My first 1911...now need some factory ammo to get started

Never having owned or shot a 45, I just bought a Springfield Range Officer so I could take part in 1800 Precision Pistol shoots.  Oops...I don't own any ammo...Dang  

I have a lot to learn about 1911's, about shooting Bullseye, and about reloading.   So here's my initial plan:
I'm thinking of getting a case of PMC 185gr Hollow Points so I can get my feet wet. 
As I understand, PMC brass is not too bad.  So once I've gone through shooting some of it, I'll have brass to try my hand at reloading.
I'm sure there are better brands of factory ammo that are better than PMC, but remember I'm just getting started, and the cost of PMC seems the most reasonable.

Any advice on this?   Thanks in advance....

Well, PMC 185 JHP is loaded a tad hot for bullseye shooting.  

Try https://atlantaarms.com/products/elite-45-acp-185gr-jhp-soft-ball.html. As a softer shooting ammunition.

Work on getting reloading equipment and components for 185gr lead SWC target loads, there's a big difference in price and recoil over factory Atlanta Arms JHP, like $.20 per round versus $1. I just loaded 100 rounds each 45/185gr and 38sp/148 to train with my match guns tomorrow, no way I could justify that with quality factory ammo.

zanemoseley wrote:Work on getting reloading equipment and components for 185gr lead SWC target loads, there's a big difference in price and recoil over factory Atlanta Arms JHP, like $.20 per round versus $1. I just loaded 100 rounds each 45/185gr and 38sp/148 to train with my match guns tomorrow, no way I could justify that with quality factory ammo.

With the current going rate of components, their is next to no chance someone just getting into this would be able to load for $0.20/round especially if they don’t have brass. 

OP:
Their was a guy that shot in my local league a while back that shot 185gr jhp pmc. A bit hot compared to what most people shoot, but it seemed to work ok. Definitely a better option than most other off the shelf 230gr options. So long as the brass is large primer, the brass would be worth it.

If one objective is to obtain good brass for future reloading, this is another option currently available.

https://rhuged.com/product/45-acp-auto-185-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-jhp-starline-brass-factory-new/

1,000fps. A LOT hotter than preferred target loads, but it uses new Starling brass, the best.

I have never tried it, but might be worth considering.

I just went through this exercise recently.

I started with Wilson Combat SWC 200gr reloaded ammo, 770ft/s I think.  400 Rd bulk pack was 272$.  Little pricey compared to my standard fair of 22 SV CCI but I wanted to start getting used to 45acp.  And as you planned I was going to save the brass for my first batch of reloads.

Next came the reloading gear.  Midway had a deal on a Lee Load Master for 45acp.  Someone was gracious enough to buy it for me for my birthday.  Its a progressive press, maybe not the best to start with but it was billed as everything needed for making 45acp. It wasn't but mostly. After scouring GunBroker for primers, hardest component to find, and settling for Titegroup vs Bullseye powder I am making 45acp for .28c a round.  I'll be able to make 1000 rds before running out of primers at that cost.

Along the way I added a few pieces of equipment to make my reloading experience better, make better ammo, just because so I might be at $400 of reloading equipment.  

And I have found it's an enjoyable cathartic destress once I get everyone tucked in at night.

Miguel

22LR- Where are you located? That's a vital piece of information to solve your current dilemma. There are more than a few shooters that would give you ammo if they were able to meet you face to face. Good luck.

chiz1180 wrote:

zanemoseley wrote:Work on getting reloading equipment and components for 185gr lead SWC target loads, there's a big difference in price and recoil over factory Atlanta Arms JHP, like $.20 per round versus $1. I just loaded 100 rounds each 45/185gr and 38sp/148 to train with my match guns tomorrow, no way I could justify that with quality factory ammo.

With the current going rate of components, their is next to no chance someone just getting into this would be able to load for $0.20/round especially if they don’t have brass. 

OP:
Their was a guy that shot in my local league a while back that shot 185gr jhp pmc. A bit hot compared to what most people shoot, but it seemed to work ok. Definitely a better option than most other off the shelf 230gr options. So long as the brass is large primer, the brass would be worth it.

Reloading gadgets can get terribly expensive once you get obsessed with this great hobby.

Especially when you consider the value of your time, and not just monetarily speaking.

OP, here.  Thanks to all for the great info.....

I'm located in southern Oregon.  Just updated my profile.

I have yet to do any reloading, but understand that that's the way to go in this sport.
I do have an RCBS Rockchucker, scale, powder measure, several reloading manuals, etc and am busy reading.  I have all the components and dies to load .380, as a place to start.  Local reloaders have offered help in getting me going.  I'll start looking for 45ACP components.

So I'm on the reloading road, though barely.  In the meantime, I was thinking that some factory ammo like the 185gr PMC might not be great, but an affordable way to get practicing with my new 1911.

Thanks again....

WSR32 gives good advice. The Wilson Combat reloads have worked really well for me. You get mixed brass but mine has all been high quality for reloads. The Wilson Combat 770 fps is on sale now at $246 per 400. So about 62 cents/round. I am thinking the PMC stuff will be over a dollar per round and not nearly as accurate or soft shooting as the WC reloads.  Here is a link: https://shopwilsoncombat.com/45-ACP-REMANUFACTURED-200GR-GLC-L-SWC-770-FPS-5-BARREL-400-BULK/productinfo/RA45%2D200%2DLSWC%2DT/
Todd

At least the WC ammo is lead SWC. I'm a firm believer in leaving the 185JHP ammo for the HM shooters wringing every point out they can. When you start with 45 after shooting 22 the recoil is not your friend, reducing it is more important than a possible extra 1/2" in accuracy.

That WC 770f/s load is very soft shooting. Softer than my 9mm lightweight commander shoots.

M

Well that's good because a lightweight commander in 9mm with irons would be pretty snappy.

I've been convinced  
I'll order some Wilson Combat SWC 200gr to get me started.

My thanks to all....

Good thread. 

Are there any other niche brands out there with soft 45 ACP loads like WC or Atlanta Arms with bullseye in mind?

LoaderMonkey loads 45 match ammo for the USAR and others.

https://www.loadermonkey.com/

Nosler makes Custom Competition 45 ammo with the 185gr JHP (#51271)  Saw some on GB.  Probably a bit fast at 980fps compared to approx. 800fps on the Dorman/USMC load.