New to Reloading, Few Q's

[noresttill]

So ive finally set up my reloading bench and now am looking for components.
I am going to start by reloading my 45 auto and wanted to create a round that was fun to shoot at the range (read: not too expensive to down right cheap) but could also double as a defense round. I say that knowing that I probably wont need them for that reason, but I dont want something to happen and im sitting on 4000 rounds of 185gr LSWCs. (or maybe that could be better than others?) I also shoot to train, not for competition.

Im leaning toward a 200-230 gr JRN loaded with unique or bullseye, but thats just cause thats what others seem to be using. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks, Jesse

 

[kart racer]

http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/
They have good prices on bullets.I have used the zero bullets in 9mm and the winchecter jhp and fmj in 45.Unique will take care of all of your needs.Power pistol is greta in 9mm and good in 45 also.

 

[noresttill]

thanks, those are the best prices for FMJ that ive seen. But I have found PRN for pretty cheap, I just dont know the difference between PRN and FMJ (field differences, not manufacturing).

Also, what do you all thing of http: //www.pennbullets.com/45/images/45230rnbb.jpg

Its a RNBB in lead. Would this satisfy my above needs? Thanks again, Jesse

 

[ChristopherG]

Yes; lead works. Just reading the first couple of posts, in fact, I was going to recommend Pennbullets to you--they ship inexpensively, using USPS priority shipping flat-rate boxes, and they produce quality bullets very reasonably (as you've discovered).

In .45, you're unlikely to experience any significant leading (with a quality cast bullet like Bob Palermo's), but you will have to get used to your gun getting black/sooty looking when you shoot a lot; it's just the lube from cast lead bullets burning off. Easy to clean up.

Be sure to shoot in a well-ventilated place. If you use an indoor range, it needs to have forced air ventilation, and make sure it's okay to shoot lead. Then, shoot, shoot, shoot.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Have made 230gr lead loads using various powders and have since stuck with Unique over all others. With jacketed bullets I prefer W231.

Unique doesn't seem to smoke as much as the W231 does. I swear with the Winchester powder I felt like I was shooting black powder.

 

[ChristopherG]

Agreed. Lead and Unique go together like gin and tonic--or peanut butter and jelly, if that's your preference.

 

[noresttill]

Great, thanks a lot!

How does lead compare to FMJ in 2 legged confrontations? I would assume it preforms better as expansion would exist.

Thanks everyone! I guess ill be ordering from penn (after I talk to my range about lead). That of PV for FMJ.

Jesse

 

[Sunray]

Cast 230 grain flat points with Bullseye works well in my Colt. Cast 230 RN's work well with it too. Taper crimp only. Cast bullets will always be less expensive than any jacketed bullet.
FMJ's are not reliable for fighting. They're not intended to expand, like you've said. Mind you, you can't rely on any bullet to end a fight with one shot.

 

[FullEffect1911]

i'd go with 230 grain lead with unique powder.

As far as self defense is concerned i'd go with factory hollow points, (gold saber, hydroshock, or gold dots). 2 reasons:

1: is the lawyer factor of using "uber dangerous reloaded flying projectiles of doom and devestation!" I could seem them playing it up like your reloaded stuff could take out tanks with one shot. If you aren't concerned with the legal stuff and would rather be "judged by 12 then carried by 6" Then you could of course buy gold dots or gold saber bullets and roll your own.

2: quality hollow point bullets are far more expensive then lead RN. You'll really feel the price difference in 500+ quantities. Practice with lead or sale FMJs (midway will sometimes have some decent sales). You won't be dissapointed.

 

[redneck2]

LSWC's & AA5, Universal Clays, or WW-231. At 900 fps, they'd punch right thru and would be great for target (assuming they feed in your gun).

Guess the guys here like Unique. I thought it was awful. YMMV.

 

[noresttill]

Thanks all

Jesse

 

[ChristopherG]

How does lead compare to FMJ in 2 legged confrontations? I would assume it preforms better as expansion would exist.

It ought to perform almost exactly the same as FMJ. This is hard cast lead, rather than swaged lead; and, at the moderate velocities of .45 acp, even lead bullets much softer than the Penns would not significantly expand or deform (except perhaps a LHP, which wouldn't function in a 45 semiauto anyway).

 

[temmi]

If you have any thoughts to using your handloads for self defense, I would load hollow points… I like Rem Golden Sabers. Lead and FMJ are ok for paper punching…

 

[jjohnson]

Self Defense = Factory Ammo

Yes. As pointed out, you don't EVER want to explain to a judge and jury why you're so evil that you MADE your own ammunition. Don't go there. Ever.

Also... if you're new to handloading, do you really want to bet your life on ammo YOU made? Not to pick on you, but you're using the new guy's new experimental load? What? I've been loading thousands of rounds a year for 30+ years and I don't pack ammo that I built. Don't trust THAT guy! First time you load a dud or have poorly sized ammo fail to feed, you'll know why.

Load all the fun cheap ammo you want and more power to you for playing at the pistol range getting proficient. Go ahead and blow the twenty bucks, though, on one box of the real thing - Golden Sabers or whatever else trips your trigger. And no, that lead stuff you're using at .45 velocities can't really be depended on to expand. It might. It might not. Refer to argument for expanding ammo made by an industrial manufacturer. If you want to play it safe, shoot half the box of your defense ammo at the range so you know what it does and make sure it feeds reliably in your handgun. Rotate your stock (shoot the rest of the box and replace it) at least once a year. Do the same with your magazine or magazine spring if you're keeping it loaded. Everybody else will sleep better tonight.

And yeah, Unique, I understand, is cleaner burning now, and fits very very well with .45 auto loads. If you're starting, start there.

 

[noresttill]

Thanks everyone,

Allow me to clarify, I will not be using this ammo to carry or primarily for SD. I carry Gold Dots and am very happy with them . I was refering to the "unlikely" situation where there is some sort of disaster and people are running around taking advantage of people. I have been saving up brass for awhile and wanted to load something that I could defend myself with if I had to.

Thanks everyone to the help, I went to Bass Pro (the only place around that sells hazmat) and they were out of primers. I hope to have an update soon though.

Have a great weekend everyone,

Jesse