Winchester AutoComp?

As mentioned in an earlier thread I just purchased my first reloader, a Dillon XL 650 and the first powder I will be using is Winchester AutoComp.  I plan to load .45 ACP, .38 special wadcutters, 9mm and possibly .32 S&W wadcutters if I ever find a gun in that caliber.  Opinions on the AutoComp, especially for a novice reloader?

Buy a reloading manual and read it.
Sorry to sound harsh but just do it.

Dave C.

AutoComp powder is a relatively slow burning powder for Bullseye shooting, as compared to N310, Clays, Bullseye, W231 or even Unique. Mostly its used in race guns that have compensators. 

Box up the 650; store it in the closet; buy a single stage press and a couple reloading manuals; learn to reload the traditional bullseye loads for .45 ACP, .38 wadcutters and 9 mm. If after a year of reloading thousands of rounds and shooting bullseye you've made no serious loading mistakes, give the single stage press to some young and upcoming bullseye shooter and set up the 650. 

Welcome to Bullseye.

Do not be afraid to try Autocomp in 9 mm. I was advised to try Autocomp by a commercial reloaded who told me that is what he used in his match 9 mm ammo.( St Marks SMP224) it has shot many groups under 1.5" at 50 yards.

Tom

IMO use the loading manual only for how to load and prep cases and the such don't use load info from a regular loading manual, it will all be way to hot for accurate target shooting, a single press is fine but any reasonably  intelligent person can use of a 650 it will be easy to figure out and it does come with instructions. I started with a lee 1000 progressive and never looked back, using a Dillon 1050 and a hornady lock-n-load now, the best thing to prevent mistakes no matter what press you use is keeping your mind focused on what your doing and constantly checking, add a Dillon powder safety buzzer or even better a rcbs lock out die, these will keep you from building a squib loads(no powder) or a double charged round. when your beginning, only load small amounts at first, that way if you have something that isn't that great you don't have a 100 of them to do something with.

AllAces wrote:AutoComp powder is a relatively slow burning powder for Bullseye shooting, as compared to N310, Clays, Bullseye, W231 or even Unique. Mostly its used in race guns that have compensators. 

Box up the 650; store it in the closet; buy a single stage press and a couple reloading manuals; learn to reload the traditional bullseye loads for .45 ACP, .38 wadcutters and 9 mm. If after a year of reloading thousands of rounds and shooting bullseye you've made no serious loading mistakes, give the single stage press to some young and upcoming bullseye shooter and set up the 650. 

Welcome to Bullseye.

I think we already established that the 650 can be operated like a single stage press.  And most certainly I'll be reading all of the instructions, at least one manual and generally taking it slow.  Incidently, Lyman's 49th ed. does not list the AutoComp.  Do I just use the Winchester's load data?

Use the online data. Back off 5-10% for starters if it only lists max loads.

PM me and I will send you two burn rate charts.  Apparently the files will not attach to this msg.  AutoComp load data can be found at the vendor website.

The 650 is a great press. I've taught numerous new shooters how to load on one. Each station can be used one at a time. 

It's best to learn with a mentor. One of my buddies will text me a picture of his set up if things aren't going well. I've rarely had a problem diagnosing his predicament. Find a mentor at your nearest bullseye club. 

Finding powder now can be a challenge. Finding one powder to do everything is a challenge even under the best of situations. If I had to load using just one powder, I'd use Bullseye or Titegroup. Autocomp may work fine, but you'll be doing almost all the research and development on your own. Traditionally, this R&D is best left to experienced reloaders, but you'll learn a lot quickly if you are able to do it on your own. 

It is always solid advice to get a manual. That and your Dillon instructions will get you going. Find a mentor too though.

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

has a 45acp with Auto Comp load listing

Jack H wrote:http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

has a 45acp with Auto Comp load listing

Thanks for the link, Jack, 
I looked at several combinations of powder and Bullet weight (they don't differentiate jacketed vs cast). BE target loads are around the starting charges listed and may even below by a few tenths.

Was I a little too hasty to buy AutoComp for my first time powder?

Short answer, Yes;. If you google it you can read many topics from people who have used it for one thing or another.

DavidR wrote:Short answer, Yes;. If you google it you can read many topics from people who have used it for one thing or another.

Well, it's possible that I can return it.  Would that be a good idea?

I would. try and find in this order of imo, best: bullseye, tightgroup, vitivhouri V-310,Clays (be careful, several different kinds, just plain clays is the one to get) Winchester WST or 231, Hp-38(is same as W231) , 700x, Any of these will produce great accuracy and good bullseye loading info is readily available.  others like red dot, greendot, unique, A#5 can be used but aren't as much these days.

have you read this, it might help you; this will give you recipe's for super accurate loads from some of the best shooters in our sport.
https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t1209-pet-loads-of-top-shooters-loads-from-the-past

Everything that DavidR says is classic bullseye loading info and has stood the test of time.

OK, I just purchased some Bullseye.  Now what to do with 8 lbs. of AutoComp if I can't return it.

beeser wrote:OK, I just purchased some Bullseye.  Now what to do with 8 lbs. of AutoComp if I can't return it.

Lots and lots of IDPA and or USPSA style ammo for gamer and self defense training ammo.

Store that autocomp away for future load work. You may not need it now, but a few years down the road you never know. Its never a bad idea to have a few different powders on hand when your working with new guns/calibers/uses.

beeser wrote:OK, I just purchased some Bullseye.  Now what to do with 8 lbs. of AutoComp if I can't return it.

Just curious, where did you find 8 lbs of Bullseye?

AllAces wrote:

beeser wrote:OK, I just purchased some Bullseye.  Now what to do with 8 lbs. of AutoComp if I can't return it.

Just curious, where did you find 8 lbs of Bullseye?

The AutoComp was 8 lbs.  I purchased a couple of 1 lb. containers of Bullseye from a guy in Ohio.  He had it listed on GB.  Someone on this forum recommended going this route.

now your on the right road to X's ! Next you need some good bullets, 185's and 200's are easy to find and will drill the x ring out of a good gun.

Beeser;

Do a lot of research on the internet especially "back page" in the Arizona area.
I have come across a lot of useful bullseye and target shooting supplies in the Phoenix area off back page.
Purchased 1000 Nosler 185gr JHP Custom Competition bullets for $180. shipped.
On back page found a gentleman selling off Hornady 185gr JSWC button nosed bullets.
Bought 3000 of them for $300. cash
Had some shooting friends that went to Perry this year and picked up 4 lbs of Bullseye for me.
I am set for a few years at the rate I will be shooting the .45
Not to worried about primers cause they are on the shelves, but at a higher price than before, but have scored some through back page cheap at times.
Just keep an eye out for bargains, they do happen.

Clarence

Thanks Clarence!  We do get over to Phoenix occasionally so I'll try to keep an eye out for some bargains.  Pickings are a little slim out here Mohave County but we also get up to Las Vegas and San Diego often.  In fact, we just returned from San Diego.  I visited a gun shop there and was informed that new legislation is being proposed for ammo sales.  Apparently mail order will be prohibited and over the counter sales will require a background check, etc.

Besides the AutoComp and Bullseye I was also able to get some Alliant Unique.