Im about to start reloading my .45 acp ammo for the first time and need a little info. I am going to be loading 1000 230gr. to start about how much powder should i purchase for that many rounds? Also i assume that i need Large pistol primers for the .45 acp rounds? Any advice will be much appreciated...Thanks.
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Measurements for loading 1000 .45 acp
- Thread starter bob1981
- Start date
Im about to start reloading my .45 acp ammo for the first time and need a little info. I am going to be loading 1000 230gr. to start about how much powder should i purchase for that many rounds? Also i assume that i need Large pistol primers for the .45 acp rounds? Any advice will be much appreciated...Thanks.
john traveler
Well-known member
The amount of powder required will depend on the charge that you use. If your purpose is to duplicate factory 230 grain FMJ ball, that is one charge weight, and if your purpose is to approximate factory ball using a 230 grain lead bullet, that is another charge weight. The charge weight will also depend on the powder you choose.
An example will help you decide: 5.0 grains Bullseye or 5.0 grains WW 231 behind the 230 grain cast lead RN bullet will approximate the factory ball load. That will require one pound (7,000 grains) of powder.
6.5 grains Unique behind the 230 grain FMJ ball bullet will duplicate the factory ball load. That will require 6,500 grains of powder.
To give you round numbers, ONE pound of powder of your choice will load the 1,000 rounds you want.
In today's current reloading components and ammo climate, if you find needed components at good prices, it's probably a good idea to stock up. I was at the Reno Antique Gun show last week, and the ammunition stands had lines 150 YARDS long. Many buyers were rolling around hand trucks for their purchases. They were the only ones doing brisk business.
An example will help you decide: 5.0 grains Bullseye or 5.0 grains WW 231 behind the 230 grain cast lead RN bullet will approximate the factory ball load. That will require one pound (7,000 grains) of powder.
6.5 grains Unique behind the 230 grain FMJ ball bullet will duplicate the factory ball load. That will require 6,500 grains of powder.
To give you round numbers, ONE pound of powder of your choice will load the 1,000 rounds you want.
In today's current reloading components and ammo climate, if you find needed components at good prices, it's probably a good idea to stock up. I was at the Reno Antique Gun show last week, and the ammunition stands had lines 150 YARDS long. Many buyers were rolling around hand trucks for their purchases. They were the only ones doing brisk business.
If you are new to reloading, please let me offer a suggestion. Rather than loading 1000 rounds, first load 50 rounds and see how they function through your .45. Loading for autoloaders sometimes takes a little tinkering and adjusting to find a load that functions well. Loading 1000 rounds only to find that they don't function perfectly can be very frustrating.
Andy Griffith
Well-known member
I second the above post.
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2008
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a BIG +1
lafayne
Well-known member
I usually load trial rounds in 20 round batches to check for function. I first load a dummy round with no primer or powder, but correct bullet seating and check to see if it will feed and eject properly. Sometimes I have to seat deeper. If that works, I then load 20 rounds to fire and accuracy check.
I could be out of line, but from the wording of your post, it does not sound as if you have ever reloaded. I would suggest that the first thing you should do is get 1 or 2 reloading manuals and read them throughly.
Once you have your dummy round you're going to want to keep it. Fill the empty primer pocket and use it for a snap cap when dry firing. Paint the nose red with a marker and use that to adjust your dies next time you set up.
