new to hand loading

72-cj5 · May 23, 2014, 01:15 AM

Hi I am getting ready to load 45 acp and I only know what my grandpa told me and gave me I have 3 older book but can't seem to find the right info So im stuck at how much powder and how deep to seat the bullet im using bullseye pistol powder and lead castings that are 210 grains he told me to put 4.5 grains of powder and I measured his rounds and they are 1.24 inches does that sound right? Also im load in them for my 1911 and my kahr and my kahr wiuld like them to be seated at more like 1.19 or so is there a way to change the powder amount to fit that depth of seat thanks

SpringOWeiler · May 23, 2014, 01:23 AM

Sierra lists that as a minimum load with a collective overall length of 1.155" My lyman cast bullet guide suggests a starting charge of 5.0gr and 1.185" I think they will be totally fine.

mikld · May 23, 2014, 12:05 PM

Sounds like you need some basic reloading info. Get as newer manual (Lyman's 49th is a good start) and read the "how to" section. Then use the "data" section to find the type of powder, amount of powder, bullet weight, and finished dimensions for the round you're reloading...

LivewireBlanco · May 23, 2014, 12:18 PM

That load sounds like a safe starting point but as you get deeper into reloading I would suggest buying a new reloading manual. The latest Lyman manual would be my recommendation. Have fun and be safe!

LivewireBlanco · May 23, 2014, 12:19 PM

Wow mikld, looks like we were typing and thinking the same thing at the same time!

g.willikers · May 23, 2014, 03:40 PM

Another consideration is how the rounds will feed in your particular guns.
The overall length might have to be adjusted to avoid problems in that area.
That's where the necessity for a chronograph becomes apparent.
Otherwise it's a lot of guess work, not always with acceptable results.

Nick_C_S · May 23, 2014, 05:09 PM

Just to go with a high-level overview here: 4.5g of Bullseye under a 210g slug, seated at 1.19" sounds about right. You're definitely in the ballpark and no "bells n whistles" are going off, so to speak.

But before you start loading, I'd heed the advice of many who have already posted. Get new load manuals. Consult reputable on-line sources. Watch how-to videos, and read the same (Lyman). Gather knowledge. And if possible, have an experienced loader show you first-hand, as there is no substitute for "the real thing."

Welcome to the world of loading. It's very rewarding and satisfying - when properly approached.

May 23, 2014, 01:15 AM	#1
72-cj5 Member Join Date: June 7, 2013 Posts: 61	new to hand loading Hi I am getting ready to load 45 acp and I only know what my grandpa told me and gave me I have 3 older book but can't seem to find the right info So im stuck at how much powder and how deep to seat the bullet im using bullseye pistol powder and lead castings that are 210 grains he told me to put 4.5 grains of powder and I measured his rounds and they are 1.24 inches does that sound right? Also im load in them for my 1911 and my kahr and my kahr wiuld like them to be seated at more like 1.19 or so is there a way to change the powder amount to fit that depth of seat thanks

May 23, 2014, 12:05 PM	#3
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	Sounds like you need some basic reloading info. Get as newer manual (Lyman's 49th is a good start) and read the "how to" section. Then use the "data" section to find the type of powder, amount of powder, bullet weight, and finished dimensions for the round you're reloading... __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

May 23, 2014, 03:40 PM	#6
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Another consideration is how the rounds will feed in your particular guns. The overall length might have to be adjusted to avoid problems in that area. That's where the necessity for a chronograph becomes apparent. Otherwise it's a lot of guess work, not always with acceptable results. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

May 23, 2014, 05:09 PM	#7
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,522	Just to go with a high-level overview here: 4.5g of Bullseye under a 210g slug, seated at 1.19" sounds about right. You're definitely in the ballpark and no "bells n whistles" are going off, so to speak. But before you start loading, I'd heed the advice of many who have already posted. Get new load manuals. Consult reputable on-line sources. Watch how-to videos, and read the same (Lyman). Gather knowledge. And if possible, have an experienced loader show you first-hand, as there is no substitute for "the real thing." Welcome to the world of loading. It's very rewarding and satisfying - when properly approached. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

May 23, 2014, 01:23 AM	#2
SpringOWeiler Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2014 Location: Washington (Dry Side) Posts: 116	Sierra lists that as a minimum load with a collective overall length of 1.155" My lyman cast bullet guide suggests a starting charge of 5.0gr and 1.185" I think they will be totally fine.

May 23, 2014, 12:18 PM	#4
LivewireBlanco Member Join Date: September 19, 2012 Location: West Texas Posts: 64	That load sounds like a safe starting point but as you get deeper into reloading I would suggest buying a new reloading manual. The latest Lyman manual would be my recommendation. Have fun and be safe!

May 23, 2014, 12:19 PM	#5
LivewireBlanco Member Join Date: September 19, 2012 Location: West Texas Posts: 64	Wow mikld, looks like we were typing and thinking the same thing at the same time!