new to reloading

[crappyplayer]

hello all! i just started reloading 45 acp and i just want to make sure that im doing everything correctly. ive seen many videos on youtube and read my reloading book, which is the Modern Reloading Second Edition Book By Richard Lee.

im using the lee loadmaster with the auto disk powder measure. im using winchester 231 powder, cci 300 large pistol primers, and 200 grain semi wadcutter bullets. the book states that the starting load should be 5.2 grains. but when i use the 0.46 auto disk, the level of powder is less than 5.2, it comes out to about 4.9 to 5.1. is this safe? so i also loaded some using 0.49, which gives about 5.2 to 5.4 grains.

the book states that i shouldnt exceed 5.9 grains, so i loaded some using 0.53 auto disk, which loaded about 5.5 to 5.8 grains. is this safe?

ill be shooting these loads thru a springfield xd 45 service. any comments would be appreciated! thanks

[Sheldon]

As long as you're in between the listed minimum and maximum you will generally be safe.......the manual is just a guide. It was safe in the combination of components they used....yours will be different more likely than not, but should be close. Work up toward the max loads and keep an eye out for signs of over pressure. Nobody says the loads you make HAVE to be max either. I like lighter loads for practice myself. Easier on me and the gun.

[Clownpuncher]

You should be good with the .49. It sounds like it keeps you within the low and high end.
I have found that most manual's minimum loads usually are a little light for me but still cycle the gun well and I don't have any problems. The mid load is what I normally end up with as it tends to be more accurate. I have never had the need to go to a max load on any of my semi auto calibers.

I'd load some using both the .46 and the .49 and I would get the micro disk for the auto disk measure, then you can do some fine adjustments.

[Bill Steele]

hello all! i just started reloading 45 acp and i just want to make sure that im doing everything correctly. ive seen many videos on youtube and read my reloading book, which is the Modern Reloading Second Edition Book By Richard Lee.

im using the lee loadmaster with the auto disk powder measure. im using winchester 231 powder, cci 300 large pistol primers, and 200 grain semi wadcutter bullets. the book states that the starting load should be 5.2 grains. but when i use the 0.46 auto disk, the level of powder is less than 5.2, it comes out to about 4.9 to 5.1. is this safe? so i also loaded some using 0.49, which gives about 5.2 to 5.4 grains.

the book states that i shouldnt exceed 5.9 grains, so i loaded some using 0.53 auto disk, which loaded about 5.5 to 5.8 grains. is this safe?

ill be shooting these loads thru a springfield xd 45 service. any comments would be appreciated! thanks

When I want a light recoil round using W231 and 200gr LSWC's I use the .46 disk which yields 4.8grs on my scale. I use 5.6grs as max load for W231 and 200gr lead.

If you are using the standard Auto Disk (rectangular hopper), I recommend getting the Auto Disk Pro upgrade kit (like $25). It has a round hopper, an elastomer seal that will keep powder from leaking and makes your drops more consistent. This hopper style also has an "OFF" setting so you can change disks without emptying the hopper. This kit also comes with an adjustable powder bar so you can load between the cavity sizes on your Auto Disks.

Just a thought.

[GetBulletsandBrass]

Good tip from Bill. As long as your consistently getting those measurements and you are within your min and max, you're good to go.

If you are using the standard Auto Disk (rectangular hopper), I recommend getting the Auto Disk Pro upgrade kit (like $25). It has a round hopper, an elastomer seal that will keep powder from leaking and makes your drops more consistent. This hopper style also has an "OFF" setting so you can change disks without emptying the hopper. This kit also comes with an adjustable powder bar so you can load between the cavity sizes on your Auto Disks.

[crappyplayer]

cool! gonna try out my loads at the range tomorrow...wish me luck

[GrayWolf09]

hello all! i just started reloading 45 acp and i just want to make sure that im doing everything correctly. ive seen many videos on youtube and read my reloading book, which is the Modern Reloading Second Edition Book By Richard Lee.

im using the lee loadmaster with the auto disk powder measure. im using winchester 231 powder, cci 300 large pistol primers, and 200 grain semi wadcutter bullets. the book states that the starting load should be 5.2 grains. but when i use the 0.46 auto disk, the level of powder is less than 5.2, it comes out to about 4.9 to 5.1. is this safe? so i also loaded some using 0.49, which gives about 5.2 to 5.4 grains.

the book states that i shouldnt exceed 5.9 grains, so i loaded some using 0.53 auto disk, which loaded about 5.5 to 5.8 grains. is this safe?

ill be shooting these loads thru a springfield xd 45 service. any comments would be appreciated! thanks

As long as you have enough powder to push the bullet out the barrel you are safe. The additional issue with semi autos is that you may not have enough pressure to cycle the action.

As you work your way up to max, check your fired cases for excessive pressure. Generally excessive pressure will show on the primer. Also check your loads for accuracy. I generally find the the best accuracy is less than max loads. I have never owned a gun yet I could not reload more accurately than factory ammo.

[crappyplayer]

so....i just bought 230 grain copper plated round nose bullets. do i use the lead data for plated bullets?

[Bill Steele]

so....i just bought 230 grain copper plated round nose bullets. do i use the lead data for plated bullets?

Depends on the brand, how hard the plating, etc.

Berry's recommends start to mid-range jacketed load data.

If in doubt, use lead data.

[crappyplayer]

the bullets are a brand called X-Treme...i guess they were called West Coast Bullets before...theyre a company based out of nevada...its the only bullets a reloading store near my house carries.

[bruceflinch]

the bullets are a brand called X-Treme...i guess they were called West Coast Bullets before...theyre a company based out of nevada...its the only bullets a reloading store near my house carries.

I've loaded a bunch of them. Seem like a decent bullet.

[crappyplayer]

theyre good enough for me! since i have nothing to compare them to!

[theduece]

the bullets are a brand called X-Treme...i guess they were called West Coast Bullets before...theyre a company based out of nevada...its the only bullets a reloading store near my house carries.

I use them all the time, maybe 1-2 bad in a box of 500. Seem like
nice enough people on the phone taking orders.