[potentialglock]

When reloading 45 acp rounds does the type of bullet matter? As long as it says 45 cal will it fit into the brass etc? One of my friends got me paranoid that some are for rifle and some pistol. I think I'm just being paranoid but let's find out.

[Overkill0084]

Yes, it matters. Overall length is an issue that you ignore at your peril. Bullet diameters vary as well.
There are Rifle bullets in .45 caliber. (.458 WinMag or .45-70 anyone?) They have a diameter of .458 and tend to be longer and heavier than you would like in your 1911.
The .45 bullets for revolvers are a bit different as well. They may very likely have a canellure for roll crimping. Some will work better than others. but there are issues to be addressed. But at least they are the correct diameter (.452).

Read & heed your reloading data & use bullets/components appropriate for your application.

[potentialglock]

Thank you. So I know I need a 230 grain for my 1911. Any other general idea you wanna give of what I might be looking for? I know there are more specifics that I'll decide for myself but a point in the right direction would be great

[Overkill0084]

Originally Posted by potentialglock

Thank you. So I know I need a 230 grain for my 1911. Any other general idea you wanna give of what I might be looking for? I know there are more specifics that I'll decide for myself but a point in the right direction would be great

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that you are new to reloading. Thus, I cannot overemphasize the need to obtain & read current reloading data.
I'm by no means a grizzled old timer when it comes to reloading, but I do try to be aware of where my knowledge ends. Due to that, I have no less than 3 sources of current reloading data for any given situation. IMHO, TMI is never going to be a problem for a competent reloader.
Lecture done.
For a noob loading .45 acp, 230 gr. FMJ bullets are probably the easiest starting point. Simply because it is the original loading from back in the day. However, 185 & 200 gr bullets are quite common as well. There are lighter and heavier options too, but they tend to be less common & data starts getting sparse. Go with the 100 year old option, it's proven and there aren't likely to be many surprises.
Additionally, I recommend a slightly slower powder than say, Bullseye or Red Dot (or those in that speed range). IMHO, Unique, 231 and the powders in that speed range or somewhat slower, are more tolerant of noob mistakes than really fast powders. YMMV.

[c3shooter]

Good advice up there ^^^^

Here is a little bit more- get a bottle of ink, a dull needle, and tattoo this on your arm for easy reading-

READ AND FOLLOW THE LOADING MANUAL.


The manual has a recipe- THIS primer, THIS powder in THIS amount with THIS type of bullet that weighs THIS much. Then go to the STARTING load for that combination, and work your way UP. Change any one item, go to the starting load, work up.

There are .45 caliber bullets that weigh around 400 grains. Drop some of those on top of 5 grains of Bullseye- Houston, we have a problem....

If you have not yet done so- get a copy of The ABCs of Reloading, and read it. I also keep a couple of load manuals around- usually Speer and Lyman- and data from the powder company's website.

Being creative and innovative in reloading will be discussed at your funeral.