First time loading 45 ACP

[Carver]

I need some advice on how to proceed, I bought a Lee Classic Turret Kit and am in the process setting it up and getting the components needed for loading. This will be for target shooting only so I don’t need a hot load. I have some Federal Brass and it looks like they take the small pistol primers. That being said I need to find a load that I can put together, what kind of Bullets and what type of powder should I look for.
I think that I would go with the plated Bullets in 230 Grain but don’t have a clue of what powder might be best for me to get.
Any help and or advice would really be helpful.
Thanks Bill

[Mistered]

Unique is hard to beat for .45 ACP. Its fairly dense, fills the case well and offers a lot of options for .45 ACP.
This is the .45 ACP data from the Mfg. website.
I'd start with 6.0 grains with that bullet.
I am currently loading 5.0 grains of Unique with 200 gr. LRN bullets - essentially laser beam accuracy out of my 1991-A1
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/ ... rtridge=35

[ESquared]

What reloading manual are you using? It should give you plenty of choices, but Ed's right about Unique for several handgun loadings. 45ACP is on my list, but have to cycle through the rifles first and harvest some of my 45 brass in the meantime...

[Carver]

I,m using the manual that came with the reloading kit.

[BigAl52]

Carver
Im not sure whats available in youre area but 231 and Universal clays also works very well in 45acp. I have also used alot of Unique.

[Travlin]

Get a copy of The Lyman Cast Bullet Manual and at least one other loading manual.

[fortyshooter]

Yes...get several load manuals and read up on a variety of bullet weights and loads. I like to pick up the magazine "Handloader" when it has some of John Taffin's articles regarding what I load for.
I need to get to Cabela's today and pick up some Berry's or Xtreme plated bullets for .45 ACP...getting very low on ACP ammo!

[garryj]

You didn't say what you were loading for, so here are a few of my favorite loads.

Target loads
200gr LSWC over 4.0gr of American Select--mild and very accurate
230gr LRN over 4.5-5.0gr of American Select--little more stout but still mild and accurate
230gr LRN over 4.5-5.3rg of W231--very stout and accurate

Self Defense
230gr ball or JHP over 4.3-5.2gr W231--may need filler(I use plain oatmeal)
230gr ball or JHP over 5.0-5.4gr Bullseye--accurate but stout

Again these are MY favorites and YMMV so do your research and use with caution. If you use plated bullets instead of lead, use the data for lead as plated bullets are not the same as jacketed. And of course the best defense ammunition is whatever shoots best in YOUR gun. I personally use Federal 230gr HST non-+P. It shoots POI at 10 yards out of my 4.2" Sig RCS which is my carry gun.

Garry

[Bugs]

VVN 310 or Clays but I'm shooting FMJ's not plated. Not a fan of plated bullets.

[BrokenolMarine]

My target/competition load (for service auto) was a lead semi wad cutter bullet over 5.3 grains of W231 powder using large pistol primers. I had very good luck with this load over the years, but you may want to check current data, and work up to the load that shoots best for you.
We shot out to fifty yards in PPC. I liked the swc bullet for the clean sharp holes they left in the targets. Little doubt when scoring.

[Rifletom]

OP, I had made a post, but, it must have gone to cyber space. Anyway, Universal is a good powder, as is Unique and 231.
Plated bullets work just fine, especially for plinking purposes. It's finding loads for plated that can be a bit hard. When you're all set-up, ask, and you'll get plenty of advice here. Happy New Year.

[wingnut]

As garryj said -Use lead data for the plated bullets.

There are loading manuals online - Nosler and Hornady come to mind, there are more:

https://load-data.nosler.com/

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

ETA: Bludot powder is your friend when you want to go faster and not feel like you could light a cigar.

[Ratchet]

I like Accurate #5 in .45 acp with 230 gr plated bullets. It goes through my powder measure very consistently. Accurate has load data online, and it includes plated bullets.

http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-conten ... eb-REV.pdf

[mrguvna]

i have thousands of rounds loaded for the 45 acp using the lee classic turret press. I use a variety of range brass but try and stick with the large pistol primer brass. For primers I use the cci's and not had any issues. I use 230 gr lead Dardas Bullets (no longer around)over various powders. I found that blue dot gave the best all around accuracy with second in line was 800x followed by Unique. This is an easy cartridge to reload for.

[Carver]

appreciate all the info given, I’m on my way, but it just takes al little time to get everything set up. I have purchased most everything needed to get started.

[.45Steel]

I only load 230gr for 45 auto, Power Pistol and Titegroup is pushing most of them.