i have been thinking about it for a long time. does anyone have a good starting point for me ie websites, powder etc.

thanks
lojack

Put a .457" lead ball [commonly available] in a .45acp case with no powder. Press the ball all the way into the case until it touches the primer.

This will not feed or cycle the action, but it will shoot.

Work up from there with Unique or Bullseye.

3.5 grains of bullseye behind a 185 or 200 grain lead bullet was the standard bullseye load for many years. It should work fine, though it often needs a reduced power recoil spring to function. Springs are cheap, so this is no great difficulty.