45 / 50 Caliber Reloading

[gary/MT]

I have been using the Lee 3 station turret press since June of 1999, and it can't be beat. I paid $83 for it then, and have loaded thousand's of rounds of .45 ACP, 9mm, .44 mag, .221 fireball, .223 Rem., and others. I have large amounts of brass and only buy on sale in large quantities, buy primers by the thousand, wait for sales on powder, and buy several pounds or more of the same lot for consistency. I don't use the Lee powder measure though, but use a Hornady powder measure and weigh each individual load. I use the Lee powder through expander die for charging. Sometimes I use the 4 hole turret and conversion kit so I can crimp without using the bullet seating die, depending on caliber such as .44 mag, (Heavy crimp), etc. I just like to reload, and shoot and hunt. Also CCW. I also load a lot of rifle using a different set up, and save LOTS of money on reloads, especially Weatherby loads. If you think you would like to reload your own, you can work up good acurate loads, plinking loads, +p type loads, etc., but always use good loading methods, and good loading manuals with safety in mind. Read all of the reloading methods in the manuals and elsewhere before even starting, and start by working up from the recommended starting loads. Who knows, it may turn into a hobby for you, like it did for me when I was 15 years old. (I'm now 61). Good luck...........Gary

[xray]

Can you use Win Small Rifle Primers, instead of Large pistol?[/quote]



There is a bunch of 45 Winchester brass around with small primer pockets. I've used small pistol primers as well as small rifle primers. The difference was 25fps faster with the small rifle primers, used the same powder load in each 5gr WST. Xray

[NM3GNR]

Originally Posted by xray

Can you use Win Small Rifle Primers, instead of Large pistol?

There is a bunch of 45 Winchester brass around with small primer pockets. I've used small pistol primers as well as small rifle primers. The difference was 25fps faster with the small rifle primers, used the same powder load in each 5gr WST. Xray[/quote]


I could be wrong but I have never seen .45 acp cases with small primers.
Maybe it is 45 GAP ?

[xray]

Yes 45 ACP Winchester Winclean, can have either large or small primer pockets. ( I don't have any 45 GAP brass it's hard to find.) It's a bugger in the progressive reloading presses, have to check all your headstamps for primer size. Winchester now making 45 ACP with small primers and International Cartridge Corp (lead free frangible ammo) ICC headstamp, just found one the other day. I'll post a photo later.. Some guys I know were tossing the small primer cases, I have a coffee can full now. Brass is Brass Baby! Still goes bang. So don't toss it, it works just fine. Xray

[Boricua]

Do research before you buy anything, that is what I did and am happy I did. I have been using my 550B for years loading several different rounds with no problems at all. Like I said, do your research, check the bank, then have fun. Reloading is great for stress not to mention the savings!

[Mike Russell]

Here's a load that I've been tinkering with and it works well for my DW Pointman 7, though I'll probably get some Polycoated bullets and have to dial back the powder a tenth or two of a grain.

5.0gr Vv N320
205gr LRNFP (originally for .45LC) sized .452
1.225 OAL
WinLP Primers

[mudfoot]

Here is a .45ACP recipe that has shot very well for me. DISCLAIMER: USE AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION!

Winchester WST powder: 4.7grains
Winchester Nickel Cases
230 grn. ZERO FMJ bullets
CCI #300 large pistol primer
OAL: 1.260"

[metaljacket]

I have the Nosler Reloading Manual #4 (1996) from back when I bought my press. For the 45 ACP it lists the following for a 230 grain bullet:
Bullseye Max load = 5.1 grains at 790 fps.
Unique Max load = 6.5 grains at 808 fps.

On page one of this thread it shows the following from Alliant:
Bullseye 5 grains = 905 fps.
Unique 6 grains = 895 fps.

Can any of you tell me why there is so much variance in the fps. results from the bullet co. and powder co.? I assume they are both using a 5" bbl.

Is the reloading manual just too old; if so I will get a new one.

[Sharpsshooter]

Originally Posted by metaljacket

Can any of you tell me why there is so much variance in the fps. results from the bullet co. and powder co.? I assume they are both using a 5" bbl.

Different bullets (if you can ever get ahold of a Midway LoadMAP, you will see the same bullet weight, same bullet type, different bullet manufacturer, with the same powder charge having different velocities)

Different test conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude)

Different test barrels (not all will use the same length, different rifling, wear, etc)

Different primers (yes, it can make that much of a difference)

In short, there are many factors that could affect it. That is why a person must always use load data as a guide and work up their own loads.

[Sharpsshooter]

Originally Posted by Grimloktt

What's a ball park cost to start reloading? What's an average amount of time it takes to reload 100 bullets? How much does it cost to reload 100 bullets?

I'll give you my experience, with the normal caveat YMMV. I currently load 45ACP, will start loading 38spl and 357mag soon. I also load a number of rifle calibers, but that is a different forum.

If you want to get the absolute lowest reloading cost, you need to cast bullets. No question about it. Of course, many people will say that it takes too much time and that you must take into account your time when determining the real cost of reloading. I can't dispute the assertion, but I think of the therapuetic value of casting and reloading along with knowledge of the money I am saving, which is VERY therapuetic.

I currently use a 4 hole Lee turret press. I like it because you can get your dies set up for other calibers on spare turrets and never have to mess with settings again. I also like using the auto disk powder measure that comes in the kit for handgun loading. Very slick and easy. Deluxe kit at Cabelas, $80

I use a Lee auto prime for priming. Tool and shell holders $24

Lee trim tool, included in the kit, but you will need to buy the length gauge and shell holder for each caliber, about $3-$4.

Lee camfer tool, included in kit.

Calipers. Can be found for $10, just get some. Do not play around with cartridge length, trust me on this.

Lee Carbide Four-Pistol Die Set. $31 I can't say enough about this set of dies. The two stage setup for seating and crimping provides a very consistent round. The carbide factory crimp die is a life saver for auto loaders. My buddy likes to hack on me for my Lee equipment, he uses RCBS. He loaded a bunch of 45ACP and about 10% would not load in his pistol. We took them back to my place, ran them through my factory crimp die and every one of them loaded perfectly. Needless to say, he bought a carbide factory crimp die the next day.

Lyman master cast kit. Excellent value for the caster. I have yet to outgrow mine and I cast many, many bullets. $134

Sizing die and top punch, $25

Mold. I use the Lee 228g LRN mold, works for me. $19

Total equipment outlay, current cost, $327.

I have been able to get by without having to buy brass, but others may not be so lucky.

My current cost for my handloads is about 3.5 cents per round or $1.76/50 or about $36/1000.
The load is WLP primer, 4.4g Titegroup, with my hand cast 228g LRN.

Blazer brass ammo at Wally World, $10.99+tax. I'll ballpark it at $11.50/50.

Cost difference: $9.74/50. After 1700 rounds, you have paid for your equipment.

Time? That's a hard one to say, I never have timed all of the steps. The casting and sizing is the "longest". I would have to say actual time spent on 100 rounds is less than an hour.