Couple of reloading questions

[kifeter]

Hey Guys,

Im just starting to get into reloading and I have a couple of questions. First of all, my father in law reloads so I don't need to buy any equipment, but he doesn't reload hand gun rounds so he's not sure of what are the better products for this.

I'll be reloading 45 auto rounds.

Whats the difference between 45 auto, ACP, auto rim etc?

When purchasing the bullets, what does the difference in diameter do (.451-.454) and is this gun specific?

The other questions I had where what are some of the good powders/ bullets/ primers out there?

And if you know of any good places to shop for these?

As far as bullets are concerned, are lead bullets bad or are the copper coated ones just better?

Thanks

 

[kevinosborne]

.45 auto is the same as .45ACP. .45 auto rim is different. If loading .45acp, .451 is the proper size for jacketed or plated bullets and usually lead projectiles will be .452. the .454 projectiles are for .45 Colt (sometimes called "long Colt") or .454 Casull loads. As far as good combinations, spend 25 bucks on a good loading manual and pick something that works for a range of bullet weights, like 185 grain to 230 grain. Google "reloading supplies" for components, but a good place to start is Midway.com. Your last question may start a bar fight. I shoot jacketed and plated and lead bullets. Lead is usually cheaper, giving more loads to the dollar and is usually loaded to slower velocities making for more enjoyable extended range sessions. Of course, lead will leave deposits in the groves of your barrel, but so does copper (it's not brass). Just clean the gun and you'll be ok.

Welcome to the Trader.

 

[Petro_58]

Welcome to the ODT. There is some very good reading in the Reloading area, and also alot of helpful people here. Like mentioned above get at least 1 good manual, but I'd suggest 2, usually different Manufacturers and 1 a couple years older than the other. The 3 powders I use the most are Titegroup, Blue Dot and Unique, in my Pistols, .380, .40S&W, 38/357mag, .44 mag and .45acp. Titegroup and Unique are very good Crossover Powders, meaning they work well in all these Calibers and others.

There is also a free computer program that's very helpful, at this link.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/reloadersrfrnce/

Also Lot's of Post's, answered questions and good reading on the Subject here on the Trader in the Reloading Section ya may have to do a little searching. Here are some Examples:

http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/sho...bout-reloaders

http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/sho...ch-will-I-save

http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/sho...wbie-questions

http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/sho...t-of-Reloading

 

[jsquared]

Welcome to the ODT. There is some very good reading in the Reloading area, and also alot of helpful people here. Like mentioned above get at least 1 good manual, but I'd suggest 2, usually different Manufacturers and 1 a couple years older than the other. The 3 powders I use the most are Titegroup, Blue Dot and Unique, in my Pistols, .380, .40S&W, 38/357mag, .44 mag and .45acp. Titegroup and Unique are very good Crossover Powders, meaning they work well in all these Calibers and others.

There is also a free computer program that's very helpful, at this link.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/reloadersrfrnce/

Also Lot's of Post's, answered questions and good reading on the Subject here on the Trader in the Reloading Section ya may have to do a little searching. Here are some Examples:

http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/sho...bout-reloaders

http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/sho...ch-will-I-save

http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/sho...wbie-questions

http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/sho...t-of-Reloading

Thanks for that software download link, I have a computer in my reloading room just for something like this and it will be perfect there. Thanks again!

 

[Going Postal]

A few good places to buy your components:

http://www.10ring.com/
http://www.berrysmfg.com/
http://www.billybullets.com/Index.aspx
http://www.grafs.com/
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/
http://www.midwayusa.com/
http://www.wideners.com/index.cfm

This is just a few to get you started, there are many more (Google is your friend) If you are not going to load massive quantities, then buying your primer and powder locally will save you on haz-mat fees. If your FIL already reloads, he should also know some places to get supplies. Be sure you figure in shipping charges when you get down to the bottom line. Grafs does not charge shipping, only a handling charge.