45 auto reloading

[mxadam579]

newbie here was wondering how hard it is to start reloading 45 auto never done it be and what would it cost about to start. man 45 is so hard to find and expensiveeeeeeeeeee thanks adam

[Bug Splat]

45 is probable the easiest round to reload. Tons of bullet selections and damn near any powder will work for it and the pressures are very low so its hard to over pressure. Its a very forgiving round.

Kits run as low as $90 add Lee dies for $15 and you are ready. Powder runs about $20-$30 per pound and a pound will make over 1000 rounds. Cast lead bullet run about $70-80 for 1000. Primers are $30 per 1000. Brass is free at your local range floor.

So you are looking at around $250 for 1000 45 ACP rounds right off the bat and only $140 per 1000 rounds after that. As you can see its WELL worth it!

[mxadam579]

do u still gota have a scale and a tumbler

[brian01tj]

+1

Prices are pretty much exactly what I pay. Since the low pressures, case life is very long. I originally bought a WWB of 100 rounds and have since picked up 500-600 from the range. I still shoot the WWB and reload them all the time. Hodgdon Clays powder at $18 a pound, 7000gr per pound, 4.2gr per round = 1666 rounds per pound. Missouri Cast Bullets $35 per 500.

[brian01tj]

do u still gota have a scale and a tumbler

Scale is a must but Lee scales are probably under $20 and a tumbler really isnt a must as long as you dont mind cleaning your cases of any fowling on the outside.

[Bug Splat]

Check out the Lee Anniversary kit at Midwayusa.com . It has everything you need to get started including scale. Tumbler is not necessary. I used a bucket of water and viniger for years before I got one. Does not polish them but it does clean them.

[FieldsofFire]

Scale is a must, as already mentioned. I would also get a good set of calipers, I'd consider that also a must item. A tumbler would make your life a lot easier when it comes to cleaning your brass cases. I believe there is a way to clean your spent brass by ordering some kind of solution and putting it all into a bucket for a period of time, but I don't know too much about it; I just tumble.

As mentioned, it's just like getting into reloading any other popular pistol caliber. It's really not all too difficult but you must put it in the hours reading and learning about reloading in general before you get started. Follow every direction to the T and you will be just fine. Patience is very important. I would recommend going with a press that is good to learn on safely, but also something that will keep you satisfied for a while after you learn more and advance. Don't be afraid to put in a little more money from the start to get a good, quality setup.

[Low-Pressure]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=229221

[CEDaytonaRydr]

I've gotta agree with bug splat.

.45 ACP is arguably the easiest round to reload for. The cases don't stretch much, they don't seem to split or rupture. You can use 185 grain bullets and get a pretty flat trajectory, or load up 230gr rounds with a bunch of energy....

I've never once trimmed a .45 ACP case because I've never measured on that was out of spec. I'm sure it happens but I've never seen it...

[Waldog]

Use this to figure out what it costs to reload ammo
Use this to figure out how much savings over factory ammo
Use this to figure out how long it will take to "save" the cost of your reloading equipment.

http://10xshooters.com/calculators/index.htm