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Since we're both in Friendswood, why don't you come over? I'll show you my reloading room and we can visit a while.

I primarily load 45 ACP, 40 S&W, .357 Mag and 38 Special (primarily for teaching). I haven't loaded 9mm yet, but I have a fair amount of brass. I load far more 45 ACP than any other caliber.

As for cost savings, I load copper-plated 230 gr. RN 45's for about $85/1,000, not counting brass. (45 ACP brass will last forever, unlike .357's.) I don't buy virgin brass. When I need more, I simply buy a 1,000 rds of green box Remington 230 gr FMJ at $170/1,000. (Not the nickle plated stuff.) With 45 brass running about $100/1,000 plus shipping, it doesn't make sense to buy virgin brass. I did send an email to some fellow that is selling once-fired 45 brass for $22 to $25 per 1,000, depending upon quantity. I haven't heard back from him yet. At that price, I’ll probably order 10,000 rds, if it sounds like good brass. (Stay away from A-Merc.) I have a lot of S&B 45 ACP and it’s good brass. However, on the first reloading, about 5% crush a primer. The S&B primers aren’t crimped in like military brass, but my guess is the primer pocket must be a hair small.

Powder: I've read that Unique has been reformulated and is much cleaner these days, but I haven't tried it. WW 231 is a very popular powder for 45 ACP and I still use it. I've also experimented with Clays, but have a hard time getting the IDPA power factor with 200 PSWC's. Clays is certainly a clean powder.

Well, that's enough rambling for now. Let me know if you want to get together. If there are any other folks in the area thinking of getting into reloading, I'd be happy to have you join us either at our home in Friendswood, or at the PSC range. Maybe I can talk the wife into making us some burgers.

Regards,
Chas.