Reefinmike
Member
I was being facetious... The argument of factoring time into cost of reloading is almost as old as the whole "whats better- 45 or 9mm" (in terms of a defensive pistol).What's your criteria for "better"?
Cost? 9mm uses less lead and powder than 45, so costs a bit less per round.
Savings? 9mm has been the cartridge with the slimmest savings, but occasionally I have found 45 ACP on sale for less than I could buy the components alone.
Convenience? 45 ACP is a bit easier to load physically because the 9mm is a tapered case and 9mm is straight-walled. Even though the 45 is larger, the 9 takes a bit more force on the handle. Also the larger components are easier to manipulate with my fingers and it is easier to SEE the powder charge in the bottom of the 45 case than the 9mm.
Satisfaction? The 45 is more satisfying. The momentum of those 230 grain slugs at 850 fps just FEELS more satisfying to the palm of my gun hand than 115 grains at 1,150.
Lost Sheep
Sorry I had you reply a nice big explanation! though I agree, you know the 45 means business when you feel those 230 grain hunks of lead leaving the barrel. that being said, I only carry a tiny 7 shot 380 but the 1911 stays on the night stand.