Reload a .45ACP Pistol cartridge

Reloading checklist for .45 ACP pistol

Own a reloading manual. Beg, borrow or buy. Read throughly. Acknowledge all warnings.

Inspect brass for defects

Clean inside of cartridge case (reamer) LIGHTLY

Decap - lube cases if necessary

Decap - resize case in one action

Ream primer pocket

Tumble in brass tumbler (add polisher if desired at this point)

Prime cartridge with large pistol primers

Slightly bell the mouth of the cartridge about 0.002 to 0.003. Just enough for the bullet to slide in ever so slightly.

Add correct amount of powder. Weight, measure, weight, measure... ...

Visually inspect cartridges for powder overfill. IE: double charge, missed fill. IMPORTANT IMPORTANT. You may even weigh the cartridge if you wish to.

Visually inspect cartridges for powder overfill. IE: double charge, missed fill. IMPORTANT IMPORTANT. You may even weigh the cartridge if you wish to. YEP this is a double check. Same thing again

Seat bullet and taper crimp with a 30-06 crimping die.

Check bullet C.O.L. Important due to very high internal pressures. 10 tons +

Test cartridge for correct fit and clearances in barrel.. check carefully at this point