First reloads.

[JRs12Valve]

I have a large handful of my first reloads.

.45 ACP -

230 Gr. FMJ
6.0 Gr. of Unique.

Shooting them this Sunday. Is there any way I can cure first shot apprehension? My mom and dad never liked reloads in the slightest bit, and I guess for that reason I always shied away from it.


I checked every measurement possible at least twice, and every round has the exact same dimensions as WWB. Headspacing is perfect, and they all cycle fine.

I think I just need to shoot these things, I just don't want to blow up my new 1911. Any tips?

 

[jwrowland77]

Is that load near the low end of the scale? Sorry for the question, I don't load for .45ACP.

Other than that, just load them up like you would factory ammo, and shoot'em. They're actually probably safer than factory and have probably had better QC check on them.

 

[JRs12Valve]

It is the mid range load. I am using a Lyman 500 scale (AKA Single beam balance), so just in case it is off, (it's not. verified scale was accurate) I can go 1 gr of powder up or down, and still be in the safe zone.

 

[4895]

Best tip I can think of is to load one round in the mag, rack the slide, then remove the magazine.

If you are nervous about a load, the empty magazine well will allow excess pressure to blow down and out vs. against a magazine full of ammo. Good luck.

P.S. That is a safe load in my pistol and I think you will find it sufficient.

 

[James2]

I like to use a loading board, and when I throw powder the casing goes in the board. When the board is full, I take it under the light so I can look into each casing, and see that each has powder and none has a double charge. Now I will make sure all other brass is out of reach, then seat bullets. The reason for getting other brass out of reach is that it is so easy to just grab one that is sitting there and seat a bullet on it. No powder.

This is quality control. As long as you are sure that each has a powder charge in it and no doubles, they will be safe. Enjoy!

I load my 230 gr with 5.4 gr Unique. My Hornady manual says max is 6.1. I think you are a bit on the high side? Where did you get your data?

 

[primalmu]

I'm a big proponent of ladder testing pistol reloads, mainly to check for pressure signs. Personally, I think it is a horrible idea to pick a load at random (even if it is in the midrange) and load up a bunch of ammo. Do it right and work your way up from the low end.

 

[Mohave-Tec]

Start at the minimum charge weight or don't start.

 

[JRs12Valve]

I got my data from the 47th Lyman manual.

I read that 5.0 gr of Unique is enough to push the 230 at around 720 fps, and I figured that was a tad slow, and the max is 7.0 gr. I read 6.0 is a happy medium, and closest to military ball ammo, so that's what I started out with, and can adjust my load accordingly.

 

[Mohave-Tec]

Unique should be a good powder for you. Good luck.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I got my data from the 47th Lyman manual.

I read that 5.0 gr of Unique is enough to push the 230 at around 720 fps, and I figured that was a tad slow, and the max is 7.0 gr. I read 6.0 is a happy medium, so that's what I started out with, and can adjust my load accordingly.

Even the current Alliant data which is more conservative than older data lists a Max charge of 6.5gr Unique with a 230gr FMJ bullet. Your 6.0gr charge weight is just fine.

I don't know how to help you get over your fear but IMO you have nothing to be in fear of.

 

[rg1]

Your 6.0 grain charge of Unique is a commonly used load with 230 grain bullets. Winchester FMJ bullets have a more tapered round nose than some other 230 FMJ bullets. I seat Win 230 FMJ's to about 1.265-1.269" and some other manufacturers 230 FMJ's to about 1.250". As long as they'll chamber in your barrel you should be good to go. Have fun.

 

[mulyhuntr]

I've shot 230rn with 6.3 grains of unique and it gave me an average of 810 fps out of a 4.5" barrel. You'll be fine at 6 grains. Enjoy!

 

[GJSchulze]

Do what most of us did. Hold the gun as far away as possible in one hand, turn your head away from it, close your eyes really hard, shrug your shoulders, and then pull the trigger

As long as the brass is OK and you kept your charge modest you'll be fine.

 

[JohnhenrySTL]

As I make a new load, or even a new batch I always shoot one round, then examine the brass closely, I then finish off a magazine or cylinder, check for pressure signs or even black brass if I made a lighter load. I then call it good and proceed to check for accuracy.

Keep in mind, when most people have made their first loads they are scared. This is natural. I certainly was, I called like five friends and told them where I was going and what I was doing.

In my moderate experience with the reloading process and gun ranges: the biggest danger with bad loads or ammunition related malfunctions are people's reactions to gun jam under stress. I took a friend of a friend shooting to shoot his first revolver. It was his first time shooting in his adult life, he was shaking, when he pulled the trigger for his seventh shot and nothing happened he pointed the muzzle at his eye to see wht it didnt go off.

A week ago, I was shooting A.R.s with a Police friend. He pulled the trigger and nothing happened, he open the action immediately and put it his eye up to it.

Im sure you will be fine, forgive my rant, I just think people can be too scared and caution can turn irrational.

Since I again started reloading two years ago, my handgun groupings have shrunk by about sixty percent. And more importantly, I dont feel guilty for blowing a hundred bucks as a parent, everytime I shoot. I also think you are going about it the right away. Best of luck to you.

 

[kerreckt]

If your pistol is in good operating condition you won't have any problem. Don't let the folks who say "you have to start at the bottom and work up" scare you. It is the most prudent way to start, if there are unknowns, but in your case you have covered your bases. As long as, the pistol is in good condition "go for it".

 

[Pilot]

I don't understand your apprehension with shooting reloads, especially if you have done your homework, and KNOW these are midrange loads. I trust my quality control way more than factory's that crank out millions of rounds. The only advice I can offer is to get a tool to measure COAL instead of just comparing the rounds to WWB.

Shoot the damn things!

 

[Walkalong]

I think I just need to shoot these things,

That is exactly right. The trepidation will quickly turn to jubilation. It's a great feeling shooting your first reloads.

 

[JRWhit]

For the load I think you'll be fine as there is a lot of trial use with this powder. But, Alliant website shows 6 gn as max load for 230 gn bullet. Don't make a habit out of starting at max.
Especially if copying oal from another round and not listed data.
Happy shooting. Great feeling to roll your own.

 

[Beanie-Bean]

That's the load I use, with OAL being somewhere between 1.230 and 1.250, depending on the bullet being used. I've fired this from all of my .45ACP pistols.

That caliber was exactly why I got into reloading a few years back--I thought it was ridiculous to pay $17 for a box of 50 practice rounds That would probably be considered a bargain now!

I haven't blown anything up yet following the many load manuals I have, and I'm careful about choosing a balance for having enough power to cycle the action and accuracy. You'll find out what works best for your guns as you load more.

Happy shooting on your first run!

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

A little stage fright is probably good for a newbie. I have just returned to shooting sports and reloading after a very long hiatus and was *really* nervous as well the first time out with my reloads.

If you are certain of your quality control you should be fine. I also agree with the idea of loading a single round and removing the mag/emptying the mag and firing the first 4 single shot, recovering the brass immediately after firing and having a good look at the cases for excess pressure signs. If it all looks good load them and proceed to revel in your accomplishment.

Congratulations in advance!!

I tend to always start at the very bottom and work up. So, I listen very carefull and make sure I see a hole in the target before firing the second round. I had a friend years ago who loaded his first too light. The first round actually didn't make it out of the 6" barrel...luckily he stopped and checked the bore *before* he fired his second round.

You should have no problems with this as your load is midrange. Yer gonna love using Unigue.

Good luck!!

VooDoo

 

[TfflHndn]

While the minimum load in the Lee manual is 5.7 gr of Unique, starting at 6.0 is no problem. The max load is listed at 6.5. The rule of thumb to reduce 10% from max would put you at 5.8 to 5.9. You are will within the safe zone. Enjoy the experience of shooting your first reloads.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The only bad thing about firsts is they only happen once. Don't cheat yourself by not shooting them...

 

[JRs12Valve]

Thanks for the tips everybody.

My oal is at 1.265" , and post taper crimp is at Wilson Combat's recommended .469", so I believe I'll be alright.

Headspacing is perfect in my A1 barrel, and they cycle reliably.

Say a prayer for me guys. Off to the range.

 

[JRWhit]

Thanks for the tips everybody.

My oal is at 1.265" , and post taper crimp is at Wilson Combat's recommended .469", so I believe I'll be alright.

Headspacing is perfect in my A1 barrel, and they cycle reliably.

Say a prayer for me guys. Off to the range.

I can only offer a warning. You are about to open yourself into a whole new fascination in shooting. Get ready for a whole new hobby full of new toys and methods. The best feeling in the world is the first time you see better accuracy in your own reloads, than what you can buy on a shelf.

 

[Frag]

Ah, shooting that first reloaded round.....
I think most people were a little nervous. But it is a great feeling.