First experience reloading for 45 acp

[Cary Turpin]

At this time I reload for three handgun and three rifle calibers. I just purchased my first pistol in 45 acp. I have purchased several boxes of factory ammo to take this gun on it's madden voyage. I'm in Idaho waiting for the rain and snow to subside so I can get out and shoot. Mean while I'm checking into dies and components to reload these factory cases once they are empty. I've noticed the case for this round can either be manufactured for large or small pistol primers. I will not be pushing the upper limit for these loads. Does the case set up for small pistol primers need a small pistol magnum primer or just a standard one? I already have some Alliant Blue Dot and see that it can be used for 45 acp. The factory loads I have are loaded with 230 grain bullets and I'll see how they shoot before I decide what bullet I want to put back in them. At this time this will be used strictly for range shooting. It may eventually also be used as a hiking woods gun. Thanks for your help. I'm sure I'll have a few more questions once I get set up and going on the reloading for this round.

 

[Walkalong]

Standard primers are fine, either size. I have so much LP primer pocket .45 cases I don't worry with SP ones.

Blue Dot wouldn't be my first choice, but it will work. What other more fast to medium speed powders do you have?

 

[Cary Turpin]

I have some Accurate #5 on hand for some 357 mag loads. Do you think that would be better to start with?

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I have some Accurate #5 on hand for some 357 mag loads. Do you think that would be better to start with?

Yeah, I’m a big fan of Blue Dot but not in .45ACP. Like @Walkalong says it’ll work but you won’t be happy with the results. No.5 on the other hand is a pretty good powder for the .45ACP. Ramshot Competition is better. Red Dot is much better. Bullseye is the best. In my opinion.
W231, 700X, W244, and a few others are good to very good.

 

[FROGO207]

^^^^^^^
Accurate #5 would be good for 230 grain bullets either jacketed or lead. I like near a full charge of 700X. I have also used Red Dot and universal with OK success. Some have had good results wit 200 grain SWC bullets but you should start with 230 grain bullets as those are easier to get to feed as a first loading attempt IMO.

 

[drband]

Love Red Dot/Promo in .45acp!

I like Accurate #2 or Clean Shot almost as much as Red Dot.

Bullseye is great in .45acp if you can find it.

w231/HP38 is really good, too.

 

[Cary Turpin]

Thanks for the input guys. I think being I already have the #5 I will start with that and go from there. I do have some Universal I load 380acp with. It would be nice to have a powder I could use for two calibers. I like a powder that meters well and burns relatively clean.

 

[epags]

Universal (AKA Universal Clay), Titegroup, Bullseye and Winchester 231 all work. Unique was the go-to for target shooters but is impossible to find.
I am now using Winchester 231 since my LGS has a goodly supply in 4lb jugs.

 

[AJC1]

Thanks for the input guys. I think being I already have the #5 I will start with that and go from there. I do have some Universal I load 380acp with. It would be nice to have a powder I could use for two calibers. I like a powder that meters well and burns relatively clean.

Do you prefer ball or flake form factors. If you like ball ramshot zip would be good for your 380 and 45acp. If you prefer a flake hp-38 might be prefered.

 

[Cary Turpin]

The last time I bought any powder was during the Trump administration. I'm sure I'll experience sticker shock. Availability is still an issue. Universal has been working good in my 380acp but I'm going to need to replenish. It meters well for me and burns clean. I'll need to see what is available locally.

 

[dcloco]

HS6 is an excellent powder choice for 9/38/357/40/44mag/45acp. Burns clean, exceptional accuracy at/near top of the load, and a double will be easy to see - over full or at/near top of cases listed.