Reloading .45ACP question

EvilSVT · September 8, 2005, 11:23 AM

I'm about to pick up the 3pc Lee die set and was wondering, should I pick up the taper die also?

Edward429451 · September 8, 2005, 11:25 AM

Yep.

Michaelm45 · September 8, 2005, 11:28 AM

Yep. .469-.471
No roll crimps in 45 autos.

EvilSVT · September 8, 2005, 11:34 AM

thanks guys, i only ask because on midway under the description, it says the taper crimp is somewhat built into the seating die. But i've read that to get a better crimp, the taper crimp die is needed.

Edward429451 · September 8, 2005, 11:51 AM

That probably means that if you'll be loading jacketed, then the seating die is ok but that if you'll be loading lead then you better get a dedicated tapercrimp die. Lead requires a slightly bigger flare on the case mouth than jacketed.

Jeeper · September 8, 2005, 01:09 PM

Are you loading on a progressive? If you are doing it on a singlestage then I wouldnt add the extra step unless you dont load much.

jacobtowne · September 8, 2005, 02:21 PM

I use the Lee three piece standard dies for all my .45ACP loads, including cast lead bullets. The regular die gives a perfectly acceptable taper crimp.
JT

Zekewolf · September 8, 2005, 08:16 PM

If you're going to seat and crimp separately, use the Lee Factory Crimp Die. Much easier to control the crimp and post-sizes the loaded cases.

rwilson452 · September 8, 2005, 10:51 PM

I crimp separate. Mostly I load LSWC bullets and it works best. I have heard Lee now sels a four die set for .45ACP that includes the taper crimp die. Be sure to get the carbide die set not the steel dies. Carbide dies don't require the case to be lubed.

the Leee 4 die set is part number 90968 for .45ACP

crazylegs · September 9, 2005, 09:40 AM

Well, I suggest Hornady's New Dimension die set and I recommend the Hornady taper crimp die in addition. It'll cost you a bit more but to me, it's well worth it.
Crazylegs

EvilSVT · September 9, 2005, 12:34 PM

any reason as to why the hornady dies would be better?

ozzy1038 · September 10, 2005, 05:09 AM

Just buy the Lee Factory Crimp Die and forget about it. It will end chambering issues. Some people knock Lee but the Factory Crimp Die is one product that most agree favorably upon.

crazylegs · September 10, 2005, 07:51 AM

Ignore my post Evil. Looks like you've made your decision. I was out of line for suggesting another brand.

I will say one thing: If you're going to load cast, forget the FCD and get a standard taper crimp die.
Crazylegs

EvilSVT · September 10, 2005, 09:51 AM

crazy, don't take it that way, i was just asking for you input. I'm a sucker for information and was just looking for you opinion on them.

WESHOOT2 · September 10, 2005, 10:17 AM

Fine as long as it's the carbide set; add a LEE Carbide Factory Crimp die.

Trust me.

crazylegs · September 10, 2005, 12:56 PM

No offense was taken Evil. The reason I suggest a standard taper crimp die (not a profile die) over the FCD for loading cast is you'll end up sizing down the bullet along with the case with the FCD. It negates having the standard .452" for a cast bullet diameter. Of couse, the FCD lovers will be along shortly to tell you I'm fos.

Crazylegs

Edward429451 · September 10, 2005, 03:49 PM

Quote:

you'll end up sizing down the bullet along with the case with the FCD.

I've heard this before. Is it true? Has anyone ever FCD'd a .452 lead bullet and pulled it to find its then .451?

WESHOOT2 · September 10, 2005, 03:54 PM

Not for me, even when using my 252g .453" LSWC-FP Meister bullets designed for the 45 Colt; I use the LEE FCD for just about every application (but oddly, I have the Hornady dies in 45 ACP and use the taper crimp for specific applications. Odd, ay?).

ozzy1038 · September 10, 2005, 04:03 PM

I have never pulled a bullet to see either. But really have no need to as the accuracy is more than adequate for my needs (it's more accurate than me).

Dave R · September 12, 2005, 11:00 PM

I've been reloading .45acp using the Lee 3-die set for about 3 months and maybe 500 rounds. Have not missed the Factory Crimp Die. (Even though I have one for 9mm and .380acp.)

September 8, 2005, 11:23 AM	#1
EvilSVT Member Join Date: October 17, 2001 Posts: 27	Reloading .45ACP question I'm about to pick up the 3pc Lee die set and was wondering, should I pick up the taper die also?

September 8, 2005, 01:09 PM	#6
Jeeper Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2001 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 776	Are you loading on a progressive? If you are doing it on a singlestage then I wouldnt add the extra step unless you dont load much. __________________ Gun control theory - A woman raped and strangled is morally superior to a woman with a smoking gun and a dead rapist at her feet.

September 8, 2005, 10:51 PM	#9
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	taper crimp die I crimp separate. Mostly I load LSWC bullets and it works best. I have heard Lee now sels a four die set for .45ACP that includes the taper crimp die. Be sure to get the carbide die set not the steel dies. Carbide dies don't require the case to be lubed. the Leee 4 die set is part number 90968 for .45ACP

September 10, 2005, 05:09 AM	#12
ozzy1038 Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2005 Posts: 110	Just buy the Lee Factory Crimp Die and forget about it. It will end chambering issues. Some people knock Lee but the Factory Crimp Die is one product that most agree favorably upon. __________________ Lead Thrower

September 10, 2005, 10:17 AM	#15
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	Lee Fine as long as it's the carbide set; add a LEE Carbide Factory Crimp die. Trust me. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

September 8, 2005, 11:25 AM	#2
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	Yep.

September 8, 2005, 11:28 AM	#3
Michaelm45 Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2004 Location: NV Posts: 215	Yep. .469-.471 No roll crimps in 45 autos.

September 8, 2005, 11:34 AM	#4
EvilSVT Member Join Date: October 17, 2001 Posts: 27	thanks guys, i only ask because on midway under the description, it says the taper crimp is somewhat built into the seating die. But i've read that to get a better crimp, the taper crimp die is needed.

September 8, 2005, 11:51 AM	#5
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	That probably means that if you'll be loading jacketed, then the seating die is ok but that if you'll be loading lead then you better get a dedicated tapercrimp die. Lead requires a slightly bigger flare on the case mouth than jacketed.

September 8, 2005, 02:21 PM	#7
jacobtowne Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2005 Location: New England Posts: 277	I use the Lee three piece standard dies for all my .45ACP loads, including cast lead bullets. The regular die gives a perfectly acceptable taper crimp. JT

September 8, 2005, 08:16 PM	#8
Zekewolf Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 2005 Posts: 886	If you're going to seat and crimp separately, use the Lee Factory Crimp Die. Much easier to control the crimp and post-sizes the loaded cases.

September 9, 2005, 09:40 AM	#10
crazylegs Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2004 Posts: 145	Well, I suggest Hornady's New Dimension die set and I recommend the Hornady taper crimp die in addition. It'll cost you a bit more but to me, it's well worth it. Crazylegs

September 9, 2005, 12:34 PM	#11
EvilSVT Member Join Date: October 17, 2001 Posts: 27	any reason as to why the hornady dies would be better?

September 10, 2005, 07:51 AM	#13
crazylegs Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2004 Posts: 145	Ignore my post Evil. Looks like you've made your decision. I was out of line for suggesting another brand. I will say one thing: If you're going to load cast, forget the FCD and get a standard taper crimp die. Crazylegs

September 10, 2005, 09:51 AM	#14
EvilSVT Member Join Date: October 17, 2001 Posts: 27	crazy, don't take it that way, i was just asking for you input. I'm a sucker for information and was just looking for you opinion on them.

September 10, 2005, 12:56 PM	#16
crazylegs Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2004 Posts: 145	No offense was taken Evil. The reason I suggest a standard taper crimp die (not a profile die) over the FCD for loading cast is you'll end up sizing down the bullet along with the case with the FCD. It negates having the standard .452" for a cast bullet diameter. Of couse, the FCD lovers will be along shortly to tell you I'm fos. Crazylegs

September 10, 2005, 03:54 PM	#18
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	well........ Not for me, even when using my 252g .453" LSWC-FP Meister bullets designed for the 45 Colt; I use the LEE FCD for just about every application (but oddly, I have the Hornady dies in 45 ACP and use the taper crimp for specific applications. Odd, ay?). __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

September 10, 2005, 04:03 PM	#19
ozzy1038 Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2005 Posts: 110	I have never pulled a bullet to see either. But really have no need to as the accuracy is more than adequate for my needs (it's more accurate than me). __________________ Lead Thrower

September 12, 2005, 11:00 PM	#20
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 6,073	I've been reloading .45acp using the Lee 3-die set for about 3 months and maybe 500 rounds. Have not missed the Factory Crimp Die. (Even though I have one for 9mm and .380acp.) __________________ I am Pro-Rights (on gun issues).