Newbie reloading - lots of questions

[Deek]

I poked around the reloading threads for a while, but thought I would just ask even though these questions have probably been asked 1,000 times.
We bought a Dillion 650 and just got it bolted to the bench. Now I am putting an order together at Midway USA for some supplies. We decided to start with reloading .45 ACP. There are so many brands, just wanted your thoughts and opinions on what is your favorite and why for the following:
~ ammo
~ case lube
~ powder
~ primers
Thanks for your help in advance. Once again the S&W Forum saves the day!

 

[jj2am44]

Winchester 231-if you can find it- works well, as does Bullseye. I usually use Remington primers-if you can find these- in my 650 and they seem to work well. I use the spray lube from Dillon with my carbide sizer die. Any 230 grain lead RN from Penn works well. I have just loaded some Berry's and some Ranier for my HK, but have not had a chance to shoot them. Of course, it all depends what gun you are shooting these out of. They seem to work well in my 625.

 

[Raider]

Thats a tall order. Get a reloading book - or a couple - first.

Heres what I use for my 1911 and S&W Mod 25 revolver:

~ ammo - Hard Cast lead bullets, either home made or bought. For jacketed I like the Speer Gold Dots or Hornaday XTP's

~ case lube - buy a Tungsten Carbide die set from Dillon and you won't need case lube.

~ powder - I use a lot of 231 lately with great results. Unique works well but is a bit smokey.

~ primers - any that you can find though I like Winchester and Remington. I'll buy Federal when I can find them.

Good luck and be safe.

Charlie

 

[Smith357]

+1 on getting a couple of manuals, I use 3-4 along with the net to cross reference load data. I often find data from one source that does not match the others.

You are also going to want to get a tumbler too.

 

[Deek]

Guess I should have mentioned that we bought the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading before we even bought the press. We did already buy a tumbler and scale and bought some media and some stuff that is supposed to help the media last longer at a gun show this weekend.

 

[Rule3]

Calipers to check OAL of your empty brass and finished ammo

Click here and on the left are some of the basic steps and other "stuff"

http://www.rcbs.com/guide/default.aspx

 

[Capt. Cormorant]

Here's a good place to get inexpensive FMJ,JHP for 45 apc.

Roze Distribution: Zero Brand Jacketed Pistol Bullets

Have fun and be safe!

 

[eddie h]

look around at the bullets for sale,case lube makes everything work easer,take the book for what it is --your best friend,pay close attention,try to make good quality ammo not just a lot of it,if you load lead watch the seating die,the lube has a way of finding it's way in and make the oal start to shrink,go slow,you will find cheaper bullets as you go along,

 

[jj2am44]

Deek
What are you shooting them out of?

 

[Deek]

jj,
Mostly my S&W1911Sc but also my 25-2 and just for plinking.