Setting up for my first reloads

[fatmanonabike]

Looking for a good place to start for .45 ACP. I have been reading and and will continue to do so. My current challenge is finding a readily available powder/bullet combo. Based on availability looks like Bullseye is the winner. My initial plan is 5 gr of Bullseye large CCI large primer with a .230 gr round nose FMJ (Hornady). Is 4.6 gr too low to start? Does the charge change from cast to lead to FMJ? My goal is plinking ammo and learning reloading fundamentals. I'm not looking for hot loads.

 

[Certaindeaf]

Legend has it they made Bullseye for the .45acp.

That's all I got except consult a manual.

 

[AFK]

Bullseye is a favorite for many 45 reloaders. Personally I like W231. The data will change depending on bullet type (cast, FMJ, etc.) If you want to learn the fundamentals, be sure to get a manual or 2 or three. There is a lot of great info at your finger tips on this site. The search function is your friend.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree, W231/HP-38 is my favorite .45 Auto powder but there are just as many fans of Bullseye in the 45 as there are W231 fans.
(W231 and HP-38 are the same exact powders with different labels)

IMO the .45 Auto isn't very picky when it comes to powders. It's a low pressure round and plays well with a lot of powders. I have used mostly W231/HP-38 but also used AA#5 with good success. (Accurate Arms specifically designed AA#5 for use in the .45 Auto)

Powders that work well with the .45 Auto:
Accurate - AA#2, AA#5
Hodgdon - HP-38, Clays, Titegroup
IMR - 700-X, PB, Trail Boss
Winchester - W231, WST, AutoComp
Alliant - Bullseye, Unique, Clay Dot, Red Dot, Green Dot
Ramshot - ZIP, True Blue
And probably a handful of others I didn't think of right now!

 

[4895]

I have used UNIQUE in .45 acp with good success.
I have used BULLSEYE in .45 acp with good success.
I have used 231 in .45 acp with good success.

If I was to start all over again, I would use 231. Unique is my second choice with BULLSEYE third (kinda dirty).

Unique and Bullseye are cheaper here (locally) than Winchester powders so if $$ is a factor, I would use UNIQUE for sure. It is going to be the one pistol powder that you should be able to find anywhere that sells guns, ammo, bullets, etc.

.451 bullets 230 grain (FMJ) sell for about 150/1000 and are much more expensive in smaller quantities. Montana Gold Bullets are popular, as are many others. I have found that BERRY'S plated bullets work fine in my pistol and are a bit cheaper. I don't think you could get a 230 grain bullet fast enough to be a problem for plated pills.

 

[Mike 27]

I love bullseye for the 45acp. I load it over lead 200 RN, and they are very accurate, and a lot of fun. I use the Hornady reload data, and either Missouri, or HSM projectiles. I rarely shoot jacketed with the 45, but use bullseye when I do as well.

 

[Blue68f100]

I use WST for all my 45 loads. It's burns a lot cleaner than Bullseye and 231.

 

[BossHogg]

Does the charge change from cast to lead to FMJ?

Yes, the lead loads are lighter than the jacked loads. The lead goes down the barrel easier than the FMJ. Speer's manual has a TMJ 230 gr round nose with a listing of 5.2 min. to 5.7 max for Bullseye. I didn't see a listing for Bullseye with the Hornady.

I like Bullseye for light shooting 45 acp and use Universal Clays for hotter loads. You should be fine at 5 gr and if it cycles your gun you could go down a little at a time with your loads to see how it does. I'd think 4.6 gr of Bullseye would work but better safe than sorry.

 

[mbopp]

I've used Bullseye, W231, Red Dot, and Unique in the 45ACP. For target loads Bullseye is hard to beat but a bit dirty. For major power factor loads I find the new Unique to be relatively clean but I seem to be the exception. But when all the powders are used up it'll be W231 as the go-to powder of choice. As it turns out it does well in my 357 Mag for +P loads with cast bullets too.

 

[fatmanonabike]

Thanks so much for all the help. Sent my first 50 or so rounds down range without incident. Everything went the right amount of bang and ejected properly. My best efforts at the range put five rounds into a playing card at 10 yds. My strategy now is group consistently at 10 yds then move out to 15.

 

[Mike 27]

I have never really had a problem with bullseye being a dirty powder. I have shot a thousand or more rounds out of my XD 45 Tactical (5.5" barrel). I use it for some other calibers as well and I can't complain. I guess it depends on the pistol, but I love the stuff. Congrats on your first outing with your own ammo. I am running around 5.3-5.5 gr over the 200gr lead RN and they are very accurate. I enjoy chasing beer cans with it down to the end of the pistol range.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks so much for all the help. Sent my first 50 or so rounds down range without incident. Everything went the right amount of bang and ejected properly. My best efforts at the range put five rounds into a playing card at 10 yds. My strategy now is group consistently at 10 yds then move out to 15.

Just remember, for self defense you don't need tinny little groups, all you need is good center mass shots. We all like to shoot one ragged hole but in the real world sometimes speed is a necessity. I use a paper plate to practice with my SD handgun. If you can draw and put 5 rounds inside a 5" circle from 5 yards in 5 seconds you are doing well. (the 5 seconds includes draw time) It's harder than it sounds but it's a good drill IMO. When you can do it most times then add movement and see if you can do it again...

Welcome to reloading. I'm glad to hear your first ammo turned out so well...

 

[fatmanonabike]

Hhhhmmmm 5-5-5. I'll give it a try.