Loaded up some 155gr Target Loads-.45 ACP

[VonFatman]

This was kinda fun. This spring I purchased a keg (12lbs) of 700-X. I was with a couple folks who suggested this "deal" was good and I could make the powder last a long time making range loads with the powder.

At $8.00/lb I took the bait...all 12 lbs.

I finally got around to using some of this powder.

With a 155gr. LSWC Hogden suggests: 5.4grs starting @ approx. 1,004 f.p.s....6.0grs Maximum @ approx. 1,076 f.p.s.

I started with a light load...

155gr LSWC
4.5 grs 700-x
Fed. 150 Large Pistol Primer
Mixed Brass
Medium crimp
1.240 OAL

Accuracy was good, light recoil.
Unburnt powder, unreliable in my 1911

740 f.p.s. avg. in my 625-3 with 3" barrel
755 f.p.s. avg. in my 625-3 with 5" barrel
805 f.p.s. avg. in my Model of 1917 with 5" barrel

Decided to move up a 1/2 grain to 5 grs. of powder.
ADDED: Firm Crimp

828 f.p.s. avg. in my 625-3 with 3" barrel
885 f.p.s. avg. in my 625-3 with 5" barrel
906 f.p.s. avg. in my Springfield Armory 1911-A1

Great accuracy in all guns. Recoil a bit more.
Reliable feed/fire in 1911. Much less unburnt powder.

I'm going to run out the balance of my bullets (1,100+/-) with the later load.

Bob

 

[webley green]

Sounds like powder is being put to good use. At 5 grains per load you'll have enough to do 1400 rounds..and as for the other 11 lbs? It simply amazes me sometimes how many good loads a careful reloader can get from a pound of powder. WG

 

[VonFatman]

Web,
It's nice to have some "extra" on hand in such times of shortages...picked up 6 cases of small pistol primers today as well as a case of small rifle.

They had been on order for MONTHS!

Bob

 

[Skip Sackett]

Primers?

Bob,
By cases you mean 5000 right?
35,000 primers? WOW!

What brand?

 

[dennis40x]

It is not my intent to criticize or change the subject matter

Bob,
By cases you mean 5000 right?
35,000 primers? WOW!

What brand?

It is not my intent to criticize or change the subject matter rather just an observation. If the number 35000 is correct then one need not ask the question what happened to the primers. There are handloaders/reloaders that wouldn’t consume that volume in a life time while there are others that would in a much shorter period of time.

There is only so much disposable income and at some point we’ll reach the saturation point and return to a normal buying patterns.

 

[VonFatman]

Skip,
Yes, I picked up for myself and a couple other reloaders. We each had ordered 2 cases back this winter. Two of us were REAL low so the timing could not have been better. We'd originally ordered Wolf, but the Wolf primers seem to be "virtual" primers and when we had the opportunity to pick-up the more expensive Magtech, it was well, a no brainer...a primer in the hand...
I also picked up a case of Small Rifle Primers. I'm preparing to reload .223 and had no SRPs on my bench.

Dennis,
I don't know what to you would have me say. I order my reloading supplies from wholesalers who deal in bulk (to save money). I try to help my reloading buddies who also need components. I support local suppliers (Grafs, Midway, Missouri Bullet etc.).

Two of us reload on a Dillon 650. We crank out 600-750 rounds an hour without working up a sweat. We make pretty short use of 1k primers on our presses. We've always purchased primers (and all the rest of the goodies) in large quantities to make our hobby as cost effective as possible. I'm sorry if this practice seems like we are "hording". I've never purchased in lesser quantities (unless I was picking up box or two cheap at a gunshow booth).

Bob

 

[dennis40x]

Bob my observation was not a criticism of you

Dennis,
I don't know what to you would have me say. I order my reloading supplies from wholesalers who deal in bulk (to save money). I try to help my reloading buddies who also need components. I support local suppliers (Grafs, Midway, Missouri Bullet etc.).
Bob

Bob my observation was not a criticism of you just an observation in general. If that’s your normal buying practices then that’s your norm. My commentary is that a substantial numbers of individuals/groups have purchased abnormal quantities of components. The shortages have occurred because of this.

 

[TSQUARED]

For years I shot the following load in 45 ACP at bullseye pistol matches out to 25 yards - a very soft shooting and accurate load.
45 ACP
185 gr. Star LSWCHP
3.8 gr. HS-700X
Rem 2.5
ca 710 fps with single digit or low teen SD.
It also shoots well with the generic 185 gr LSWC.

 

[VonFatman]

Dennis,
I agree...people are buying up all kinds of reloading stuff and ammo. I have always kept my "stash" of reloading components high enough to last for a while...when the "buying spree" hit us all late last year, I did not change my ordering, but like everyone else, had to wait much longer for components...especially primers!

IMHO it makes much more sense have a "plan" when it comes to keeping an important hobby going. I have mentioned MANY times about the importance of getting a C&R so you can buy like a dealer...how do you think I was able to buy case-lots of primers at reasonable prices? It was not due to my "good looks". If folks are looking ahead, I strongly suggest they consider a C&R and developing a plan to keep their supplies up to acceptable levels for their anticipated usage.

TSQUARED,
Thanks for the load data...I have some 185s and will try that load! Sounds like a ***** cat to shoot!

Bob

 

[ACP230]

A friend and I got a screaming deal on Remington LP primers just before the Clinton Primer Panic hit. I'd been using CCI primers but made the switch in a hurry because the price was right.

We bought thousands each--enough so I used them to load target, bowling pin, and plinking loads until early in the first Bush Administration. I haven't bought as many recently, but only because I didn't find as good a deal. I haven't reloaded as much recently but am currently on a binge. The 5,000 Winchester LP primers I had sitting unopened are down to 4,000 and change. By fall I will need some more for sure.