.45 ACP mold Decision Paralysis: need suggestions

I'm looking to purchase a mold for my 1911 in .45 ACP. I'd like a flat nose so that I can use it as both in a plinking load and possibly in a woods carry load for coyotes and other beasties. My issue is there's just too many to choose from! I know that the 1911 can be finicky with non-round nosed bullets. Mine seems to feed and cycle hollow points O.K. but I haven't had the opportunity to try flat noses. I've cast plenty of muzzle loader bullets but I've never cast for or reloaded cartridges before so I haven't pinned down what weight to use, lube vs. powder coat, etc. though I'll probably be using softer lead with a water quench.

I was wondering what molds/loads/methods you fine folks might be using that work for you. Thanks!

I'm kinda looking too. The Lee 200gr rnfp cycles good for me and it's easy to cast. I powder coated them.

CaptainNarwhals wrote:I'm looking to purchase a mold for my 1911 in .45 ACP. I'd like a flat nose so that I can use it as both in a plinking load and possibly in a woods carry load for coyotes and other beasties. My issue is there's just too many to choose from! I know that the 1911 can be finicky with non-round nosed bullets. Mine seems to feed and cycle hollow points O.K. but I haven't had the opportunity to try flat noses. I've cast plenty of muzzle loader bullets but I've never cast for or reloaded cartridges before so I haven't pinned down what weight to use, lube vs. powder coat, etc. though I'll probably be using softer lead with a water quench.

I was wondering what molds/loads/methods you fine folks might be using that work for you. Thanks!

Hello I bought a mold from accurate molds, it’s a 200gr truncated cone bullet. It has a nice flat point leaves a good hole in the target and is verry accurate as well


I usually just use lee’s liquid alox and have 0 leading and no alox buildup either, it’s just my preference. My 45 acp doesn’t like hollow points but this feeds just as good as a round nose. Normally I’m using wheel weight metal and let them air cool, and you will need to slug the barrel and go .001”-.002” over. Mine takes a .451” pretty typical. Also you will have to specify what metal you are using too. I hope this helps you

Oh I forgot to mention Lyman pistol and handgun manual has a tons of good info, it’s the same info as the regular manual with out the rifle data. Blue dot is a good powder but dirty, 800x and universal is another good one just look at the manuals and decide what’s best for you

And one last but extremely important piece of info! Head spacing! You’ll probably have to trim your brass before you can use it. The pictures above have correct head spacing for my 45 acp, and when you expand the brass you only want to do so just enough to just start the bullet and no more