbandit98]

good deal. One last question and I will try to leave you guys alone. Everyone is recommending a LSWC. Seems like everywhere else I read, everyone has a hatred towards anything that is not fmj or at least plated. I wouldnt "mind" spending the extra coin to purchase these but I dont want to if there is no need. Looks like those are almost double the cost of cast. My only use for these bullets will be punching paper, nothing more. It is to my understanding the only downfall of using the cast is they are extremely dirty and smoke more. If all this means is I have to spend a little more time cleaning my guns than that is not a concern to me. I just want to make sure there are no other issues such as damage to my guns. Last but not least, can someone please explain why you choose the swc over the round nose. This is bugging me to death since I cant find the answer. All i can come up with is the swc puts a cleaner hole in the paper. Is that the main reason for going lswc vs lrn?

thanks
matt

 

[lgbloader]

Red,

I think you made a great choice in your press. The Lee CLassic turret is a keeper. I bought my best friend this press for his 40th birthday and after I gave it to him, he asked me to mount it on my old bench so that he could train at my house. He loads 38 spcl, 357 mag, and 40 S&W. Since I have these calibers myself, I decided to have a few sessions while it was at my house. what a cool little press. you're going to love it. and depending on how much you shoot, this may be all the press you'll ever need.
I could load 150 + rounds an hour without really pushing it so if you need to load around 300 - 500 rounds per week, 3 - 4 hours a week will be all you need for assembly time. That, my friend, is nothing. When I first started with a single stage, moons ago, I could only pump out about 50 rounds an hour - MAX. Which was faster than with my first Lee Loader I started on MANY Moons ago (hammer time).

LGB

 

[Walkalong]

I much prefer the Berrys 230 Gr RN over the Ranier. It is shaped more like real 230 Gr Ball, is a bit harder and does not deform if it hits the ramp, is accurate, and less expensive.

I also really like the Berrys 200 Gr HP bullet. It is very accurate, cuts nice holes in paper, and has a bit less recoil. It is not designed to open up etc, just shoot well.

The Zero 185 and 230 Gr bullets from Ghost Holster are another good choice. Roze Distribution also sells the Zeros. If you are not in Bama as I am, no sales tax.

TJconevera is another good place to buy bullets. Sometimes his Berrys are a bit cheaper than getting them straight from Berrys.

Montana Gold has good bullets. Precision Delta is another.

And, of course, there are tons of folks selling good lead bullets.

 

[rfwobbly]

Rebandit -
Welcome to the greatest hobby in the world!!

While this is a time of high prices, there are numerous vendors trying to fill the gap, so there are lots of supplies out there... they just might not be at an all-time low price. In the last several years, reloading has turned into an "Internet ordering thing". Due to the present crunch, a lot of the larger Internet sources are temporarily out of stock for volume purchases, however I doubt you'll want or need 10,000 primers or an 8 lb can of powder as your first purchases anyway. So look at local sources for smaller amounts on primers and powder. The first year is a time of experimentation anyway. It's going to take you several loading and shooting sessions to work through what works best for you. After all, the last thing you want is 7-1/2 pounds of powder you don't like, sitting there looking at you!

You've gotten some great suggestions here. I will only add that while you're in your local stores, be sure to pick up the printed load data in the small brochures from the powder companies. These are free for the taking and will supplement your growing library nicely.

Hope this helps!

 

[redbandit98]

ok, well I have decided to go with some lead bullets from mastercastbullts.com after reading several reviews. I am going to try the LRN 230 grain. I have been reading where you should clean your barrel after xxx amount of rounds fired. Anyone have an approximate round count? I usually run about 150 rounds a piece through each gun on an outing. That is through my kimber, my xds, and my trusty 25-2 revolver. Should I be ok shooting this amount each time I go out and not cleaning the barrel until I get home? By the way my rcbs tumbler, 505 scale, speer manual, tumbling media, and pocket cleaner should be here tomorrow. Hell i dont even know if i needed the pocket cleaner but i ordered it anyways. It was only like 4 bucks.

 

[rockhound758]

Red, I don't know about how many rounds before cleaning...when I first started shooting, I'd shoot a couple of hotter loaded jackets through after every 40-50 lead rounds, although based on what I've read recently that might not be helping any...but I never had any problems. As to lead, I've used SWCs and I love 'em...never had a problem with feeding the ol' Series 80 (although I think I could feed it beer cans and it wouldn't jam). The cleaner holes on paper ARE nice...a lot easier to see from farther away. In any case, good luck and welcome to reloading!