Reloading

[BigTex171]

Forgive me if this has been covered here or in another forum, but has anyone here had any success reloading .45GAP? If so, please share any information, specifically, can .45 ACP dies be used to reload .45GAP? If there is a thread elsewhere, simply point me in the right direction. Any information is appreciated.

[wlst101]

I'm using RCBS # 18915 dies to do GAP reloads and it also does ACP's too.

[Jeff DeWeese]

I'm using a Dillon 550 with Lee .45 acp dies, including the factory crimp die. My barrel is a Bar-sto. I have a couple loads worked up for target shooting. A Zero 185 gr. HP with 5.1 gr W231. OAL 1.016, Starline brass & WSP primers. The second load is a Rainer 185 gr. FP with 5.3 gr W231. OAL 1.060, same brass & primers. Both very accurate & easy to shoot.

[wlst101]

Jeff, what model Glock are you shooting and where did you get the OAL's for your loads?

[amazingphotos]

MANY loads of accurate 45 GAP per pound. Set dies by using factory loads. 5K+ rounds through my G37 and 3K+ through my G39 with NO PROBLEMS!

[Matt VDW]

Yes, most (if not all) .45 ACP dies can be used to load .45 GAP. I've been using Redding, Dillon and Lyman dies to load for my G37.

[BigTex171]

Thanks for all the responses - very helpful! ;)

I contacted Lee, and they said that while their .45ACP dies would need to be modified to load .45GAP, there was no need to do because they have recently created a .45GAP die. I will probably be going with their Pro 1000 setup - any comments on it?

[Jeff DeWeese]

Originally posted by wlst101
Jeff, what model Glock are you shooting and where did you get the OAL's for your loads?

I'm shooting a model 37, the barrel is a Bar Sto, not the original. The OAL's were determined by trial & error, getting the seating depth to where the bullet just touched the lands, then seating it an extra .005 deeper as a safety margin for function.

[BigTex171]

Originally posted by BigTexG37
I will probably be going with their Pro 1000 setup - any comments on it?

Bump in the hopes of getting a comment or two about the Lee Pro 1000. Any comments on it? Whether you use it to reload GAP or no, any comments would be appreciated.

[DannyR]

Nearly everyone that has used Lee presses has switched to Dillon, including me. Check out the 550B at www.dillonprecision.com

[BigTex171]

Originally posted by DannyR
Nearly everyone that has used Lee presses has switched to Dillon, including me. Check out the 550B at www.dillonprecision.com

Thanks. I am most likely going to start out with a single stage. I know so little about reloading and presses I can't tell, but is the Square Deal B a single stage press?

[captyg76]

BigTexG37,

I think you will greatly enjoy reloading. I started off with a very inexpensive Lee Anniversary set and quickly found that for shooting any quantity of reloads that a progressive press was the only way to go. The Dillon RL-550B is my press of choice and I think it might be yours too. The 550B combines all the many good things about a progressive press but is not auto-indexing. You may not know that term, let me explain. In reloading auto-indexing means that every time the handle is pulled on the press, the rounds in the press are automatically advanced to the next station. I DO NOT like that feature. Since I shoot reloads 90+% of the time, I occasionally will encounter a primer that doesn't seat correctly the first time. The 550B allows me to correct that situation before I move the round to the next station.

Thus, with the 550B, you get all the advantages of a progressive press - 4 operations being performed on 4 cases with one pull of the handle without the potential problem of an auto-indexing press like the XL-650 and higher Dillon models or the comparable units from other manufacturers. Additionally, the set-up on the 550B is so easy. I had a 650 for a few days and found it way too finicky so I stepped back to the 550 and have been very happy ever since.

As far as loads are concerned, fellow GT'er M27David saw one of my posts on 45GAP reloading and very kindly ran a couple of tables for me using 230gr FMJ RN bullets and various powders. Suspect he'll be happy to send you those if you ask. I printed them out and didn't save the electronic file versions or I'd do so.

I also recommend buying your powder and primers at gun shows. As a Navy guy who has moved a lot, I have consistently found the prices at the shows to be better for these items than buying them at local stores or via Internet sellers. Bullets are another matter totally. You can go with either jacketed or plated bullets. Plated are cheaper. I have always gone with jacketed and buy mine from www.wideners.com. Used Cabelas when Wideners was out-of-stock. The price difference wasn't too bad. Seriously considering trying plated ones from this source:

http://www.precisionbullets.com/

Another good source for 45GAP reloading info is www.45gap.com.

Be safe, have fun with the hobby and I hope you find the above useful.

[BigTex171]

captyg76,

That was a truly helpful post. Thanks a million.

The only reason I mentioned going single stage to start off was for fear of biting off more than I could chew with a progressive. Reading up on the subject of reloading over the past few days has led me to believe that, unless you are grossly negligent and careless, nothing catastrophic is going to happen while reloading. Still, the whole concept seems a bit overwhelming, but not scary.

The idea of getting a progressive withOUT the auto-index, as you suggest, appeals to me, and I beleive once I have the money to get a reloading rig, I may take you and Danny's suggestions and get a 550B. I want a fast setup, but I want to be able to take my time and do it right - and safely.

Thanks again for everything.

[DannyR]

Tex,

The Square-D, a progressive press, takes Dillon Specific dies. The 550B takes almos any die. I use Lee dies in mine, including a Lee factory Crimp Die in the final stage. You can go as fast or as slow as you wish. Dillon makes the most reliable equipment presently available. You may also need a caliper and a precision scale.

Once you are set up, the Dillon holds settings very well.

[gary newport]

Tex, if you are new to reloading and want to keep thing simple to start, I'd suggest you take a look at the Dillon AT500. It is a turret press--a sort of easier-to-use single stage. As you gain experience and confidence, the AT500 can be upgraded, in stages or all at once, to a RL550 by adding equipment. (Mine is upgraded to a semi-progressive.) I think the AT500 is the Best of All Possible Worlds for someone just getting into reloading!

[BigTex171]

Boy, you guys have given me some homework to do! Thanks for all the comments.

I am going to look into both Dillon setups, run some more things by y'all, then proabably make a move sometime this winter. I DID notice, however, that the AT500 is mentioned nowhere on Dillon's website. Did they change it's name to Square Deal? I assume they did since they mentioned that it was upgradeable to a full 550 by obtaining certain parts and pieces.

Thanks again for all the helpful information. If you or anyone else think of anything else you think I should know, please post it up.

[DannyR]

The Suare Deal is a creature all unto itself, and not related in any way to the 500 series.

[BigTex171]

Then I guess they have discontinued the AT500? I see ti no where on their site.

[BLiTzNicK]

Starting with nothing, and knowing nothing about reloading, what exactly would I need to be able to load .45 GAP? I'd like a progressive loader, but don't know anything about reloading, ANYTHING!!

[BigTex171]

Originally posted by BLiTzNicK
Starting with nothing, and knowing nothing about reloading, what exactly would I need to be able to load .45 GAP? I'd like a progressive loader, but don't know anything about reloading, ANYTHING!!

Read this entire thread. You'll have plenty to get you started.

[jcmios]

Lee dies on my 650XL no problems, loads are very accurate and AA #5 is my favorate powder for 185's to 230's. Email me if you want a copy of my data and chrono info.

Jim

[bush pilot]

I use both the SDB & 550,I prefer the SDB.The Square Deal is easier to use because of the auto-indexing feature.Yes,you have to use Dillon dies on the SDB,if you are going to load for just one cartridge it is THE way to go. You'll crank out more ammo than you can shoot.If you can find someone who owns both its worth a little bit of time to look at them side by side.You really can't go wrong unless you buy a Lee press.;g

[nitratex]

Hey guys. Im not sure if this has been asked but I have never reloaded before and was wondering what i need besides the primmer cassings powder bullet and machine. I was also wondering kinda machines are good ones to use. thanks for the info
Billy

[captyg76]

nitratex,

You'll probably find all the answers and help you need in the reloading forum. In the interest of getting you started, here's a good string to review:

http://glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=434969

[KB4IFS]

You can still use the R550B as a single stage press by just not loading any new brass into it until the last stage has been completed. A great way to start, learn the ropes, and not spend a fortune when moving up. Good Shooting.;?