I've reloaded a lot of 45 and 44 colt, 45-70 and such, but everything has been rimmed, for revolvers or old toggle link lever guns, or falling block rifles. I haven't reloaded for autos yet and am thinking of getting a springfield 45 acp. I understand the 45 auto headspaces on the case mouth, how hard is 45 to reload? Just what is the criticle areas? How criticle is overall length, case length? I'll be using my own cast bullets which means getting anouther mould, but that's no problem. The load will be for defense and plinking.

Thanks

. . . how hard is 45 to reload? . . . The load will be for defense and plinking.
Thanks
You will think you have died and gone to heaven the .45 ACP is so reloader friendly.

Tons of reload data available, lots of bullets to select from, and tons of once fired brass often left on the ground at your local range. That's just for starts. With carbide dies, no need to lube cases. With mild loads, the cases hardly ever stretch and cast bullets are very accurate at plinker ranges. Use fast burning powders and standard large pistol primers. That's it in a nutshell.

If you're going to purchase a new mould, suggest you get a 200 gr. SWC mould to start with. This is one of the most popular all purpose moulds for the .45 ACP. Later, add a 230 gr. RN for defense and/or a 185 gr. SWC for bullseye shooting. Best wishes.

The .45 is as easy as pie. Case length is certainly important, but cases very rarely stretch long enough to require trimming. The main difference between loading a rimmed round and the .45 ACP is that you will be using a taper crimp instead of a roll crimp.

The real trick for handloading the .45 ACP is headspacing on the bullet. Adjust your seating depth until the cartridge drops into the barrel until the rim is flush with the hood. See these illustrations by Uncle Nick.

http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=33032&highlight=headspace

Bye
Jack

Thanks, great link. I copied the pic so I can stick it up behind my loading bench.

I take it a lee three die set will work provided the crimping die is a tapper instead of roll crimp? I love my Lee carbide dies.

What's the nominal bullet dia? I normaly use .454 for all my 45 colts. I would probably go with the 230 grain round nose or posibly hollow point soft cast for defense. I've found no leading with my soft cast up to 1200 fps, and they expand very well on deer at close range. Though for all intents this will primarily be a plinking gun I hope.

Thanks

. . . What's the nominal bullet dia? . . . Thanks
All of my .45 ACP cast bullets are sized .452".

Thanks, now I just got to see if I can spare the funds for anouther toy! :D