For 45ACP, I frequently use Berry's plated projectiles usually from
Custom Reloading in BC (site vendor) and I've also bought from Jo-Brook in Brandon (also CGN vendor) when he has his shipping special. The cost of the Berry's varies depending on the projectile you choose. I use 185gr, 200gr or 230 gr. I also occasionaly use BDX 230 Gr FMJ projectiles if I can find them locally at Calgary Shooting Centre or Pro-Line.
My last batch broke out as follows:
- 2000 Berry's 185 Gr HBRN to my door $256.20 (all-in) or $0.128 / round*.
- 2000 Fed 150 (lg pistol) primers from Calgary Shooting Centre (when available) or WSS for $34.99 * 2 + GST = $73.48 or $0.037 / round
- 5.7 Gr Hodgdon HP-38 x 2000 = 1.63 lbs @ $23.17 / lb (all-in bulk cost from Higginson Powders) or $0.0189 / round
- Brass I assume ~20 firings brass life with 45ACP so I charge each loading 1/20 the original cost of the brass, so for me with 45 ACP brass its about $0.005 / round
- Total cost (incl. tax) is right around $0.19 / round or $9.50 / box of 50, $190 / 1000
Also these are an absolute pleasure to shoot.
* Note: this is the cheapest batch of 45ACP I've loaded (due to shipping special on projectiles from Jo-Brook). Normally I see my costs closer to $11/box with projectiles worth around $0.15/each or so.
Of course I don't charge each load for my time (I enjoy reloading almost as much as shooting) or for the investment in (dillon) reloading equipment (which has long been paid for). I do wish we had a Berry's distributor locally so that I could save shipping costs ($25-$30 per 1000 or $0.025 - $0.03 per round)
As for 1000 rounds of Norinco for break-in and brass, since you've got the time to reload while you wait for your PAL upgrade, I'd encourage you to buy 1K range brass on the EE ($80-$100 and shipping), order 1K 45 projectiles from Brad at Custom Reloading and load them yourself. The quality (assuming your care and competence) will be much higher and you will save yourself some money as well. Norinco brass is OK for reloading, but I find the primer pockets can be a little snug on the first couple of reloads compared to Win, Fed, Rem, PMC or other. Still not as bad as S&B.