FMJ vs. Lead for .45 ACP

[Richardc]

A really good load i use in my .45 is a 185gr LSWC over 5.0gr of red dot, and federal match large pistol primers. I'm shoot one tattered hole at 15yrds(Wilson Combat KZ-45 5"). I also use Lee products and will most likely not use anything else, there customer support is wonderful and they are less expensive than most with just as great a quality. I do not how ever use the FCD, since i use nothing but lead in all my pistol stuff. I just started casting my own lead rounds, 200 LSWC, with Lee mold and number IV production pot. have not loaded any yet but will post after i do.

[ghostrider]

The Lee FCD can potentially contribute to leading issues.

thanks for the details. That's good to know since I'm using one to crimp lead bullets in 40 S&W :-0


even after reloading for 2 decades I still get to learn stuff :-)

[ske1eter]

Never had a problem with the Lee Crimp die but maybe I'm not paying enough attention.............

I use the Missouri Bullet Company 200 gr. SWC IDP#1 http://www.missouribullet.com/details.p ... &keywords= where the maker claims to adjust the alloy to match the intended use. Anyway, these work great in my Les Baer 1911 and M&P .45s w/ no feeding issues. In reality, I don't use anything but lead bullets anymore in my .45 & 9mm. They're cheaper and work just fine for my use.

BTW, AndyC did a great job of pointing you in the right direction.

[Joop45]

I prefer FMJ, because lead seems to be harder to clean for me and I like .451 better. However, I still load some lead bc the price is simply better.

[mjoplin]

UPDATE - Sent my Dillon 550 in for a factory overhaul/tuneup and just got it back. Set up RCBS carbide dies, I used a seat/crimp die and, removed the Lee FCD. Did my first set of 50 rounds with 3.7 grains of Clays, 230 gr LRN from Friendswood Bullets and pretty happy with the results in my Kimber. No chrono, but felt a bit light. Doing another batch bumping up to 3.8 (max of 4.0 per Hodgdons) and probably won't go higher than that. This certainly cuts the cost of shooting down significantly!

On a "blue" note, I am now a die hard Dillon fan. A friend gave me an old 550 (converted from 450) that had been sitting for years. Did a couple of batches that didn't turn out so well, had primer and powder feed issues.... Sent it in to Dillon. I essentially got a brand new 550 back from them. They'd replaced the 450-logo'ed link arms, the pivot rods, the powder measure assembly, the primer feed, completed cleaned and re-lubed everything, and brought it to factory new specs. AWESOME customer service!!! My cost, the price of shipping it to them.