45 Colt with 45 acp Dies??

sourdough44 · March 7, 2010, 06:13 PM

Can 45acp dies be used in any way when reloading the 45 Colt? resize, bell, or bullet seating? I just read a comment about doing it & may set up to load the 45 colt. Besides being longer the brass should be close in size. Thanks.

GeauxTide · March 7, 2010, 07:20 PM

Follow the factory recommendations. Dies are cheap.

sourdough44 · March 7, 2010, 08:30 PM

Yes, I am truly leaning that way. A family member won a "Judge" & I will either buy him a little ammo or set up to reload the 45 Colt. It's a low round count proposition but I thought maybe I will set up to reload it, never know when I may pick one up(45 colt not the Judge). I'd stay down in the 'cowboy action' power levels.

I ask because I see some die manufactures that advertise dies for rounds that can easily be loaded with combination length dies. Some are 40 s&w/10mm,38/357,44spcl/44mag, & a few others. That is they advertise & make different dies for both the 38 and 357 mag. Just a few thoughts.

I ordered Lee 45 Colt dies, on sale at Midwayusa for $33 or so. I also bought a 4 5/8" SS Blackhawk in 45 Colt today. I may as well jump in & go for it.

zippy13 · March 7, 2010, 09:05 PM

I ask because I see some die manufactures that advertise dies for rounds that can easily be loaded with combination length dies. Some are 40 s&w/10mm,38/357,44spcl/44mag, & a few others. That is they advertise & make different dies for both the 38 and 357 mag. Just a few thoughts.

Yes, but .357 rem mags are just lengthened .38 specials. The same applies to many other cartridges. I wouldn't be surprised to see a die set advertised for .45 Colt (long), 454 Casull* and .460 S & W**. On the other hand, .45 Colts and .45 ACPs are almost as different as day and night.

*.454 Casull is a lengthened .45 Long Colt
**.460 S & W mag is a lengthened .454 Casull

azklmsr · March 7, 2010, 09:49 PM

Results are poor. The ACP walls are thinner than 45 LC. You over size down the LC brass, It's very tough to size as well.

I've done this and I would not do it again. As some one said, dies are pretty cheap

caligula · November 13, 2019, 02:23 AM

Thanks for the input about wall thickness! Makes sense; .45 acp locates on the mouth of the case and .45 colt locates on the rim. Difference in case thickness would affect the sizing part of the equation. I will change my planes.

**44 AMP** · November 13, 2019, 04:07 AM

I wouldn't.

Do you have a loading manual? (if not GET ONE!) One that has little drawings of the cases, with the dimensions on it.

Unless otherwise specified, assume the dimensions shown for the cases are the maximum allowed.

The .45 Colt case is straight, .480" at the mouth with no taper, so .480" at the case head above the rim.

The .45ACP case is tapered, .473" at the mouth tapering to .476" at the case head.

Generally speaking, sizing dies do not return the fired cases to max size specs, they usually squeeze the cases down to a bit below minimum specs,

so using a .45ACP sizer die for .45 Colt brass is essentially, shoving a tube that's supposed to be .480" into a hole that is .473", and then pulling it back out. Does that sound like a good idea?

Dies that do .38spl & .357, .44 Spl & .44 magnum use one sizer die because both the special and magnum cases are straight and the same diameter. Using .45 ACP sizer on .45 Colt brass is using a die for a tapered case .007" smaller in diameter than the Colt case is supposed to be.

Get the right dies for the caliber you're going to load. If you don't screw them up, they'll out last you. If you've the cash to pay for convenience, spend the extra bucks and get a die set with a carbide sizer. For me, not having to lube cases over the lifetime of use is worth a few more bucks up front.

I'm not a fan of Lee dies. They work, and usually they're the cheapest out there. I just don't care for their features. By choice, I use Lyman or RCBS, but that's a personal preference.

AgedWarrior · November 13, 2019, 08:03 AM

One could seat bullets using .45 ACP dies on .45 Colt, and I suppose you could flare, but otherwise they are really not compatible as has been pointed out. Even the crimp on .45 ACP differs from .45 Colt, with ACP being taper verses roll crimp on the Colt cases. Much better off with proper dies. Since you also elected to purchase a Blackhawk for yourself (good choice!) you should be careful to not use any of the .45 Colt loads for Ruger Blackhawk and mix them up with what you load for your friends Judge. If you are staying with cowboy loads you should not have a worry, but the Blackhawk loads might terminate the Judge and cause some nasty injuries or worse. I am guessing you already know this, but it is worth mentioning.

Charlie98 · November 13, 2019, 09:46 AM

I have an early set of Hornady .45 dies... they are labeled .45ACP/Colt/WM... and I can tell you from experience they do NOT work on Colt... they will smash those cases into junk.

You can use certain features of the dies... the case bell, for example, but you are better off getting a set of dedicated .45 Colt dies.

David R · November 13, 2019, 10:46 AM

I do it and get great accuracy. My model 25 uses. .452 bullets.

I bought the gun in 1990. Never a problem. Must be I am the only one.

David

T. O'Heir · November 13, 2019, 12:55 PM

OP is nearly 20 years old.

USSR · November 13, 2019, 04:34 PM

Quote:

OP is nearly 20 years old.
__________________
Spelling and grammar count!

So does math!

Don

zeke · November 13, 2019, 06:05 PM

Have used a 45 acp sizing die to neck size 45 LC cases for better interference fit with some 45 acp jacketed bullets. Worked extremely well, as some 45 acp jacketed bullets are not much more than .450 in. But again, it can depend on the specific case and bullet and bullet being used. They ain't all be the same.

Hammerhead · November 14, 2019, 06:23 PM

Quote:

OP is nearly 20 years old.

T.O'Heir is nearly 66 years old.

I use my 45 auto M expander and comp seater die with the 45 Colt. Works great with SWC's.
Szze and crimp dies are dedicated 45 Colt dies.

March 7, 2010, 06:13 PM	#1
sourdough44 Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2007 Location: WI Posts: 621	45 Colt with 45 acp Dies?? Can 45acp dies be used in any way when reloading the 45 Colt? resize, bell, or bullet seating? I just read a comment about doing it & may set up to load the 45 colt. Besides being longer the brass should be close in size. Thanks.

March 7, 2010, 08:30 PM	#3
sourdough44 Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2007 Location: WI Posts: 621	Yes, I am truly leaning that way. A family member won a "Judge" & I will either buy him a little ammo or set up to reload the 45 Colt. It's a low round count proposition but I thought maybe I will set up to reload it, never know when I may pick one up(45 colt not the Judge). I'd stay down in the 'cowboy action' power levels. I ask because I see some die manufactures that advertise dies for rounds that can easily be loaded with combination length dies. Some are 40 s&w/10mm,38/357,44spcl/44mag, & a few others. That is they advertise & make different dies for both the 38 and 357 mag. Just a few thoughts. I ordered Lee 45 Colt dies, on sale at Midwayusa for $33 or so. I also bought a 4 5/8" SS Blackhawk in 45 Colt today. I may as well jump in & go for it. Last edited by sourdough44; March 10, 2010 at 11:58 AM.

March 7, 2010, 09:05 PM	#4
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	I ask because I see some die manufactures that advertise dies for rounds that can easily be loaded with combination length dies. Some are 40 s&w/10mm,38/357,44spcl/44mag, & a few others. That is they advertise & make different dies for both the 38 and 357 mag. Just a few thoughts. Yes, but .357 rem mags are just lengthened .38 specials. The same applies to many other cartridges. I wouldn't be surprised to see a die set advertised for .45 Colt (long), 454 Casull* and .460 S & W*. On the other hand, .45 Colts and .45 ACPs are almost as different as day and night. .454 Casull is a lengthened .45 Long Colt **.460 S & W mag is a lengthened .454 Casull

November 13, 2019, 02:23 AM	#6
caligula Member Join Date: November 1, 2017 Posts: 42	.45 colt with .45 acp dies Thanks for the input about wall thickness! Makes sense; .45 acp locates on the mouth of the case and .45 colt locates on the rim. Difference in case thickness would affect the sizing part of the equation. I will change my planes.

November 13, 2019, 04:07 AM	#7
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,850	I wouldn't. Do you have a loading manual? (if not GET ONE!) One that has little drawings of the cases, with the dimensions on it. Unless otherwise specified, assume the dimensions shown for the cases are the maximum allowed. The .45 Colt case is straight, .480" at the mouth with no taper, so .480" at the case head above the rim. The .45ACP case is tapered, .473" at the mouth tapering to .476" at the case head. Generally speaking, sizing dies do not return the fired cases to max size specs, they usually squeeze the cases down to a bit below minimum specs, so using a .45ACP sizer die for .45 Colt brass is essentially, shoving a tube that's supposed to be .480" into a hole that is .473", and then pulling it back out. Does that sound like a good idea? Dies that do .38spl & .357, .44 Spl & .44 magnum use one sizer die because both the special and magnum cases are straight and the same diameter. Using .45 ACP sizer on .45 Colt brass is using a die for a tapered case .007" smaller in diameter than the Colt case is supposed to be. Get the right dies for the caliber you're going to load. If you don't screw them up, they'll out last you. If you've the cash to pay for convenience, spend the extra bucks and get a die set with a carbide sizer. For me, not having to lube cases over the lifetime of use is worth a few more bucks up front. I'm not a fan of Lee dies. They work, and usually they're the cheapest out there. I just don't care for their features. By choice, I use Lyman or RCBS, but that's a personal preference. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

March 7, 2010, 07:20 PM	#2
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	Follow the factory recommendations. Dies are cheap.

March 7, 2010, 09:49 PM	#5
azklmsr Member Join Date: December 17, 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 32	Results are poor. The ACP walls are thinner than 45 LC. You over size down the LC brass, It's very tough to size as well. I've done this and I would not do it again. As some one said, dies are pretty cheap

November 13, 2019, 08:03 AM	#8
AgedWarrior Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2019 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 210	One could seat bullets using .45 ACP dies on .45 Colt, and I suppose you could flare, but otherwise they are really not compatible as has been pointed out. Even the crimp on .45 ACP differs from .45 Colt, with ACP being taper verses roll crimp on the Colt cases. Much better off with proper dies. Since you also elected to purchase a Blackhawk for yourself (good choice!) you should be careful to not use any of the .45 Colt loads for Ruger Blackhawk and mix them up with what you load for your friends Judge. If you are staying with cowboy loads you should not have a worry, but the Blackhawk loads might terminate the Judge and cause some nasty injuries or worse. I am guessing you already know this, but it is worth mentioning.

November 13, 2019, 09:46 AM	#9
Charlie98 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2006 Location: Great state of Texas Posts: 1,077	I have an early set of Hornady .45 dies... they are labeled .45ACP/Colt/WM... and I can tell you from experience they do NOT work on Colt... they will smash those cases into junk. You can use certain features of the dies... the case bell, for example, but you are better off getting a set of dedicated .45 Colt dies. __________________ _______________ "I have this pistol pointed at your heart!" "That is my least vulnerable spot."

November 13, 2019, 10:46 AM	#10
David R Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2015 Location: The swamps of WNY Posts: 753	45 Colt with 45 acp Dies?? I do it and get great accuracy. My model 25 uses. .452 bullets. I bought the gun in 1990. Never a problem. Must be I am the only one. David

November 13, 2019, 12:55 PM	#11
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	OP is nearly 20 years old. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

November 13, 2019, 06:05 PM	#13
zeke Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 1999 Location: NW Wi Posts: 1,671	Have used a 45 acp sizing die to neck size 45 LC cases for better interference fit with some 45 acp jacketed bullets. Worked extremely well, as some 45 acp jacketed bullets are not much more than .450 in. But again, it can depend on the specific case and bullet and bullet being used. They ain't all be the same.