I need to update my knowledge on reloading - The Firearms Forum

tigertracker · 08-20-2012, 11:32 AM

I haven't reloaded in many years and I need some advice on some issues. I have a Dillon 550 and in the past only loaded 9MM using Unique powder. My son and I recently bought 45 ACP's and we have access to a tactical range, which will burn some ammo. We have short barrel pistols, 3 and 4 in., so I would like to use a fast powder. All of my Unique is out of date, so I have to get more anyway. Any recommendations as to what powder would be best for 230 grain bullets? What would a good starting point for a powder load recipe for a medium load? Also we will have about 5 of us reloading, I think I probably have enough brass, but the supplier for bullets and once fired brass that I used to use (Blue star out of Arkansas) is no longer in business. Any recommendations for a reputable and reasonable supplier? Thanks in advance for your help.

312shooter · 08-20-2012, 11:51 AM

I have still not found a more favorable, accurate and soft shooter than 5gr Bullseye under those 230 grainers. www.precisiondelta.com will be your lowest price on 230 FMJ's

X Ring · 08-20-2012, 12:13 PM

There is no such thing as out of date powder if it has been stored correctly. 4.5gr Bullseye is a great mid-range load with 230gr cast RN. Start at the 4.0gr starting load and work up in .2gr increments. Casting lead bullets will save you lots o money and they work great in the 45ACP.

Twicepop · 08-20-2012, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X Ring

There is no such thing as out of date powder if it has been stored correctly. 4.5gr Bullseye is a great mid-range load with 230gr cast RN. Start at the 4.0gr starting load and work up in .2gr increments. Casting lead bullets will save you lots o money and they work great in the 45ACP.

Ditto on the comments about the powder storage. I've used Unique for both the .45 acp and the 9mm, with both jacketed and cast bullets with great results.

those who beat their guns into plowshares, will plow for those who didn't

Deacon_Man · 08-20-2012, 01:41 PM

I use Red dot and bullseye for my .45 loads and it works great. As for a place to buy really cheap bullets... http://www.bulletworks.com/

Bud0505 · 08-20-2012, 02:13 PM

There are many online sites to purchase reloading supplies. Here are a few to get you started:

Powder Valley - http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/

Penn Bullets - http://www.pennbullets.com/

Montana Bullet Works - http://www.montanabulletworks.com/

Starline - http://www.starlinebrass.com/

Graf & Sons: http://www.grafs.com/ and
Widener's Reloading: http://www.wideners.com/

http://www.zerobullets.com/ or

http://www.precisiondelta.com/

You can also do a search and read some of the many posts that discuss where to buy supplies.

PanhandlePop · 08-20-2012, 03:17 PM

See above on your "out of date" powder (XRing) and supplies (Bud0505). As for powders, I've used a variety, but for general range work I usually go with 231/HP38.

Clipper · 08-20-2012, 08:30 PM

First of all, you really need a new book! Refresh your library and spend some time reading up on the newer items available and loads recommended by the publication, not a bunch of really neat guys on TFF.

We all agree that your Unique is still potent stuff, and the suggested powders, Bullseye, Titegroup, Win 231 and others are great replacements. Run some loads thru your Dillon and shoot 'em to find your sweet loads....Glad you returned to the craft, and found TFF..

gdmoody · 08-20-2012, 09:10 PM

I totally agree with Clipper on the refreshing of your library. You do need a new manual, for sure. If you get to posting, you still have time to get to 50 posts and you will be able to sign up for the Lyman # 49 manual that is being given away at the end of the month.

I use titegroup in both the 200 grain and the 230 grain bullets.

LDBennett · 08-21-2012, 07:11 AM

tigertracker:

The Dillon powder measure does its best job of metering with small grained powders, spherical powers. The most universal handgun powder that I have found that the Dillon powder measure likes and meters well is Hodgdon HP38 or Winchester 231 (they are exactly the same powder with different labels on the containers, made in the same factory on the same powder line and both are distributed by Hodgdon).

Unique is a bit slower, a much older formula, and is said to burn a bit dirtier than more modern powders like the HP38/W231.

But hey, use whatever you want but be sure to use a modern reloading manual as some of the maximum load levels have changed since the industry started using better max pressure measuring tools in testing.

LDBennett

rmorgan9718 · 08-21-2012, 01:36 PM

For bullets try Berry's, Precision Bullets, Power Bond, and TNT. Best loads for XD45 and several 1911's is 5.0 gr Bullseye. Should chrony about 750 to 815, depending on barrel length, etc.

Best source for brass is look at this site, and others for someone selling their excess or range brass. I use a lot of 'x' times fired in the 45ACP, and inspect them when reloading. Throw out 1 out of 3000 per month. Have several I quit reloading when I read GI headstamps with 1947 date! And everything mic's out to SAAMI spec.

9mm is another matter, higher pressures, etc.

Good luck and stay safe.

tigertracker · 08-22-2012, 10:41 AM

Thanks to all of you for your replies and suggestions. My new dies just came in and I am in the process of moving, so I am cleaning cases now. It looks like I will have plenty of 45 brass and I have a lot of 40 cal that I may be able to trade with someone. I am going to order a new book as soon as I can find out which box my old one is in. I want to buy the updated version of the one I had because it was very clear and easy to read, but I am not sure which book it was. (It's hell to get old) I do have one more question, I notice that some 45 ACP cases are small primer and some are large primer. Why the difference and is one better than the other? Thanks again.

jlloyd73 · 08-22-2012, 01:08 PM

For 45acp 230 cast RN I use 4- 4.3 grains of Titegroup and it works great. I don't use any of the small primer pocket 45 brass.......

312shooter · 08-22-2012, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigertracker

I notice that some 45 ACP cases are small primer and some are large primer. Why the difference and is one better than the other? Thanks again.

Here's a previous thread on this topic. http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...+small+primers

tigertracker · 08-23-2012, 12:26 PM

Thanks for the link, good info there. It sure looks as though there is a potential for a dangerous situation if one doesn't sort the brass well.

312shooter · 08-23-2012, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigertracker

Thanks for the link, good info there. It sure looks as though there is a potential for a dangerous situation if one doesn't sort the brass well.

More of a frustrating inconvenience when loading. Danger only if you force a primer.

tigertracker · 09-24-2012, 05:27 PM

I have a friend that told me that he runs his reloads (about a 100 at a time for about 5 min.) through his vibrating cleaner with corn cob impregnated with liquid car wax. It supposedly removes body oils and leaves a wax film on the bullet that helps stop tarnish. I load a lot of rounds at a time and sometimes store them for quite a while, so it seems like something I would like to try. My queston is that while I am not concerned about impact causing a round to fire in a vibrator, could static electricity be a problem?

aa1911 · 09-24-2012, 06:39 PM

Titegroup and Clays are my two favorites for .45ACP and .40 cal. Clays is about as fast burning as you can get for you shorter barrels, I buy in 8lb kegs as I also use it for most of my skeet loads in 12g, very very clean powder.

I would not put loaded rounds into a tumbler just out of principle due to the obvious potential bad outcome.

Appliancedude · 09-24-2012, 08:14 PM

I completely disagree on the powder. Its way to old to use. If you send it to me I'd be happy to dispose of it for you.

3.5grs at a time

RustyFN · 09-24-2012, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigertracker

I have a friend that told me that he runs his reloads (about a 100 at a time for about 5 min.) through his vibrating cleaner with corn cob impregnated with liquid car wax. It supposedly removes body oils and leaves a wax film on the bullet that helps stop tarnish. I load a lot of rounds at a time and sometimes store them for quite a while, so it seems like something I would like to try. My queston is that while I am not concerned about impact causing a round to fire in a vibrator, could static electricity be a problem?

Tumbling loaded rounds is not a problem but it's best not to tumble HP's and lead bullets. Media will get stuck in the HP's and make a mess out of the lead bullets.

My favorite powder for 45 auto is WST. I also use WST in 9mm.

tigertracker · 09-24-2012, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Appliancedude

I completely disagree on the powder. Its way to old to use. If you send it to me I'd be happy to dispose of it for you.

3.5grs at a time

You will need to start loading larger calibers. I did the math and I only have enough boxes to send you 5 grs at a time.

howlnmad · 09-25-2012, 08:20 AM

I'm with RustyFN on the tumbling of HP and cast. I tumble all my pistol and rifle loads. The rifle to clean off case lube and add a little shine and the pistol just to shine them up.

Appliancedude · 09-25-2012, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigertracker

You will need to start loading larger calibers. I did the math and I only have enough boxes to send you 5 grs at a time.

right you are. Got confused with my new titegroup powder. That would be 4.2 gr at a time.

Black Cat · 09-25-2012, 12:53 PM

I agree with jlloyd 73. I use nothing but Titegroup in 38Sp,45ACP,9mm and 40S&W. You must work a load up for the gun. This is all true for bullet type and weight. Get some books also go to the powder Web site and go from there. That is the fun of reloading. I find Tightgroup to be very clean burning

LDBennett · 09-25-2012, 03:32 PM

You guys that tumble finished cartridges:

The cartridge goes boom just as loud whether it is shiny or not. A simple wipe down with a damp rag followed by a dry rag easily removes the case lube I use (RCBS liquid case lube applied with a pad) and probably most others that are water soluble. It also gives me the opportunity to check over each round post reloading (finding high primers or split cases or bulged cases from crimping).

Then there is the possibility that the vibration will fracture the grains of powder completely changing its burn characteristics. Consistently might be difficult to maintain.

Shooting is not a beauty contest nor should the cartridges be treated as anything but tools to successful shooting. Nothing is gained from tumbling (or vibratory cleaning) finished rounds. Shiny rounds are not more accurate.

But hey, that's my opinion with my reasons for NOT doing it. You can take it of leave it as you want.

LDBennett

08-20-2012, 11:32 AM	#1
tigertracker Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 8	I need to update my knowledge on reloading I haven't reloaded in many years and I need some advice on some issues. I have a Dillon 550 and in the past only loaded 9MM using Unique powder. My son and I recently bought 45 ACP's and we have access to a tactical range, which will burn some ammo. We have short barrel pistols, 3 and 4 in., so I would like to use a fast powder. All of my Unique is out of date, so I have to get more anyway. Any recommendations as to what powder would be best for 230 grain bullets? What would a good starting point for a powder load recipe for a medium load? Also we will have about 5 of us reloading, I think I probably have enough brass, but the supplier for bullets and once fired brass that I used to use (Blue star out of Arkansas) is no longer in business. Any recommendations for a reputable and reasonable supplier? Thanks in advance for your help. -->

08-20-2012, 11:51 AM	#2
312shooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 1,158	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading I have still not found a more favorable, accurate and soft shooter than 5gr Bullseye under those 230 grainers. www.precisiondelta.com will be your lowest price on 230 FMJ's __________________ "Democracy is based on citizenship- perhaps the greatest gift the United States has given to the world- Power is vested in the people themselves, and government flows from the people" James M Henslin Last edited by 312shooter; 08-20-2012 at 11:52 AM..

08-20-2012, 12:13 PM	#3
X Ring V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 194	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading There is no such thing as out of date powder if it has been stored correctly. 4.5gr Bullseye is a great mid-range load with 230gr cast RN. Start at the 4.0gr starting load and work up in .2gr increments. Casting lead bullets will save you lots o money and they work great in the 45ACP. __________________ Load More = Shoot More http://s1096.photobucket.com/albums/g327/Wynn3/

08-20-2012, 01:41 PM	#5
Deacon_Man V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Weatherford Texas Posts: 453	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading I use Red dot and bullseye for my .45 loads and it works great. As for a place to buy really cheap bullets... http://www.bulletworks.com/

08-20-2012, 02:13 PM	#6
Bud0505 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 63	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading There are many online sites to purchase reloading supplies. Here are a few to get you started: Powder Valley - http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/ Penn Bullets - http://www.pennbullets.com/ Montana Bullet Works - http://www.montanabulletworks.com/ Starline - http://www.starlinebrass.com/ Graf & Sons: http://www.grafs.com/ and Widener's Reloading: http://www.wideners.com/ http://www.zerobullets.com/ or http://www.precisiondelta.com/ You can also do a search and read some of the many posts that discuss where to buy supplies. __________________ R/Bud

08-20-2012, 03:17 PM	#7
PanhandlePop V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 254	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading See above on your "out of date" powder (XRing) and supplies (Bud0505). As for powders, I've used a variety, but for general range work I usually go with 231/HP38.

08-20-2012, 08:30 PM	#8
Clipper V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Amarillo, TX Posts: 391	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading First of all, you really need a new book! Refresh your library and spend some time reading up on the newer items available and loads recommended by the publication, not a bunch of really neat guys on TFF. We all agree that your Unique is still potent stuff, and the suggested powders, Bullseye, Titegroup, Win 231 and others are great replacements. Run some loads thru your Dillon and shoot 'em to find your sweet loads....Glad you returned to the craft, and found TFF..

08-20-2012, 09:10 PM	#9
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,403	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading I totally agree with Clipper on the refreshing of your library. You do need a new manual, for sure. If you get to posting, you still have time to get to 50 posts and you will be able to sign up for the Lyman # 49 manual that is being given away at the end of the month. I use titegroup in both the 200 grain and the 230 grain bullets. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

08-21-2012, 07:11 AM	#10
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,754	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading tigertracker: The Dillon powder measure does its best job of metering with small grained powders, spherical powers. The most universal handgun powder that I have found that the Dillon powder measure likes and meters well is Hodgdon HP38 or Winchester 231 (they are exactly the same powder with different labels on the containers, made in the same factory on the same powder line and both are distributed by Hodgdon). Unique is a bit slower, a much older formula, and is said to burn a bit dirtier than more modern powders like the HP38/W231. But hey, use whatever you want but be sure to use a modern reloading manual as some of the maximum load levels have changed since the industry started using better max pressure measuring tools in testing. LDBennett

08-21-2012, 01:36 PM	#11
rmorgan9718 Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 21	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading For bullets try Berry's, Precision Bullets, Power Bond, and TNT. Best loads for XD45 and several 1911's is 5.0 gr Bullseye. Should chrony about 750 to 815, depending on barrel length, etc. Best source for brass is look at this site, and others for someone selling their excess or range brass. I use a lot of 'x' times fired in the 45ACP, and inspect them when reloading. Throw out 1 out of 3000 per month. Have several I quit reloading when I read GI headstamps with 1947 date! And everything mic's out to SAAMI spec. 9mm is another matter, higher pressures, etc. Good luck and stay safe.

08-22-2012, 10:41 AM	#12
tigertracker Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 8	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading Thanks to all of you for your replies and suggestions. My new dies just came in and I am in the process of moving, so I am cleaning cases now. It looks like I will have plenty of 45 brass and I have a lot of 40 cal that I may be able to trade with someone. I am going to order a new book as soon as I can find out which box my old one is in. I want to buy the updated version of the one I had because it was very clear and easy to read, but I am not sure which book it was. (It's hell to get old) I do have one more question, I notice that some 45 ACP cases are small primer and some are large primer. Why the difference and is one better than the other? Thanks again.

08-22-2012, 01:08 PM	#13
jlloyd73 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Contributor Posts: 1,938	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading For 45acp 230 cast RN I use 4- 4.3 grains of Titegroup and it works great. I don't use any of the small primer pocket 45 brass....... __________________ --------------------------------------------------- The only thing better than good family is good friends. J and D Lloyd Get ready...it's getting "real" and really fast!

08-23-2012, 12:26 PM	#15
tigertracker Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 8	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading Thanks for the link, good info there. It sure looks as though there is a potential for a dangerous situation if one doesn't sort the brass well.

09-24-2012, 05:27 PM	#17
tigertracker Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 8	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading I have a friend that told me that he runs his reloads (about a 100 at a time for about 5 min.) through his vibrating cleaner with corn cob impregnated with liquid car wax. It supposedly removes body oils and leaves a wax film on the bullet that helps stop tarnish. I load a lot of rounds at a time and sometimes store them for quite a while, so it seems like something I would like to try. My queston is that while I am not concerned about impact causing a round to fire in a vibrator, could static electricity be a problem?

09-24-2012, 06:39 PM	#18
aa1911 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 3,120	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading Titegroup and Clays are my two favorites for .45ACP and .40 cal. Clays is about as fast burning as you can get for you shorter barrels, I buy in 8lb kegs as I also use it for most of my skeet loads in 12g, very very clean powder. I would not put loaded rounds into a tumbler just out of principle due to the obvious potential bad outcome. __________________ "Loud noises don't end gunfights.... well placed shots do."

09-24-2012, 08:14 PM	#19
Appliancedude Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: The true northern Cal Posts: 1,610	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading I completely disagree on the powder. Its way to old to use. If you send it to me I'd be happy to dispose of it for you. 3.5grs at a time __________________ It ain't broke it just lacks duct tape. The nice thing about opinions is everybody has one.

09-25-2012, 08:20 AM	#22
howlnmad Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Harriman, Tn Contributor Posts: 2,636	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading I'm with RustyFN on the tumbling of HP and cast. I tumble all my pistol and rifle loads. The rifle to clean off case lube and add a little shine and the pistol just to shine them up. __________________

09-25-2012, 12:53 PM	#24
Black Cat Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 19	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading I agree with jlloyd 73. I use nothing but Titegroup in 38Sp,45ACP,9mm and 40S&W. You must work a load up for the gun. This is all true for bullet type and weight. Get some books also go to the powder Web site and go from there. That is the fun of reloading. I find Tightgroup to be very clean burning

09-25-2012, 03:32 PM	#25
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,754	Re: I need to update my knowledge on reloading You guys that tumble finished cartridges: The cartridge goes boom just as loud whether it is shiny or not. A simple wipe down with a damp rag followed by a dry rag easily removes the case lube I use (RCBS liquid case lube applied with a pad) and probably most others that are water soluble. It also gives me the opportunity to check over each round post reloading (finding high primers or split cases or bulged cases from crimping). Then there is the possibility that the vibration will fracture the grains of powder completely changing its burn characteristics. Consistently might be difficult to maintain. Shooting is not a beauty contest nor should the cartridges be treated as anything but tools to successful shooting. Nothing is gained from tumbling (or vibratory cleaning) finished rounds. Shiny rounds are not more accurate. But hey, that's my opinion with my reasons for NOT doing it. You can take it of leave it as you want. LDBennett