The .45 Colt cartridge, a classic among handgun rounds, offers satisfying power and accuracy. But factory ammunition can be expensive. Reloading your own .45 Colt ammunition provides significant cost savings, allows for customization of your loads, and ensures a consistent supply of your preferred rounds. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, covering safety, equipment, and the steps involved in reloading this powerful cartridge.
Getting Started: Safety First
Before you even think about touching your reloading equipment, safety is paramount. Reloading is inherently dangerous if not approached with respect and caution. Here's a checklist:
- Dedicated Reloading Space: Designate a specific area solely for reloading. Keep it clean, well-lit, and free from distractions.
- Eye and Hearing Protection: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Even minor malfunctions can cause serious injury.
- Proper Ventilation: Reloading can generate some dust and fumes. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent inhalation of potentially harmful particles.
- Read Your Manuals: Carefully read and understand the instructions for all your reloading equipment, including the press, dies, and powder measure.
- Never Rush: Take your time and double-check your work at every step. Haste makes waste, and in reloading, waste can be dangerous.
Essential Equipment for Reloading .45 Colt
Reloading .45 Colt requires specific equipment. Investing in quality equipment is crucial for safety and consistent results.
1. Reloading Press:
- Single-Stage Press: Best for beginners, allowing for precise control over each step of the reloading process. It’s slower but more forgiving.
- Progressive Press: Faster, ideal for high-volume reloading. Requires more skill and understanding.
2. Dies:
- Sizing Die: Resizes the spent casing to its original dimensions.
- Powder Die: Measures and dispenses the correct amount of powder into the casing.
- Seating Die: Seats the bullet into the casing at the correct depth.
- Crimping Die: Crimps the case mouth to secure the bullet. This is critical for reliable function and prevents bullets from setting back.
3. Powder Measure:
- Metering Powder Measure: A device designed to precisely dispense gunpowder charges. This is crucial for consistency and safety.
4. Case Preparation Tools:
- Case Trimmer: Trims the case mouth to a uniform length.
- Case Lube: Lubricant for easier sizing of the cases.
- Case Cleaning Brush: Removes any debris from the inside of the casing.
5. Other Essential Tools:
- Scale: An accurate scale for weighing powder charges is absolutely essential. Variations in powder charge can drastically affect pressure and safety. Use a digital scale for the best precision.
- Bullet Puller: For removing bullets from cases if necessary.
- Case Feeders: For progressive presses, these automate the feeding process.
The Reloading Process: Step-by-Step
This guide outlines the steps for reloading .45 Colt using a single-stage press. The process is similar for progressive presses, but the steps are combined.
1. Case Preparation:
- Inspect Cases: Examine each case for cracks, dents, or other damage. Discard any damaged cases.
- Clean Cases: Thoroughly clean the cases to remove any residue.
- Resize Cases: Use the sizing die to resize the cases to the correct dimensions.
- Trim Cases: Trim cases to the correct length using the case trimmer.
- Deburr Cases: Remove any burrs or imperfections from the case mouth.
2. Powder Charging:
- Set Your Powder Measure: Adjust your powder measure to dispense the desired powder charge according to your chosen load data.
- Weigh Each Charge: This is crucial. Always weigh each powder charge individually to ensure accuracy and safety. Never just rely on the powder measure alone. Consistency is paramount to safe and reliable performance.
- Charge Cases: Add the measured powder charge to each resized case.
3. Bullet Seating:
- Seat Bullets: Use the seating die to seat the bullets to the correct depth. This depth is specified in your reloading data.
- Check Bullet Seating Depth: Use a bullet comparator tool if possible to ensure consistent bullet seating depth.
4. Crimping:
- Crimp Cases: Use the crimping die to crimp the case mouth to secure the bullet. This prevents the bullet from moving during recoil and ensures reliable feeding.
5. Inspect Finished Rounds:
- Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect each round for any defects or inconsistencies.
Choosing the Right Load Data
Load data is crucial for safe and accurate reloading. Never deviate from published load data without understanding the potential consequences. Different bullets, powders, and primers will require different charges. Use data from reputable sources such as reloading manuals specific to the .45 Colt. Never use outdated or incomplete data. Always start at the minimum charge listed and work up gradually while carefully monitoring pressure signs.
Case Studies and Examples
Let's consider two common .45 Colt load variations – one for target practice and another for hunting:
Example 1: Target Load
- Bullet: 250-grain round nose lead bullet
- Powder: Unique powder (adjust according to your specific manufacturer's data)
- Primer: Small pistol primer
Example 2: Hunting Load
- Bullet: 255-grain jacketed hollow point
- Powder: Accurate No. 9 powder (adjust according to manufacturer's data)
- Primer: Small pistol primer
Note: These are just examples. Always refer to your reloading manual for precise powder charges and other parameters.
Conclusion: Reloading Your .45 Colt
Reloading your own .45 Colt ammunition offers significant advantages, from cost savings to customization. However, safety should always be your top priority. Careful attention to detail, consistent procedures, and adherence to established load data are essential for safe and successful reloading. Remember, reloading is a skill that takes practice and patience. Start slowly, focus on accuracy, and always prioritize safety. Enjoy the process and the rewards of handloading your own ammunition!