Dumb question and I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but...

andyandmaryk · July 3, 2011, 09:59 PM

Can I use a Lee .45 acp FCD to crimp a 45-70?

Jim243 · July 4, 2011, 12:49 AM

Call Lee, they can tell you.

Jim

Lost Sheep · July 4, 2011, 01:52 AM

It would be quicker to try one and see how it comes out. .007" difference in diameter.... could work.

But there is a fly in the ointment.

I suspect you might have to knock the sizing ring out of the die (or it might come out by itself as you withdraw the case after the first attempt). Lee FCD dies have a carbide sizing ring in the mouth of the die intended to give a final sizing of the case after the bullet has been seated in the flared case.

For extra safety, load a couple with no powder or primer. I might put a little lube on the outside.

What are you shooting the 45-70 in? Lever action? Single shot?

Lost Sheep

Powderman · July 4, 2011, 02:55 AM

Short answer...no.

The .45 ACP calls for a bullet of .451 or .452 diameter. The nominal bullet diameter on the .45-70 is .458 or .459 for lead bullets.

If you're shooting modern .45-70 loads with jacketed bullets, use a firm roll crimp in the cannelure of the bullet. Your dies should be equipped with a roll crimp feature. For cast bullets, crimp into the crimping groove of the bullet (usually the top groove).

For single shot rifles, no crimp is needed--simply set the die to remove the belling at the case mouth.

July 3, 2011, 09:59 PM	#1
andyandmaryk Junior Member Join Date: January 19, 2008 Posts: 3	Dumb question and I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but... Can I use a Lee .45 acp FCD to crimp a 45-70?

July 4, 2011, 12:49 AM	#2
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Call Lee, they can tell you. Jim __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum

July 4, 2011, 01:52 AM	#3
Lost Sheep Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2009 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 3,341	Try it It would be quicker to try one and see how it comes out. .007" difference in diameter.... could work. But there is a fly in the ointment. I suspect you might have to knock the sizing ring out of the die (or it might come out by itself as you withdraw the case after the first attempt). Lee FCD dies have a carbide sizing ring in the mouth of the die intended to give a final sizing of the case after the bullet has been seated in the flared case. For extra safety, load a couple with no powder or primer. I might put a little lube on the outside. What are you shooting the 45-70 in? Lever action? Single shot? Lost Sheep

July 4, 2011, 02:55 AM	#4
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	Short answer...no. The .45 ACP calls for a bullet of .451 or .452 diameter. The nominal bullet diameter on the .45-70 is .458 or .459 for lead bullets. If you're shooting modern .45-70 loads with jacketed bullets, use a firm roll crimp in the cannelure of the bullet. Your dies should be equipped with a roll crimp feature. For cast bullets, crimp into the crimping groove of the bullet (usually the top groove). For single shot rifles, no crimp is needed--simply set the die to remove the belling at the case mouth. __________________ Hiding in plain sight...