reloading the 45 acp?

**charbar** · July 13th, 2008, 11:24 AM

I have reloaded 9mm, 357, and several rifle calibers, however, it has been
many years since doing any. I am trying to get set-up properly to do some
45 acp. I have recieved Lee dies that are marked .452 and the 230 gr bullets
that I prefer are .451. Are these dies compatible with these bullets? Also,
any recommended loads would be appreciated.
charbar

**Xringshooter** · July 13th, 2008, 01:26 PM

Typically lead bullets for the 45 are .452 and jacketed are .451. You Lee dies should be fine.

230 grn FMJ: 5.6 to 6.2 grains of 231, or 5.5 to 6.5 grains of Unique work good. You can also use Bullseye and RedDot.

I like using Hodgdon's Universal, start with 5.5 and work to to a max of 6.3. I get real good results with 6.1 grains.

****NOTE****: This is what works in my guns, your's may be different and react differently. Always start at the lower figure and workmup from there watching for pressure signs.

**tl_3237** · July 13th, 2008, 01:55 PM

I agree with Xringshooter.

FWIW my favorite 45 loads for the Lyman 452374 (230 gr lead round nose) is 4.0 grains Bullseye or 4.0 gr of Red Dot. These are not full power loads but they work just fine in my Colt Gold Cup for match shooting as well as my SW 4516-2 for practice self-defense shooting. In fact my wife prefers shooting the 45 with these loads over using factory in her 9mm because they have a perceived milder recoil.

I've fired literally thousands and never had a FTE of FTF with them.

**briarthorn** · July 13th, 2008, 05:13 PM

I use RCBS die but those lees will be fine, settings being formost, I make all my own bullets out of a Hensley & Gibbs #68 4 Cavity Semi Wad cutter Bullet mold in 200 grainers sized to .451, putting either 5.0 of bullseye, 5.1 unique, or 5.1 of 231 Winchester ball powder underneath. All this is pushed out of a 1911 GCup 70 series or a 1911A1, I've found this to be the sweet spot for my weapons but had a buddy awhile back with a 220 Sig that needed them a tab hotter, hope this was of some help, hey have fun and don't be afraid to experiment a bit. Oh if your interested I make H&G 200 SWC@ .451 if you want to try this 200 grain bullet drop me a line I have 1 1/2 tons of lead just dying to go screaming down a 1911 barrel, have a nice day. briarthorn