sureshot2040: before you load those 45 LC bullets into 45 acp brass, check the diameter to assure they are no larger than .452 diameter. That's about the largest diameter bullet you should shoot in the 45 acp. If they are larger, don't! For proper load data for those powders and those bullets, check out a Midway Load Map for the 45 acp.
Good barrels do not come cheaply. A hi-quality drop in no gunsmithing barrel from Ed Brown, which will get you under 2" at 25 yds with hardball, goes for about $185, but they are worth it. A lesser expensive alternative is to keep the current barrel, if it is accurate enough, and have a gunsmith cut the barrel to proper length and crown it - that should work, if it is already an accurate barrel - if not, you should consider getting another barrell. HTH. Mikey.
