To Re-Load or Not???

[Maddmax]

Bill I will try that....
Ok guys I have a question....I am ready to load my test rounds in the different charge weights but I am having a problem deciding which bullet to use. I have a bunch of different options all 55gr, I have Hornady v-max, z-max, fmjbt, Dogtown 55gr FBHP, Armscor FMJBT, and Midway v-max blems. I have been weighing this question for 2 days so I thought I would ask for some opinions. Thank YOU

I've always had the best luck with 55 grain FMJBT. If you have an old reloading book,look up min-max load with 4895 for the fps. That might give you a reference point for what you're looking for loading 223 powder. Wish I could find my old manuals.

Also great with 52/53 (?) grain FMJBTHP. Use the smallest HP you can find for longer ranges. They track very well. The larger hole HP's are great under 200 yards,but I've had some tumblers out past 250-300 yards.

 

[tight0023]

Okay I have my shopping list complete. Please give me any recommendations/additions.

-Lee Classic 4 hole turret press Kit
-Lee .223 rem Pacesetter die set
-Lee .45 ACP carbide die set
-Lee Precision .22 to .30 Caliber Auto Disk Powder Rifle Charging Die
-Lee Precision Double Disk Kit
-Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler and 110 Volt Separator Master Kit
-Frankford Arsenal DS-750 Digital Reloading Scale 750 Grain Capacity LCD Display with Blue Blacklight
-Electronic Digital Caliper
-Lee Precision Extra Four Hole Classic Turret
-L.E. Wilson Case Length Headspace Gage 223 Remington
-L.E. Wilson Max Cartridge Gage 45 ACP

I have a friend in a Marine sniper platoon and he's on a training excursion right now and should be back in the next couple of weeks. He's also talking about reloading the same ammo as me so we may go in on a bulk order together to save $$$.

Thinking about:
Powder .223
-Varget
-CFE223
-H335
Powder .45 ACP
-Winchester 231
Primers .223
CCI 400
Primers .45 ACP
CCI 300
Bullets .223
Hornady Bullets 22 Caliber (224 Diameter) 55 Grain Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail
Bullets .45 ACP
Berry's .45 Cal 230gr RN

Any recommendations on .45 ACP powder?

 

[storeyteller]

Case length gage and shell holder for appropriate cartridge
Case trimmer/tool
Chamfer/Deburring tool
Primer pocket cleaner

Assuming you got some brass, and that it doesn't need a pocket reamer, looks like you got everything else.

Good luck, keep us posted.

 

[philevans]

for tight0023

i would suggest a non electronic caliper - for reliability.
need check weight set to verify powder weight thrown - every 5th cartridge, for a good while.
very difficult to overload a case with varget - safety assurance.
buy .224 bullets in 1k boxes(i.e.,nosler55/69gr,hpbt~$170)much cheaper than boxes of 100.
how will you trim case length on reloads?
will you clean/uniform primer pockets inside/outside?
will you use pick up brass - if so need crimp removal tool.

 

[uncledoggle]

45 ACP Load

Try Clays or Universal Powder. They both burn very clean.
See the Hodgdon website for details.
Hodgdon - The Gun Powder People

 

[oneyeopn]

The Wilson case guage for the 45acp is not necessary because the case gauges off of the head they really are only necessary for bottle neck cases. You can also save about $25 going with the Lyman case gauge over the cost of the Wilson, just a thought!

 

[tight0023]

Case length gage and shell holder for appropriate cartridge
Case trimmer/tool
Chamfer/Deburring tool
Primer pocket cleaner

Assuming you got some brass, and that it doesn't need a pocket reamer, looks like you got everything else.

Good luck, keep us posted.

Thanks, these were on the other side of my list and forgot to list them.
-Lee Case length gage .223
-Lee Case length gage .45 ACP
-Lee Case conditioning kit


I have 1000 rounds of PMC bronze brass.

 

[storeyteller]

You are GTG.

 

[tight0023]

When you do have to replace your brass what do you all do for brass?

 

[JaPes]

.45 ACP Load

I use the Lee .5cc dipper in the deluxe carbide die set + Bullseye with great success using FMJ, Hard Cast, & Moly. I've tinkered with other charges, and keep coming back to the dipper & bullseye.

 

[oneyeopn]

I havent had to replace brass yet but when I need new brass, I buy loaded ammo usually XM193 and shoot it up then reload it.

 

[storeyteller]

You can get once fired LC brass, that has been cleaned and decapped, online for about $120/1k online.

 

[tight0023]

You are GTG.

I just read the kit I'm getting has the cutter, lock stud, chamfer tool, small and large primer pocket cleaner and a tube of Lee case sizing lube.

 

[oneyeopn]

sorry I was wrong I bought 200 rounds of once fired brass from Midway, it has turned out to be very good brass. I will purchase some in the future. It turned out to be all Lake City!!

 

[JaPes]

I've been lucky. I only pick up brass in my lane, and immediately behind me. I've been able to pick up what I've shot, and a few bonus rounds to boot. The guy in the lane next to me was lighting off .45ACP like it was nothing. Lots of strays into my lane.

You can also buy once fired brass from a few places on the internet. Some offer once fired brass at different price tiers based upon how processed they are. I bought 1K once fired 9mm brass. Cleaned, but not resized & decapped. I should have paid the extra buck to have them fully processed.

You can also go to a local gun show. Sometimes you'll find a deal on once-fired brass.

^1K fully processed & machine inspected .45 ACP nickel plated cost me $50. I'm kicking myself in the butt for not picking up the last 1K bag of fully processed & machine inspected yellow brass.

I'm counting down the days until the next gun show. I hope the same brass vendor shows up again. ...also the primer & powder vendor....

 

[JaPes]

Reloading is horrible. I used to only feel content when I had spare ammo on hand. Now I only feel content when I have enough reloading components on hand.

 

[JaPes]

One more for tight0023. If you don't load hot pistol rounds, you can shoot cast lead projectiles and really decrease your reloading costs.

They are both 230gr hard cast LRN. The right is a Bear Creek Molybdenum coated. The left is a lubed Missouri Bullet Co.

 

[tight0023]

One more for tight0023. If you don't load hot pistol rounds, you can shoot cast lead projectiles and really decrease your reloading costs.

They are both 230gr hard cast LRN. The right is a Bear Creek Molybdenum coated. The left is a lubed Missouri Bullet Co.

Thanks JaPes I will look into this before I order any bullets. I would really like to finish reading the reloading book I have, buy the press and tools, set everything up and then order powder, bullets and primers. I pay close attention to detail and that's why I know I can join the reloaders club!

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

If y'all want to discuss reloading 45ACP .38 9mm and other non related M&P15 ammo here is the place on the Forum to do it. Reloading

 

[GMC man]

Sorry ChattanoogaPhil, our girls are a bit different to reload and having this thread dedicated to 5.56 rounds in the home forum makes it easy to share info and help others especially noobs like me.