new to reloading, looking for recommendations

newshot

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I have a Dillon 550b and a mountain of 45 acp large primer brass. I also have a bullet puller, scale, tumbler and the newest edition of the ABC's of reloading. I am wondering what brands are recommended and also any online dealers that have good prices, shipping, selection, customer service etc. In terms of purpose, I shoot IDPA and target.

Winchester WST was suggested to me as a good powder.

What is a reliable brand for 230 grain bullets, I have been told to avoid AIM projectiles (is it any harder to work with lead over tmj, fmj?)

What is a reliable brand of primer? (I will not touch federal)

Any tips, suggestions, warnings, etc are greatly appreciated!
 
Hi newshot

45 ACP is about as non-temperamental a round as you can get when it comes to reloading so I wouldn't suggest automatically excluding Federal primers or AIM projectiles from your component list. I've used nothing but Feds in my 45 ACP's and never had an issue, but if you don't like the brand use CCI or Winchester, they'll all work fine.

I've had issues with AIM's at 1400 f/s out of a 38 Super but I doubt there'd be problems at just over half that speed out of a 45 ACP. No matter though, you've got plenty of choices for bullets, and apart from doubles and squibs there aren't many "beyond the basics" cautions or peculiarities to consider.
 
Federals scare me because two of my friends blew their presses up with them. I will take another look at aim. Thanks!
 
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"Don't use Federal primers",, it'll keep the cost down for the rest of us :).

Enjoy the savings! Usually with the internet the myths of glocks blowing up etc are overdone...but I know not one, but two people, personally who blew up their presses. I'll spend the extra few bucks happily :)
 
I use WST in my 45 and it's a great powder. Go and get it from Higginson's and save even more. I agree with using AIM as well. I have had no issue's with them in my 9mm and 10mm. I've also used Berry's plated and Frontier bullets with great success as well.

Later.......
 
The ones that got blown up were lee's. But I have also heard (including in this thread) of federals blowing up in dillons, just not destroying the press in the process!
 
The ones that got blown up were lee's. But I have also heard (including in this thread) of federals blowing up in dillons, just not destroying the press in the process!

Federals are a softer primers and that makes them prone to blowing up when using them in a primer feed. I use Winchester cci, or pmc. No issues with these.
 
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