Cast Bullets for .45ACP?

[38superfan]

Question: If I buy some cast bullets (like Suters Choice 200 gr Lead SW) that measure .452", do I need to buy a sizer to size the bullets to .451"? I can't tell from the product reviews if I'll be able to load these like I do .451", 230 gr FMJ-RN bullets. This load would be for my XD so feeding is not an issue.

The price is right and I'd love to make the switch to cast for my target loads. I don't have any place to cast my own at the moment.

Thanks!

[jdonovan]

no resizing needed.

[Palladin]

+1

They size automatically just after the firing pin hits the primer...

[jrswanson1]

Are these SWCs or round nose? Some .45 ACPs don't reliably feed anything that isn't the same profile of FMJs.

[38superfan]

Thanks for the responses! I just wanted to make sure I'm not going to blow myself up!

I'm going to try the 200 gr SWC as they are cheap and plentiful! There are about 350 cases ready for me to get ready! I shall go forth and reload!

[jdonovan]

I got a case of them some years back and several of my 1911's wouldn't feed them. Year later I' had a port and polish done on one of the 1911's that was even balky about 230gr FMJ's and now it will take the 200gs SWC.

The H&K USP took them without complaint from day one.

[Palladin]

My XD Tac feeds the Lee RN and the RNTL flawlessly. It also runs fine with WWB 185g SW, so I would think the different profiles would be fine. The only caveat I found is that none of the .452 Diameter can be forward of the case mouth, because of sticking the bullets in the rifling on return to battery. Then the striker wouldn't drop and the bullet would remain on clearing the jam, spilling powder everywhere.

Once I figured that out everything was good.

[meadmkr]

[quote="38superfan"]Question: If I buy some cast bullets (like Suters Choice 200 gr Lead SW) that measure .452", do I need to buy a sizer to size the bullets to .451"? I can't tell from the product reviews if I'll be able to load these like I do .451", 230 gr quote]

Normally for lead we shoot a bit larger (.001+) than for jacketed. I wouldn't worry about it unless you are getting barrel leading which could also be due to too hard/soft a bullet or not driven hard enough.

Check out http://www.missouribullet.com/ as they produce a great consistant product and ship/deliver pretty dang fast. They match their bullet hardness to the application and can "custom" size for you if you have a slightly off-spec firearm.
If you dig around TheHighRoad you can usually find a discount code for them as they have a pretty loyal userbase out there (myself included).

If you ever go the route of casting you need to check out CastBoolits - http://castboolits.gunloads.com and also check out MiHec's molds at http://www.mp-molds.com/shopping/pgm-mo ... ?id=2&=SID
I've got one of his ..452 HP and use the penta-HP for my 45 Colt with great expansion and the mold itself is a work of art

[38superfan]

My XD Tac feeds the Lee RN and the RNTL flawlessly. It also runs fine with WWB 185g SW, so I would think the different profiles would be fine. The only caveat I found is that none of the .452 Diameter can be forward of the case mouth, because of sticking the bullets in the rifling on return to battery. Then the striker wouldn't drop and the bullet would remain on clearing the jam, spilling powder everywhere

Thanks Palladin! These will be run through a XD45c so I will make adjustments.

Normally for lead we shoot a bit larger (.001+) than for jacketed. I wouldn't worry about it unless you are getting barrel leading which could also be due to too hard/soft a bullet or not driven hard enough.

Check out http://www.missouribullet.com/ as they produce a great consistant product and ship/deliver pretty dang fast. They match their bullet hardness to the application and can "custom" size for you if you have a slightly off-spec firearm.
If you dig around TheHighRoad you can usually find a discount code for them as they have a pretty loyal userbase out there (myself included).

Thanks Meadmkr!

UPDATE: I ended up purchasing the 230 gr RN Suters Choice from Midway...By the time I got around to it, they were out of the SWC's. Next time! Now I'm going to load up and go

[38superfan]

I wish I would have seen the prices at the Missouri Bullet Co.! I will buy from there next time!