45auto Shot Shells

223coyote · June 5, 2007, 08:02 PM

could you load your own shotshells for a pistol?
jim

Scorch · June 6, 2007, 12:30 AM

Yes, I did it all the time until a few years ago. RCBS sells a form and load die set that will turn 308 brass into 45 ACP shotshells, although I generally use 45 WinMag brass since it is thinner and will hold more shot. 8.2 gr of Unique, put on an overpowder wad (I use cut down 410 shotcups), fill with #8 shot, place a gas check over the shot, and run it into the crimp die. They will kill rabbits out to about 15-20 yds, grouse to about 10-15 yds out of a 1911.

223coyote · June 6, 2007, 04:23 AM

thanks scorch , they want a buck apiece at the gun shop for 45acp shotshells around here.
jim

T-Bear · June 6, 2007, 09:22 AM

A little bit to get you started:
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=247721

Scorch · June 6, 2007, 12:11 PM

223coyote-
The dies are not cheap (my box from 1981 says $56, when a set of RCBS carbide dies was about $35), but once you're set up, you can make as many of the shotshells as you want, plus reload the empties. I have also used regular 44 Mag dies to load 44 Mag shotshells.

I have shared my loads with friends who want to take grouse with a pistol while elk hunting (yes, it's legal), or who want to remove various kinds of vermin (rats, cats, pigeons, etc) from barns. I looked about a month ago, and I have 12 more left. Guess I'll have to set up the dies again sometime soon.

223coyote · June 6, 2007, 03:53 PM

thanks t-bear , im gonna get some dies tonight
jim

June 5, 2007, 08:02 PM	#1
223coyote Junior Member Join Date: June 5, 2007 Posts: 10	45auto Shot Shells could you load your own shotshells for a pistol? jim

June 6, 2007, 12:30 AM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Yes, I did it all the time until a few years ago. RCBS sells a form and load die set that will turn 308 brass into 45 ACP shotshells, although I generally use 45 WinMag brass since it is thinner and will hold more shot. 8.2 gr of Unique, put on an overpowder wad (I use cut down 410 shotcups), fill with #8 shot, place a gas check over the shot, and run it into the crimp die. They will kill rabbits out to about 15-20 yds, grouse to about 10-15 yds out of a 1911. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

June 6, 2007, 12:11 PM	#5
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	223coyote- The dies are not cheap (my box from 1981 says $56, when a set of RCBS carbide dies was about $35), but once you're set up, you can make as many of the shotshells as you want, plus reload the empties. I have also used regular 44 Mag dies to load 44 Mag shotshells. I have shared my loads with friends who want to take grouse with a pistol while elk hunting (yes, it's legal), or who want to remove various kinds of vermin (rats, cats, pigeons, etc) from barns. I looked about a month ago, and I have 12 more left. Guess I'll have to set up the dies again sometime soon. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

June 6, 2007, 04:23 AM	#3
223coyote Junior Member Join Date: June 5, 2007 Posts: 10	thanks scorch , they want a buck apiece at the gun shop for 45acp shotshells around here. jim

June 6, 2007, 09:22 AM	#4
T-Bear Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2005 Posts: 119	A little bit to get you started: http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=247721

June 6, 2007, 03:53 PM	#6
223coyote Junior Member Join Date: June 5, 2007 Posts: 10	thanks t-bear , im gonna get some dies tonight jim