reloading .45 acp questions, need your help

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fireguy1

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Hi guys,
I'm new to the reloading scene. I have a dillon 650 which came with the .45acp powder funnel. I need to purchase dies, bullets, powder, brass and primers, as well as those cool plastic cases to hold my reloads. I need your input where to get what for the best prices and loads that work the best out of your government 1911's, meeting power factor for ipsc is a must. I have a few thousand large primer brass so opinions on a case cleaner would also be of help. I appreciate the help,
Duane.
 
I'm not sure about power factor as I don't compete.
As for my favorite loads I use a Lee 200gr Tumble lube SWC mold over either
5gr of Win 231(about 800fps) or
6gr of Unique (about 900fps)
I also load Hornady 200gr XTPs over 7.0gr of Unique for about 1000fps, this load is a real cracker but is within SAAMI pressure levels. It ejects the cases about 12ft and is very accurate. Make sure you watch OAL closely with this load (1.230")

Also the only cleaning I do to my cases is run a primer pocket cleaner into them if they're looking really grungy. I've loaded a lot of my .45 cases with the lower end loads at least 5 times already and I think I'll probably get at least another 5.

Hard to gauge where for you to get supplies as we don't know where you are???
 
What province are you in? Shipping is brutal on bullets, they're very heavy. My Para 1911 shoots everything well, even hollow points, but if your 1911 is picky, then stick with round nose whether FMJ or lead. PF shouldn't be much hassle with any 45, I wouldn't think. Also, I just use a Cabela's Vibrator, I got at their clearance sale a couple years ago, only $25 as it was a return, and it does a really good job.
 
If you are competing you want reliability and 230 RN is the best bet. Plated are very popular to keep costs down.

I was using anywhere from 4.5 grains of Bullseye with great results as far as accuracy is concerned in my Norc 1911.

There is quite a following for 5 grains of Bullseye which surely will make major no problems.

Edited: To agree with Dogzilla on the bullets. Shipping is a ##### on even 1000.
 
I wouldn't worry at all about power factor and .45 ACP. Even standard 230 grain LRN @ 750fps makes Major in all categories, including Modified Division. At 600fps, you'll still have a PF of near 140 which is good for all Minor divisions with room to spare. However I'd wonder if your gun would even cycle properly with such a weak load. In other words, your gun probably wouldn't work at all with something that wouldn't make Minor.

You should eventually think about casting your own bullets once you get into loading .45. Those Lee 6-cavity 230grain TL molds are inexpensive, and allow you to cast hundreds of bullets per hour. Strangely, it's also really fun for some crazy reason.
 
I have been using win 231 at 4.8 - 5.0 grains
230 gr berry plated bullets and everything runs great in my glock 30
Very accurate. Only thing is win 231 is friggin dirty as hell

Check out custom reloading in BC, it really depends where you are. I had a 1000 rounds of 9mm and. 1000 rounds of 45 acp shipped for a total of around 250 bucks if I recall.

I use a lee turret press currently working as a single stage as I'm kinda new to reloading. I also use a lee perfect powder measure and find it works well and reliable. Cleaning I just clean the primer pockets but will be picking up a tumbler soon just to ensure clean brass, but not entirely necessary. Good luck and have fun.
 
Sorry I got no idea of the area but a post titled "Windsor Area - Need Reloading Supplies" might yield some results.

Many sponsors up top will ship but you would have to compare with local shops to see if it's worth it.

The good thing is that .45 acp works great with plain hardcast lead as it is moving at relatively slow velocities anyways so that can help you save a few bucks.

Good luck
Mark
 
fireguy1 said:
I'm in ontario.
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Higginson Powders, google him. He'll have everything you need at great prices. Some shooting clubs put together bulk orders for members to save on shipping.

I like JSWC bullets for IPSC. Make nice big holes you can see. Don't worry about feeding. Bullets won't be an issue. A 1911 would eat chain links if you could seat em right, just keep your COL long as possible while passing the "clunk" test and fitting your mags. A lee factory crimp die is a virtual must.
 
TwoTone said:
Clunk test?

Can you enlighten me?
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Remove barrel and, holding the barrel vertically, drop your cartridge into the barrel chamber. You hear & feel the clunk as the case rim cleanly impacts the chamber ridge it head spaces on. Obviously, your chamber should be clean and dry. Right the barrel and the cartridge will drop out. No clunk and you're seated too long (bullet is into lands) or the case is improperly sized/crimped or its bulged. Try it with a properly sized cartridge and you'll get the idea instantly. This is a fairly common way to test straight walled pistol rounds without requiring a head space gage.
 
HKMark23 said:
You hear & feel the clunk as the case rim cleanly impacts the chamber ridge it head spaces on.
Click to expand...

I think you mean "case mouth" rather than "case rim" (as with revolvers).

Your method is best because a case gauge may not offer the best COL for the gun being used. It's much better to use the actual barrel of what you're loading for. .45 ACP is pretty forgiving and most 1911 guns have near SAMMI spec chambers, but 9mm is a royal pain in the arse. I've never seen such a ridiculous mishmash of various chamber diameters and lengths for that caliber. Standards be damned.

I should add that when doing the drop test, even after pressing the round into the chamber with your thumb with some force, it should still freely drop out when you right the barrel all by itself. Sometimes the lead bullet will still give a clunk when dropped. But you'll need to pry it out after if you press it in with your thumb.
 
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Skyhawk said:
I think you mean "case mouth" rather than "case rim" (as with revolvers).
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Yes, I did :redface:.

I should add that when doing the drop test, even after pressing the round into the chamber with your thumb with some force, it should still freely drop out when you right the barrel all by itself. Sometimes the lead bullet will still give a clunk when dropped. But you'll need to pry it out after if you press it in with your thumb.
Click to expand...

Yep, that too :redface::redface:.

So TwoTone, voila,, there you have it :D !
 
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