j8064
Garrett Co Hooligan #1
Since I've been reloading for > 30 years and I load my own ammo for almost 40 different calibers and firearms to keep well fed, my input is kinda tainted.
The mechanics of loading cartridges on any press is not complicated. But any mistakes made could result in unintended - and perhaps very bad - consequences.
My advice to the OP is to first and foremost decide if reloading is the right thing for him to do. Does he have the time, space, tools etc? And, most importantly, the dedication and commitment to learning safe loading?
With that said, loading 45ACP rounds on a single stage press isn't hard and the cost per round to produce accurate rounds can often be much less than and more accurate ammo than factory rounds. For example:
Reloading isn't for everyone. But it works for me.
Edit: Since the OP's question was about 45 Colt rounds everything I said still applies. Adding the cost of brass will increase the overall reloading cost. But 45 Colt cases tend to last a while. The biggest caution in loading those rounds is making dayum sure they aren't double-charged.
Loading 45 Colt with BP and shooting it is a helluva lotta fun...
The mechanics of loading cartridges on any press is not complicated. But any mistakes made could result in unintended - and perhaps very bad - consequences.
My advice to the OP is to first and foremost decide if reloading is the right thing for him to do. Does he have the time, space, tools etc? And, most importantly, the dedication and commitment to learning safe loading?
With that said, loading 45ACP rounds on a single stage press isn't hard and the cost per round to produce accurate rounds can often be much less than and more accurate ammo than factory rounds. For example:
- Let's say one can load 1400 rounds with a pound of powder that costs $28. In 45acp, that's ~ $.02 per round.
- Add a primer - high end price = $.04
- Bullet - Maybe $0.20. If you cast your own from scrap lead maybe a nickle.
- Brass: I don't include that as a cost anymore since folks leave an abundance of free range brass easily scrounged to process and reload.
- Total cost per round? Usually < $.20
- Time invested and cost of equipment? - That's the variable you can only answer for yourself.
Reloading isn't for everyone. But it works for me.
Edit: Since the OP's question was about 45 Colt rounds everything I said still applies. Adding the cost of brass will increase the overall reloading cost. But 45 Colt cases tend to last a while. The biggest caution in loading those rounds is making dayum sure they aren't double-charged.
Loading 45 Colt with BP and shooting it is a helluva lotta fun...