Reloading powder

[EBWhite]

Just got a dillon rl550b today and want to start getting some supplies together to reload some .45

The press i got was used and came with 1000 new 230 and 185 gn .45acp bullets

What kind of powder do i need? What brass do you guys recommend? How much powder do you need per bullet?

Thanks
ebwhite

[vega]

+1 on the manual and a good caliper.

[PJA]

45 ACP or 45 Colt--big difference!
Pete

[bu-bye]

the nice thing about a pistol load is you don't have to strive for the extra little bit of accuracy. Now, you don't want to key-hole but there is a wide range of powders you can use that will function fine in your gun. I'm guessing you are just going to be plunking so a low charge would work fine. Defensive ammo should NEVER be made by your own hands. Always buy factory for legal reason.

Ok, Now I use RedDot for my 45 loads out of my SA 1911. I have gotten as far down as 3.2gr before I called it quits. i just wanted to see how low I could go and still cycle (I'm a cheap SOB ). I load with 4gr for my everyday shooting with 230-200gr bullets

[EBWhite]

For .45acp, in the midway catalog, there is soo many different types of pistol powders, winchester remington, imi.....brand does not matter much. But im going to be plinking...I've never reloaded before. There are diffeten model numbers for each brand, can someone who reloads give me the brand and power model # you get from midway. To make my first order easy :-)

[bu-bye]

For .45acp, in the midway catalog, there is soo many different types of pistol powders, winchester remington, imi.....brand does not matter much. But im going to be plinking...I've never reloaded before. There are diffeten model numbers for each brand, can someone who reloads give me the brand and power model # you get from midway. To make my first order easy :-)

You might not want to buy powder and primers from the internet. There is a $20 haz-mat charge to ship. If you are going to buy under 8 pounds i'd just find a local place to buy.

[EBWhite]

ouch, maybe i might want to buy locally :-)

in Socal area, who has good prices on this stuff. I know turners stock powder/primers, however ,i do know know what they charge over midway etc.

[superhondaz50]

Dont even attempt to reload without a manual, and read all of the press instructions carefully. I use a speer manual, Dillon presses are complicated so read the instructions!! Good luck!

[TonyM]

I like Winchester 231 for my .45acp loads. Personal preference, it's all trials... Grab a few reloading manuals, the data in them varies from book to book on what powders and bullets they supply data for, so 1 really isn't likely to be enough (I have 4 right now, and still call some manufactureres for data from time to time).

Always pay attention and double check your data for your loads before you start loading up any quantity.

[TonyM]

Dillon presses are complicated so read the instructions!! Good luck!

Better yet, buy their Video they sell on setting up your press, it covers everything you'll ever need to know about it. I got the one for my 650 and it was great for getting started with the press.

[bu-bye]

***DISCLAIMER***

It was brought to my attention that I should have expained that not following a loading manual's Min and Max powder loads is very dangerous. 3.2gr is a very low charge and requires special attention while firing. Stick to the manual and all will be well

[sargenv]

I think that many people tend to like the faster burn rated powders for the 45 acp. Red Dot, 231, Bullseye and Clays are all good powders for the 45. Bullseye is truly a classic powder for the 45 and many people swear by it. I suggest that you get the Lyman manual, and then maybe Speer, and Hodgdon manuals. Hodgdon is nice because it lists powders besides it's own and only lists bullet weights and not brands. There are also a few books out that talk specifically about 45 caliber handguns and those might be a good read too. When you are starting out, stick to the basics, read the manuals a few times before taking the plunge, and if you can find an experienced reloader to help you out, you will be better off.

Vince

[1911jerry]

A couple of tips while reloading....

Attach a flashlight to your press somehow. I use a velcro strap and have it shine directly into the case after it is charged so I can tell if it has powder in it. I also stand up while reloading, so I can get an eyeball on each case and make sure it has powder.

Make sure you caliper the over all length. If you do not set the crimp correctly, the bullet will have what is know as set back. This is when the bullet is seated and crimped very lightly and the bullet is pushed back into the case. This makes the case volume for expansion very small, thus causing a powderful discharge. I use a digital caliper and scale. Very easy to read and use.

If you need any help, you can always call Dillon, they will be glad to help you.

Jerry Snyder

[461]

From the kinds of questions you are asking it shows that you need to do a lot of reading before you start buying anything. Read the loading manuals, as many as you can find, and another great book is the ABC's of Reloading. Finding a local person who reloads is not a bad idea, but you may be taught bad and possibly unsafe habits by them. Reloading can be a wonderful and safe hobby but it can also be dangerous if done wrong so don't rush things and be sure of what you're doing before you jump into it. Good luck.

[Kruzr]

You need to get yourself a few different reloading manuals and start reading them. .45 ACP is a low pressure round, not all powders will be good for it. Most target shooters prefer a fast burning powder to make as soft a recoiling load as they can and still be able to make major or chrono the load to where they want it.

The Stockade, Fowlers, and Cliff's in Santa Ana have the best selection of powders and primers in Orange County. Better yet, the best prices you'll find on primers and powders is from Miwall at the gunshows.

When you start loading, remember to start low and work your way up. When I try a new powder, I load about 10% below the low and make 20 rounds. Then I go up with 20 more to the min. Then I go over but stay under the max for another 20 rounds. I try them and then can decide where I want to load.