So I took the plunge into 45ACP

[mayorgonzo]

I am cheaper than cheap so I have been reloading 9mm and 7.62x39. Yes I am that cheap when it comes to ammo.
So sparing you the gory details, I decided to jump into reloading 45ACP and I am beginning to think I am late to the party. Everywhere I go to find components, all of the shelves are cleared out. I don't have a problem finding my usual stuff. Is there something I am missing or has there always been a run on large pistol primers and 230 gn fmj projectiles?

 

[Targa]

There is no shortage online. Just order your stuff, it will get to you quick and won’t cost anymore even with shipping.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Is there something I am missing or has there always been a run on large pistol primers and 230 gn fmj projectiles?

You'll find that a lot of stores only stock certain items because on-line ordering has largely met the demand.

You can order 230gr bullets from RMR and have them before the end of next week

 

[RikSors]

RMR has a good deal on 230g FMJs.

 

[Ruger 15151]

Powder Valley for powder and primers..... RMR or Zero bullets for bullets

There is no shortage. Things are abundant online, As mentioned earlier, most LGS aren't carrying as much supplies because most reloaders order online these days as it is much cheaper, even after shipping. If you haven't already done so, get on the major component supplier websites like Powder Valley, Midsouth Shooters, Grafs & Sons, Brownells, etc.. and subscribe to their newsletters. They are always running shipping specials and free hazmat.

 

[Lennyjoe]

W231 powder and RMR 230 gr FMj and have at it

 

[AJC1]

And if your super cheap 185 grain bullets are cheaper than 230 and still shoot great.

 

[bullseye308]

Don’t feel bad, I have been loading 9mm since it went up to $8.88/100 for WWB at Walmart a long time ago. Actually I was loading it before that, but I trust my loads more. I loaded 7.62x39 and 7.62x54r 20 years ago too.
I’d look at cast bullets for the 45, you can try 185 and 200 grain or even the 230. Many powders work great with the 45, and go a long ways. I’m fortunate enough to be close to Midsouth Shooters Supply and just picked up 12 pounds of powder and 10,000 primers a few days ago, it’s only an hour drive. Lots of places around here have primers and powder in stock, not sure where you are located.

 

[Virginia Jim]

Titegroup powder, Winchester primers, Zero brand lead bullets, and range brass. About as cheap as you can get.

 

[bbqreloader]

RMR is first stop for bullets; Everglades for backup, Powder Valley for primers and powder

 

[AJC1]

RMR is first stop for bullets; Everglades for backup, Powder Valley for primers and powder

#meto

 

[LiveLife]

Everywhere I go to find components, all of the shelves are cleared out.

There is no shortage. Things are abundant online

Here's a listing of popular component manufacturers and vendors we have used over the decades - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ponents-on-sale.707473/page-178#post-11161685

 

[cfullgraf]

My standard load for 45 ACP is 230 RN bullets over 5.0 grains of 700-X.

It pretty much does not matter what bullet I use, FMJ, plated, cast, or coated. They all work to about the same point of aim with the powder that I use.

With 45 ACP, I am not concerned about bullet expansion. A slow moving, 45 caliber bullet, hits with a pretty good wallop regardless about expansion.

Many folks do not like how 700-X meters. W231 or Bullseye would improve on that with a little tweaking of the date. Maybe some other powders would do well as well.

Vary from the basic recipe and all bets are off. Some of my 1911's will digest about anything, some are picky and work with ony ammunition that follows the profile of the 230 RN bullets.

 

[lordpaxman]

+1 on RMR’s bullets and service. However, if you’re cheaper than cheap, you may want to go with a coated lead bullet from one of the suppliers listed above. You’ll be a few cents cheaper per bullet. Good luck!

 

[Dudedog]

W231 powder and RMR 230 gr FMj and have at it

My .45s both like HP38/W231 with a 230.
Both 4.7 and 5gr of HP38 shoot well for me. 4.7 of course is a little softer, 5gr a hair more accurate. (listed MAX is 5.3gr)

5" 1911, WIN LP, Mixed range brass charges as thrown after setting measure
-Nice practice load
String: 2
Date: 9/11/2016
Time: 9:25:57 AM
Grains: 230
Hi Vel: 762
Low Vel: 714
Ave Vel: 734
Ext Spread: 48
Std Dev: 16
45 RMR 230 4.7 HP38
Velocity Power Factor Ft/Lbs
762 175.26 296.51
735 169.05 275.87
725 166.75 268.414
748 172.04 285.715
739 169.97 278.881
721 165.83 265.461
714 164.22 260.331

 

[Waterboy3313]

I will give RMR a thumbs up as well. I just ordered some more bullets from them on Thursday and they are sitting at the post office delivery scheduled for Monday. I'm pretty sure if I would have ordered Wednesday they would have been here yesterday.

My 45 acp loads are 230gr plated RN bullets with 4.5 gr titegroup. They shoot like factory ammo. I buy powder and primers locally titegroup is normally about $25 a pound sometimes less when it's on sell. 4.5 gr goes into 7000 gr 1555 times. Lots of shooting with those numbers for not a whole lot of money.

 

[Skgreen]

The cheapest of the cheap I've found so far is Brazos.

http://www.brazosprecision.com/2020-Shipping-Updates_b_7.html

I have mixed emotions about the batch of 9 / 357 / 45 I bought. (Bought 4 bags back in '19 to get free shipping, but per the link free shipping on 4 is no longer possible.

Emotions: Kinda negative towards the 115 - 9mm ,but positive with the 158 SWC.
Haven't tried the 45's yet.

As always, YMMV.

 

[rabid wombat]

Try King Shooters, great product and great people....wonderful to do business with...

https://www.kingshooters.com/bullets-better-bullets/5-52-3014
https://www.kingshooters.com/bullets-pc-bullets/5-3014

Thumbs up for Powder Valley, also

 

[LiveLife]

I have been reloading 9mm and ... decided to jump into reloading 45ACP

As others posted, I think you will have hard time finding a better deal than RMR for plated RN bullets.

200 gr plated RN for $110.60/1000 shipped (With 5% THR discount) - https://www.rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets/pistol/45-452/45-200-gr-rmr-plated-round-nose-bullets-new/

230 gr plated RN for $117.80/1000 shipped (With 5% THR discount) - https://www.rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets/pistol/45-452/45-230-gr-rmr-plated-round-nose-bullets-new/


If you are looking for 200 gr SWC, hard to beat Z-Cast at $36/500 - https://www.jacobeagle.com/product-page/45-acp-200-grain-swc-500-count

And if you load lighter target loads, especially in oversized factory barrels, softer 14-16 BHN alloy deforms/expands well even with lighter powder charges to produce accuracy and prevent leading - https://www.jacobeagle.com/about


MBC 18 BHN SWC (IDP #1) with 4.8 gr W231/HP-38 is one of my 45ACP reference loads but when this load leaded heavily in oversized factory barrel (.455"+) of Taurus PT145 SA/DA, softer MBC 12 BHN SWC (Bullseye #1) with same 4.8 gr W231/HP-38 restored accuracy with minimal leading and even worked well with lighter 4.0 gr Red Dot/Promo that is a joy to shoot in Sig 1911/M&P45, especially compact PT145 SA/DA due to lighter recoil.

And Z-Cast's 14-16 BHN alloy is softer to produce accuracy and with less leading issue with lighter target loads so factor these when shopping around for your bullets.


And for 9mm (especially barrels with shorter leade), Z-Cast is one of few remaining bullet casters offering "stepped" RN bullet with longer, more pointed nose. If your barrel has shorter leade, this "step" will help clear the start of rifling when loaded to typical 1.125" OAL and feed without issues in all my 9mm barrels, even the Lone Wolf barrel with no leade (when other lubed lead/coated bullets with shorter/rounder nose profile won't work).

124 gr Lead RN with 3.8-4.0 gr of W231/HP-38 at 1.125" OAL is one of my 9mm reference loads and 14-16 BHN works well with lighter 3.6-3.8 gr of Promo.

At $27/500 ($59/1000 shipped for 3000 quantity with $15 shipping), also hard price to beat - https://www.jacobeagle.com/product-page/9mm-124-grain-rn-500-count

For coated bullets, hard to beat Brazos 125 gr Hi-Tek RN at $42/835 ($57.30/1000 shipped) - http://www.brazosprecision.com/9mm-...aseNo-Groove-approx-835ct-005bullet_p_73.html

I am cheaper than cheap

With Z-Cast 124 gr "stepped" LRN/Brazos 125 gr Hi-Tek RN and Promo, I can reload 9mm for less than $5/50 ... Can you get cheaper than that with retail bullet load?

Only way you can get cheaper is to cast bullets yourself.

 

[mayorgonzo]

Thank you all. I'm glad I asked because I had not heard of these suppliers before.
Thank you again and now I can get to it.

 

[kmw1954]

As the others have stated, try to find powders and primers local and online order any bullets. There are many vendors of projectiles from cast to coated to plated to jacketed, it is a very competitive market. Most likely you will find a design and price point that suites you. Primers and powders are a bit different as you most likely know as you have already been reloading. Shipping and Hazmat fees eat up most online savings, so unless you are prepared to wait for the online sales with either Free Shipping or Hazmat and then by in large quantities. There really isn't a large savings or advantage.

I was fortunate enough to find a large shop that is pretty much dedicated to reloading here in my state and is only a couple hours away and have everyday pricing that is comparable to most online pricing. So last summer we were up that way for our vacation so I make a trip to their store to make a purchase. I came out of there with 7k primers and 4 lbs of powder and am now set for at least one more year before I have to go back. I believe I can afford to make that trek once every couple of years.

 

[LiveLife]

9mm ... fmj projectiles?

For 9mm FMJ, hard to beat RMR who makes "ELEY match grade" bullets in-house - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...or-their-new-line-of-match-ammunition.854750/

If you buy 4000 quantity, RMR 9mm 115 gr FMJ goes down to $71.25/1000 shipped (With 5% THR discount) - https://www.rmrbullets.com/shop/bul...rmr-full-metal-jacket-round-nose-bullets-new/

 

[whughett]

In the North East long before the internet it was often easier to obtain loading supplies by mail order catalogs. Handloading in the 70’s was around and some stores did stock some supplies, but I don’t think it was that prevalent among gun owners, even today as a percentage of folks rolling their own as opposed to folks just buying Ammo we are still a minority.
My experience is only fairly large gun stores can stock an inventory that would include a variety of supplies like bullets brass and powders and even they limit it to those items that clear the shelves quickly. Many that do stock something will just stock one brand of primers in L and Small. Just my take on it. All my purchases are by my cell phone on the WWW. Gun shows are also a good place to be able to stock up.

 

[Blue68f100]

My favorite load for my 1911 gun is 4.1gr WST with MBC 12 BHN 185gr LSWC ( Bullseye #2). Loaded with just a thumb nail thickness showing at the shoulder. These are below then Min recommended charge of 4.4gr. I get a velocity of 767 ft/sec. WST is a reverse temp sensitive powder. Meaning it get faster as temp goes down. I will add that this powder burns extremely clean at these low pressure loads. My gun will run with the std 16# RS installed but I run a 14 due to slide mounted optics. Would recommend at starting with the mim and work down.

 

[LiveLife]

even today as a percentage of folks rolling their own as opposed to folks just buying Ammo we are still a minority.

Not in CA anymore.

With new anti-ammunition laws pass in July 2019 limiting vendors who can ship/sell in CA with background check that (amazingly) raised price with Walmart cutting out "handgun" ammo for sale, many gun owners have become reloaders.

And now they are trying to ban lead containing bullets/projectiles in a new assembly bills ... But we already got lead free bullets/projectiles lined up for reloaders to use. https://frangiblebullets.com/Frangible-Non-Lead-Bullets-NOT-LOADED-AMMUNITION/

Take my word, DO NOT become like CA ... Do whatever it takes to not to ... VOTE PEOPLE!