Just finished a batch of my first reloads ever. Which handgun should I test with?

[Rockrivr1]

Ok, so I just got into reloading and yesterday I finished my first batch ever. I made 10 rounds of 45 ACP. I used 5.2 grains of W231 behind Zero 230gr FMJ bullets. Now that I have this first batch done, I'm unsure which of my 45s to use as a test platform. I'm torn whether I should test them in one of my newer handguns, because they are my most accurate and probably most durable. Or whether I should test them on one of my older, less expensive, handguns.

Newer = S&W 1911, SA 1911 or HK USPc
Older = Norinco 1911 or 1st Gen Glock 21

Not that I anticipate there will be a problem, but seeing this is my first batch.

What do you think? What would you use?

 

[General Geoff]

Ideally, you'd want to test them in a revolver. Failing that, however, I'd say try the newer gun first.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

It won't matter.

 

[Leanwolf]

5.2 grains of WW231 and a 230 grains bullet won't hurt any of the pistols you listed. That is a standard IPSC/IDPA load.

L.W.

 

[RKellogg]

I would use some one eles first .

 

[Walkalong]

Excellent load to get started with. Take em all out and shoot some in all of them.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Only ten rounds?

Just pick one. Load it, Point it down range, close eyes, squeeze the trigger.

If the first one goes bang instead of Boom, shoot the rest into the X ring.


-Steve

 

[tomhorn]

The strongest ,best built one or have your buddy or wife try them first .... if you followed the manual have at it have fun

 

[GaryL]

Might want to avoid putting them through the Glock. They've been known to spit a little brass when fed reloads.

But if you insist, save your milder loads for the Glock.

 

[Primersinmyshoe]

I vote for the Norinco, just in case. I'm assuming that you've dropped them into the chamber of the gun to see if they will chamber all the way.

 

[Harry Paget Flashman]

When I used to reload years ago the biggest issue I had as a beginner was how they'd feed through various semi-autos. Powder charge, type/shape/weight of bullet, seating depth, crimp all played into for me. I'd load a dozen at a time, log in the settings as best I could from my Rock Chucker press and test fire before loading up a big batch. Never did get the hang of 9mm's. .45ACP was a breeze.

Revolvers...always used a Ruger back then.

 

[Snagglepuss]

Excellent thought Primer. My first batch was 200 rounds. I had never heard of testing them in the chamber. Got to the range and only got to shoot three or four rounds before I gave up. They would not chamber. On advice from forum members I went and got a lee factory crimp die and that fixed everything. Not a problem since. I think the tight tolerances of the Dan Wesson match barrel added to the no chambering issue.

 

[Primersinmyshoe]

I am a big believer in the Lee Factory Crimp Die. I wouldn't reload 45acp without it now. I have several match chambered barrels that would choke on quite a few of my reloads. I reload a lead bullet, which is sized .452" - a smidge bigger than jacketed. The Lee die smoothes out the case bulge caused by this bullet. At least that's my take on the issue. I may be wrong, but now my ammo feed 100% of the time. I used to check every round in a chamber gauge - what a chore (as I reload 500 rounds a week). After using the Lee die and checking a couple hundred without the usual 4% - 6% failures, I have given up checking them. Now my guns only choke when they get real dirty (lead is messy you know). One more thing I do is give the empty cases a spritz of Hornady One Shot Lube, to make working the handle of my Dillon 650 a little easier. The cases enter and exit the dies smoother. I have just purchased the Dillon spray case lube and will try it instead of the Hornady product (it's way cheaper). Wish me luck.