Reloading 45ACP

[Gunowner99]

I am doing my preliminary research for loading 45ACP otherwise known as 45Auto. (Not 45GAP or 45Colt)

In general, what do I need to watch out for? Meaning, I load 380 and 9mm, other than bullet size, primer being large pistol, generally larger charges (yes I know it depends on the powder used), and of course the case, umm am I overlooking some special tool or device or anything here?

Don't laugh, just trying to discern any huge differences between 9mm and 380 other than what has been mentioned.

Thanks!

[Tim Ault]

Think of the 45 acp as a bigger scaled up .380 all operations are basically similar . Cast lead bullets are generally easier to get to shoot well in the 45 acp though ,

[Gunowner99]

Hmm, cast lead? Why is that?

[Pilot321]

.45 ACP is an easy cartridge to load. I use Hogdgon's Clays and 200 gran LSWC mostly.

[JoshIronshaft]

Sort your brass to check for small primer cases from Blazer and Federal. I had a ton and just loaded them with a small primer, no big deal.

[Gunowner99]

.45 ACP is an easy cartridge to load. I use Hogdgon's Clays and 200 gran LSWC mostly.

I have a lot of Bullseye,Power Pistol,Unique and Titegroup that I hope to use to keep my powder variety low but we will see.

[Gunowner99]

Sort your brass to check for small primer cases from Blazer and Federal. I had a ton and just loaded them with a small primer, no big deal.

No problem igniting and pushing that bullet out?

[JoshIronshaft]

No problem igniting and pushing that bullet out?

The bullets had just enough energy to punch through the paper and they just piled up right on the other side on the ground lol.

Just kidding!

If the factory can load small primer 45 ACP so can I. I think people that chrono only found a small FPS difference using the same load for small or large primer.

[Gunowner99]

The bullets had just enough energy to punch through the paper and they just piled up right on the other side on the ground lol.

Just kidding!

If the factory can load small primer 45 ACP so can I. I think people that chrono only found a small FPS difference using the same load for small or large primer.

With that in mind, can you use the same load generally for large or small primers?

[markshere2]

I had zero issues loadig .45ACP with my home cast bullets in my Ruger semi-auto handguns.
Ditto the Highpoint carbine and handgun.

Then I got a 1911. Flippin' rounds would not chamber!
Had to get a Lee FCD Factory Crimp Die.

Not expensive, but frustrating.

That's my only tale of 45 drama..........