For bullets, I've found that both Montana Gold Bullet and Berry's are great, and inexpensive to boot. Both give free shipping for orders over $50, and I've found quality to be excellent on both. I received my orders from both about 3 days after my initial order. Since you're loading 230 grain .45, I'll list what I see on their sites:UpTheIrons wrote:Bass Pro out at The Rim had HP-38 for $20/lb not long ago - can't imagine the price has changed much since. It seems to be more abundant than W231 and some other .45 powders. Primers are still rare at local shops, but try Nagel's, too. Taxes/retail markup is probably a wash vs. hazmat fees unless you get a truckload.
Bullets will likely be best when ordered online. Haven't checked BPS lately, but Cabela's has Berry's plated for fairly decent prices, but they aren't truly "bulk" boxes - only 250/box. They also have Oregon Trail cast bullets in boxes of 500, but I have zero knowledge or experience with them.
Montana Gold Bullet:
230 grain FMJ: $170 per 1000
230 grain CMJ: $174 per 1000
Berry's:
230 GR RN DS (plated): $134.88 per 1000
230 grain RN (hard cast lead): $116.38 per 1000
Here are the links to their sites:
http://www.montanagoldbullet.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.berrysmfg.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I know you're a little skittish on plated/lead bullets. I started out on FMJ for the same reasons, but quickly moved to the plated stuff once I had a few FMJ sessions under my belt. For the plated bullets at least (haven't done lead bullets yet), it's the same as FMJ. Make sure your bell is adequate, and they load the same way.