.45 ACP same as .45 LC?

Nunya53 · November 26, 2009, 09:01 AM

I'm working on getting all components together to begin reloading, but yet to get a reloading manual. A quick question is, the .45 auto projectile (bullet) the same dimensionally as the .45 colt projectile? I realize there are different weights depending on style and application.

Thanks,

Nunya

hodaka · November 26, 2009, 09:08 AM

The quick answer is "yes".

sserdlihc · November 26, 2009, 09:18 AM

A manual should've been your first purchase. It will answer alot of your questions now and in the future. I suggest you buy a couple of manuals and read them from cover to cover.

Jim Watson · November 26, 2009, 09:28 AM

You MUST have the book(s)

But in the meanwhile, the correct answer is "almost."

.45 ACP jacketed bullet diameter is commonly .451", some .452"; .45 Colt is nearly all .452".
.45 ACP cast bullet diameter is commonly .452", .45 Colt runs from .452" to .454"+.

Some loaders use 230 gr roundnose .45 ACP bullets in .45 Colt satisfactorily, some have trouble with the thousandth undersize, short bearing surface, and lack of a crimp groove.

The 200 gr roundnose flatpoint sold for Cowboy shooters to load in both .45 Colt revolvers and carbines often works quite well in an automatic. There are a lot of other shapes that won't.

Nunya53 · November 26, 2009, 09:32 AM

Thanks for all the great answers

Happy Thanksgiving to all,

Nunya

zippy13 · November 27, 2009, 01:27 AM

Before WW II .45 LCs were sized at .454. If you're loading for an older Colt, of undetermined vintage, then measuring the barrel is advised. Otherwise, .452 sizing works for .45 LC and .45 ACP as well as many other Cal .45 cartridges.

Randy 1911 · November 27, 2009, 03:43 AM

45 caliber rifle uses a totally different bullet. They are sized to .458 which is different from pistol bullets. All 45 caliber is not the same. Thought you might want to know.

BigJakeJ1s · November 27, 2009, 10:59 PM

Bullets for 45 ACP and 45 Colt are generally the same overall diameter, but those designed for 45 Colt have a cannelure (crimp groove) to accommodate the roll crimp commonly used for that cartridge. Bullets designed for the taper crimped 45 ACP do not have a cannelure.

So while you can use either one for 45 ACP, using 45 ACP bullets for 45 colt means you would need to taper crimp instead of roll crimping.

Andy

November 26, 2009, 09:01 AM	#1
Nunya53 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2006 Location: Sherwood, AR Posts: 207	.45 ACP same as .45 LC? I'm working on getting all components together to begin reloading, but yet to get a reloading manual. A quick question is, the .45 auto projectile (bullet) the same dimensionally as the .45 colt projectile? I realize there are different weights depending on style and application. Thanks, Nunya

November 26, 2009, 09:18 AM	#3
sserdlihc Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2008 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,454	A manual should've been your first purchase. It will answer alot of your questions now and in the future. I suggest you buy a couple of manuals and read them from cover to cover. __________________ Familiarity breeds contempt, while rarity wins admiration. Aupleius If someone doesn't like you, that's their problem! Milton Childress

November 27, 2009, 03:43 AM	#7
Randy 1911 Senior Member Join Date: May 7, 2009 Location: Western Arkansas Posts: 273	45 caliber rifle uses a totally different bullet. They are sized to .458 which is different from pistol bullets. All 45 caliber is not the same. Thought you might want to know. __________________ Been Reloading 27 Years NRA Member Member Old Fort Gun Club www.ofgc.org

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November 26, 2009, 09:08 AM	#2
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,010	The quick answer is "yes".

November 26, 2009, 09:28 AM	#4
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,532	You MUST have the book(s) But in the meanwhile, the correct answer is "almost." .45 ACP jacketed bullet diameter is commonly .451", some .452"; .45 Colt is nearly all .452". .45 ACP cast bullet diameter is commonly .452", .45 Colt runs from .452" to .454"+. Some loaders use 230 gr roundnose .45 ACP bullets in .45 Colt satisfactorily, some have trouble with the thousandth undersize, short bearing surface, and lack of a crimp groove. The 200 gr roundnose flatpoint sold for Cowboy shooters to load in both .45 Colt revolvers and carbines often works quite well in an automatic. There are a lot of other shapes that won't.

November 26, 2009, 09:32 AM	#5
Nunya53 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2006 Location: Sherwood, AR Posts: 207	Thanks for all the great answers Happy Thanksgiving to all, Nunya

November 27, 2009, 01:27 AM	#6
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	Before WW II .45 LCs were sized at .454. If you're loading for an older Colt, of undetermined vintage, then measuring the barrel is advised. Otherwise, .452 sizing works for .45 LC and .45 ACP as well as many other Cal .45 cartridges.

November 27, 2009, 10:59 PM	#8
BigJakeJ1s Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2005 Location: Arlington TX Posts: 663	Bullets for 45 ACP and 45 Colt are generally the same overall diameter, but those designed for 45 Colt have a cannelure (crimp groove) to accommodate the roll crimp commonly used for that cartridge. Bullets designed for the taper crimped 45 ACP do not have a cannelure. So while you can use either one for 45 ACP, using 45 ACP bullets for 45 colt means you would need to taper crimp instead of roll crimping. Andy