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45 ACP cast bullet loads

3K views 15 replies 11 participants last post by  8 1/2 shot 
#1 ·
I'm new to loading the 45 ACP and am looking for information on different loads for loading cast bullets. If you have information on molds for the 185 and 200 grain bullet I would appreciate that info also. Yes, I shoot trap also. :)
 
#7 ·
Through the last 1/2 of the 80s and into the mid-90s, I competed with my carry 1911 for the purpose of practice and continuous familiarity. I preferred both the 200 gr.and 185 gr. Hensley and Gibbs 68, SWC, mostly Fed. primers but Winchesters were #2, and I dabbled in 700X, WST, Win 231, Win AA 5, and Unique powders. Were I to find youth and motivation again, I'd just about stick with what Sir Zino says above and use Bullseye or my current 12 ga. powder until I got the level of power factor to satisfy rules. Anyone having trouble with the SWC bullet needs to have his 1911 treated to a feed and function job....breakemall....Bob Dodd
 
#10 ·
Dave - I have two of the aluminum Lee two cavity bullet molds for the .45 ACP in the 200 g SWC size. These molds are inexpensive, under $20 each with handles from your favorite mail order house. With two molds you can get a decent rate of production with a continuous movement operation. Fill a mold, set aside. Fill the second mold, set aside. Pick up the first one, break the sprue, tap out the bullets, close the mold, fill the mold, set aside. Repeat with the other mold. No waiting for the bullets to freeze. Don Miller
 
#12 ·
i know a lot of people use the lube sizer but if you look at the bullet the lead is what is in contact with bore 45 acp dont matter that much but when you get to the speed of 357 and 44 mag there is a lot of leading i have not had near the problem useing the Lee system the Lee molds are better than the steel ones also rick
 
#13 ·
Dave - Open up your Midaway catalog or go to their web site (www.midwayusa). On their website home page they have a tab dedicated to bullet casting. Look and you will see the Lee molds are available in both size and wax lube or tumble lube types. Just pick your favorite design and bullet weight. I size and lube all my cast bullets. The aluminum molds are much easier to use, rarely do I not get good bullets by the second casting. Barrel leading is controlled primarily by the hardness of the pot metal and the bullet velocity. You will notice that swaged bullets (pure lead) are listed in the reload books with low charges and velocities. Cast bullets with tin and antimony added are harder and can be loaded to a faster velocity. Lyman makes a lot of bullet casting equipment and has a booklet available. It is on their web site at lymanproducts.com. Go to the page on casting and scroll down until you see a tab for "Cast Bullet Guide". Lots of basic info and some on metal alloys.
 
#14 ·
Thanks again to all who replied. I have enough information to get something going for the 45 ACP. I've cast a lot of bullets for the 38/357 and the 41 Mag. I have used the 41 with my cast bullets to take several deer. Handgun hunting is a hoot. Now I have something else to play with when I'm not loading trap shells. Dave
 
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