Reloading .45ACP... am I missing something? It seems dirt cheap!

[Ganderite]

I load cast 200gr SWC in three 45's. One has a chamber problem and is a ##### to load for. It is off to Armco for repair. the Others, a pair of Colts, ar no problem.

But, I had to fiddle a bit with OAL to get the lenght that would chamber smoothly. One I had that, it was some more testing to find the load that got the best groups. Turned out to be closer to max than min. About 75% power.

Of all the handguns I shoot, I enjoy the 45 the most and 9mm the least.

 

[josquin]

Suart your method of determining the OAL of your cartridge for a particular gun is bang on. ..

As opposed to banging on the slide to get it to close! I've used the other method you mention as well when loading for rifles.

I'll set up the Chrony after getting used to the 1911. At the moment I'm using 5.7 gr of 231 but I may end up backing off the Lee Auto Disk one setting. I've heard, as you say, that loads a bit below max. are often the most accurate. (Unless you're using H110 or W296 in a magnum case, of course, where reduced charges are a no-no.)

Stuart.

 

[pontcanna]

As for brass life, it would be nice if my Nork 1911 wouldn't crush round #7 (stovepipe) about 1/3rd of the time...

 

[Canuck44]

pontcanna

If it is doing when it attempts to feed I would check your mag springs. They may have lost some tension and aren't driving the last round up fast enough.

Take Care

Bob

 

[pdubois64]

As opposed to banging on the slide to get it to close! I've used the other method you mention as well when loading for rifles.

I'll set up the Chrony after getting used to the 1911. At the moment I'm using 5.7 gr of 231 but I may end up backing off the Lee Auto Disk one setting. I've heard, as you say, that loads a bit below max. are often the most accurate. (Unless you're using H110 or W296 in a magnum case, of course, where reduced charges are a no-no.)

Stuart.

Did you ever chrony that load? That is exactly what I am using with a 200gr SWC and am pretty sure it must meet PF.

On the topic I am loading these for .17/round. I paid $54/500 200gr Speers LSWC locally.

 

[josquin]

Did you ever chrony that load? That is exactly what I am using with a 200gr SWC and am pretty sure it must meet PF...
.

If I can get time (and weather, which is now improving) to get to the range, I'll do just that. I've just replaced the extractor (as it was flinging brass everywhere) so I need to make sure that's now OK, too.

Stuart

 

[adriel]

I love reloading 45. Lots of room, big case mouth, low pressure.

If you shoot a lot, cast your own for even more savings. I'm running a 200 grn SWC on top of 5.5 grns of win 231 (same as a lot of other people on here). I shoot them in a Norc 1911, no probs feeding.

One other suggestion, get the Lee factory crimp die. If any of your bullets are slightly out of round (I had a batch of Excel plated bullets that had a few), it'll bring em into line.