.45 ACP Ammo

[Guest Kimber.45acp]

Need help..I'm brand spanking new to reloading.Need some input for all supplies.i want to reload go .45 acp .308 .

[Jonnin]

do you have anything at all?  Press, dies? 

[Guest Kimber.45acp]

Yes the hornady lock and load classic.. Seemed like a decent starting point.. But from there nothing. read a few reviews on hornady dies.not so good..

[gregintenn]

Most any dies will work fine. I like Lee dies. I would suggest paying the few extra bucks for dies with a carbide sizing button. Then you won't need to lube your cases.

 

The first thing you should buy is a good reloading manual. Read it. It will answer many of your questions.

 

Then, as you have specific questions, we will be happy to help.

Edited May 23, 2013 by gregintenn

[Guest Kimber.45acp]

Ok thx.it came with a manual..I read cover to cover.thx bother question were can I find reasonable priced once fire brass ...1000ct in both caliber a ill be reloading for.any suggestions

[Jonnin]

the internet, you can find people that sell used brass.  

Personally I pick up most of mine; plenty of folks leave it on the ground but it depends on where you shoot what you can get away with. 

 

 

Ok well bench side equipment aside, a bullet is made of only a few things.  A case.  Powder.  A bullet.  A primer.  So you need those 4 things.  Pistol and rifle are not really interchangable --- you will need 2 types of powder, 2 types of primers, and obviously the cases and bullets are different from a 45 and a 308 :P     (note, you can "probably" interchange the primers, but you will want to read up on that topic, I cant remember but I think large rifle in a pistol needs a load adjustment and large pistol in a rifle may not ignite well, they are different heights, and really only go there if you are very, very desperate).

 

for the 308 you will need a case trimmer.  These are like 10 bucks if you use the hand held ones that work with a cordless drill.  Its fine for a few cases (like 25-50 a day), if you plan to make enough to take panama, you need a more pricy model or a lot of time and strong hands.

 

Your manual will have powders suggested for various bullet weights(and types) in the 2 cartridges.  Any powder listed will do, and some not listed will also do (for example I load my 308 light with a powder made for 223s because I have it on hand, its not ideal but it works).  

 

45 is the place to start.  Its very easy to load, its big so no trying to deal with microscopic components or fractions of a grain of powder.   Its straight so no neck/trimming aggravations.  

Edited May 23, 2013 by Jonnin

[Jamie Jackson]

All things reloading, like all things ammo, are in great demand, and short supply at the moment...a bit of a challenge to locate.

 

Once you have decided on what you want to reload first, and I would start with 45 acp as Jonnin suggested, start working on gathering the supplies.

Be patient. There is no reason to pay ridiculously high prices for components.

 

David (DLM here at TGO) should be able to help you with the gear.

 

I have RCBS, Lyman, and Lee dies that have been in use for over 25 years.

 

Once you've gathered your gear and made a decision as to bullet type, weight, and your perceived need (target-practice-match etc) I'm sure the good folks here will assist with specifics.

 

Good Luck and welcome to a fine addiction. :pleased:  

[Raoul]

One word of warning, .45 brass now comes in small pistol primer and large pistol primer. Range brass for sale tends to be mixed.