45 Reloading Center

45 ACP Reloading Supplies

When people say a '45' it is a pretty general term for a number of pistols and some rifles too. Is it a 45 ACP (Auto Colt Pistol), and 45 GAP (Glock Auto Pistol), 45 Colt (and some people say Long Colt), 45-70 (45 Caliber, .458 diam not discussed here) or a few others. The pistols pretty much all use the same bullet diameter of .451 or .452, but vary in bullet weights. Diameters of .451/.452 are typical for these bullets and can be used interchangeably. Most copper plated and lead bullets are usually .452 and most copper jacketed are .451. The ACP and GAP bullet weights are usually from 155 to 230 grains, with 230 grain being the most common. However, the 45 Colt weighs in from 135 to 395 grains, with 250 grains being the most common. 

Common 45 projectile tips are Round Nose (RN) and Hollow Points (HP), with many variations on each. For example, Berry's Bullets manufactures both a Target Hollow Point (THP) and a Hybrid Hollow Point (HHP)). Hornady manufactures an eXtreme Terminal Performance (XTP) and a Hornady Action Pistol (HAP). For self defense and small hunting, a Hollow Point bullet is preferable for expansion and knockdown. For plinkers, however, a plated bullet such as Berrys or a lead bullet works well, and gives you the best bang for your buck. Literally.

Slower burning powder works well with 45 ACP bullets because of their relatively low velocity (800 - 900 fps). Tightgroup, Clays, HP-38, HS-6, LongShot, CleanShot and CFE Pistol powders are a few that reloaders use when reloading the 45. However, remember to ALWAYS follow your data guide and stay within the standards listed and under the SAAMI maximum pressure of 21,000 PSI when reloading cartridges. Always check and follow your reloading data manual as specs change and some cartridges such as 45 ACP +P have higher (23,000 PSI) or 45 Colt have lower (14,000 PSI).

Below are some of the products for reloading your 45 brass (also called .46 casings) from once fired brass cases to bullets and some different powders. As with all reloading, ensure you check your OAL (overall length) when seating and crimping your ammo. It's a good idea to load only a handful before safely checking them in your weapon. You don't want to be caught at the range with hundreds of cartridges only to find out they won't chamber! 

Also, some of our new and once fired 45 ACP brass, 45 GAP brass, and 45 Colt brass as well as bullet tips (bullet heads) for those .45 calibers are show below too. Only currently in-stock items are shown below.