Reloading .45acp cost.

[HumanVr4]

Alright guys after my 4th gun that shoots .45acp I think I need to start to reload. With the current prices of a box of 50 being around .40-.50 cents a shot, I don't really see another way to keep on shooting, unless ammo prices go down. I was wondering in today market, what does it cost to reload .45acp. Also where is the best place to buy the supplies at?



I do have the ABC of reloading on order, before anyone tells me I need to get it.

 

[Nimaro]

My cost is about .14/round with existing brass.

230gr rn boolits
http://jkbullets.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_27&products_id=51

cci 300 primers
http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/

Plus a cent or two of your favorite flavor powder.

 

[Beau]

That's my cost too using lead. Only goes up a little if you buy plated. I've been getting extreme bullets at h&h lately.

 

[climbtothebeet]

you can also try the coated bullets from sns. the price of lead, but the coating prevents leading, excess smoke, and theres no lube to gum up your gun. plus they look neat. With loading lead i can load .380-44mag for about the same cost except brass differences and small powder changes.

 

[archer]

Have you considered casting your own bullets? I know that finding lead and wheelweights has been a little difficult latley but if you scrounge around a little you can get enough to get by. The Lee molds are fine if you follow the care and lubrication instructions on their website. They also have a sizing die that fits on your standard press. You can use the liquid lube but I advise against the lee liquid alox...unless you cut it with carnuba wax the bullets stay tacky even after they are dry and it tends to smoke more than normal lube. The best liquid lube come from a guy in Arkansas selling it under the White Label Lube name.
You are looking at a double cavity mold....generally around 20 bucks...the sizer die....less than 20 bucks. And you can melt your alloy on a coleman gas camp stove if you want to stay on the cheap. There are some economical electric melters out there as well.

 

[aviator41]

I'm not so sure about recommending against Lee Liquid Alox. That's some good stuff. People tend to put too much on the bullets, which is what makes them stay tacky long after it should have dried. I've now cast hundreds and hundreds of 45acp and lubed every one with the Liquid Alox that comes with the sizing die. A little goes a LONG way. Lee's instructions are to put in just enough to barely see a coat of lube on the bullet after a quick tumble. Following those directions will keep the tacky bullet problem at bay and do all the lubing you need.

Stuff does stink to high heaven though!

Best advice I was ever given about reloading was this: Reloaders don't reload to spend less, they reload to shoot more.

 

[Blitzfike]

I'm not so sure about recommending against Lee Liquid Alox. That's some good stuff. People tend to put too much on the bullets, which is what makes them stay tacky long after it should have dried. I've now cast hundreds and hundreds of 45acp and lubed every one with the Liquid Alox that comes with the sizing die. A little goes a LONG way. Lee's instructions are to put in just enough to barely see a coat of lube on the bullet after a quick tumble. Following those directions will keep the tacky bullet problem at bay and do all the lubing you need.

Stuff does stink to high heaven though!

Best advice I was ever given about reloading was this: Reloaders don't reload to spend less, they reload to shoot more.

This sums it up very well. I cast with both conventional lube grooves and the lee tumble lube style. In the 9mm and 40 with the alloy we are casting, the bullets from the lee mold come out to where we don't even have to size them. I have a round bottom stainless bowl that I put a small amount of liquid alox in and roll them around the bottom of the bowl. Put them out to dry and they are good to load.

 

[Revived]

I’m goin’ take this on from a different angle… You really need to ask yourself how much you currently shoot and how much you can invest to get started… The positive side - the equipment will pay for itself depending on your volume in time… Even most quality entry level equipment (single stage starter kits) can cost upwards of $300 depending on what your needs might be and/or bells and whistles you might want… then dies (get carbide – you’ll thank me later)… and components are another story (especially in this market)… I’ll take the “wisdom” of what aviator41 says a step further and say: You won’t save money cause you will shoot more… Not a bad thing, just the reality of reloading… Please check out the “Reloading FAQ’s” sticky at the top of this section for more info as well… Also… casting your own lead is great, but concentrate on learning to reload first… you’ll have enough on your plate… In time – if your volume needs increase and you feel like “livin’ on the edge” there are a few of us here that run dedicated progressives and can add input on what color to consider…

 

[HumanVr4]

This is why I love this forum, thanks for all the help guys.


I went to H&H today and got to lay my hands on a Dillon 650xl, and get a feel for what all is involved. I don't know if I am 100% ready to make the jump to reloading, but I did pick up my brass for the first time, 279 rounds out of 300. That was also after the guys at H&H told me I could only get them if they landed in my area, and my new Sig 1911 was throwing them all over the place lol. I think that is going to be the issue, finding somewhere to shoot that will not give me any issues about picking up my own brass.

I did get my ACB of reloading book today so I will give it a read this weekend, and see if I am getting in over my head.


Thanks again for the help.

 

[Old Fart]

If you have the time. I think even with the savings people forget it takes time out of your day.
Several people on here went out and bought stuff and barely used it because of their active lifestyle.

Upside is you can usually get a decent price on it down the road though.

Also like everyone else has said it will pay for itself, either quickly or slower depending on your shooting volume.