New to reloading 45 ACP

[Guest tennesseevolz]

Hey guys- I picked up a reloader today, and tried to load my first 10 rds- i used 230 grain fmj w/ 4 grains of clay's powder- will this work in my 1911's? I measured overall lengh at 1.25, and the 10 i loaded look darn close to blazer brass and wwb--- PLEASE ADVISE TO SAFETY OF SHOOTING THIS- i am hoping to shoot the first 10 tomorrow, and fix this recipe after- thx

[kb4ns]

I've personally never used Clays, but according to the first manual I grabbed, it looks safe to me. I'm seeing a starting load of 3.7 grains and a min OAL of 1.2 (you're OVER OAL which is what you want to keep from building up too much pressure).

Let us know how they do!

[kb4ns]

One thing you may consider doing is loading up some with 3.8 grains to shoot first and kinda "compare" the feel of them to the feel of some factory ammo. If the 3.8's seem more stout than the factory loads, I wouldn't press on to the 4.0 grain ones.

The 4.0's will "probably" be just what the doctor ordered, but it's a good habit to always start with the starting load.

[Guest tennesseevolz]

yeah-- i will try them out-- i have 2 manuals in front of me, and they are both different--- i guess i will know tomorrow!!

[kb4ns]

yeah-- i will try them out-- i have 2 manuals in front of me, and they are both different--- i guess i will know tomorrow!!

If you had 3 manuals, you'd have 3 different recipes.

[Guest tennesseevolz]

well, they shot fine- I will try 4.5 grains next time, and hope they work----i will say one thing-- i was dreading that first trigger pull, but i ran some through my full size colt, and my defender, and they worked great---- heres to making some less expensive ammo!!!!

[SpacemanSpiff]

Not sure if you should jump from 4.0 to 4.5, but I don't have a reloading manual in front of me at the moment.

I will usually go in .2 gr increments and see how they feel.

[kb4ns]

Not sure if you should jump from 4.0 to 4.5, but I don't have a reloading manual in front of me at the moment.

I will usually go in .2 gr increments and see how they feel.

I'm definitely with Spaceman on this one.

[Guest tennesseevolz]

well--- i just realized that the manual that had 4 grains was the Hodgdons manual----i guess i will stick with what I know works-----Lee has it at 4.5- but the first batch shot just fine---- thanks all for the input-----my next loads will be .38 special, and .223----

[Chief07]

I've been reloading .45 for over ten years. I tried Clays on a recommendation and I was not happy at all. I used to use Herco but they don't make it any more. I have had good sucess with Bullseye. Follow the Speers reloading manual. I usually start mid-scale and make adjustments from there. If you go too light you may get stove pipes and the bullet not leaving the barrel. So be real careful on the light end of the scale. Iuse a Springfield Armory 1911. 3/4 scale works great, good control and bullseye is cleaner than Clays.

Enjoy.

[Curiousgb]

My favorite 45 acp powder is WST. I have loaded thousands of 45 rounds using it and 200gn LSWC.

[kb4ns]

My favorite 45 acp powder is WST. I have loaded thousands of 45 rounds using it and 200gn LSWC.

From what I've seen, WST has a huge following from the 45 group. Maybe I'll pick some up one day. With all of those that swear by it, I doubt I'll regret it.