Hi:
Considering reloading (again after a long period) ) 45acp and also .45 Auto Rim

Question:
Is the setting of the dies the same for both cartridges except for changing the shell holders ?

Thanks,
Jimmy

I looked into this a while back and I think the answer is there was no change. The setting comes from the bottom of the brass to the top of the bullet. I decided it wasn't worth the expense (I'm on a Forster so its a bit more expensive that a shellholder) so I use my standard 45 ACP and moonclips. I could be wrong if using a different type of press. Shouldn't be too hard to adjust if necessary. The loads are the same so it just made since to me. If you go the moonclip route check out the BMT tool, its great.

Hi, jag22:

I will be reloading .45acp for a Model 1911 and .45 Auto Rim for a S&W Revolver.

i load both, but i use a dillion square deal for the acp, and i have another set of dies that i use in a lee turret press, because i like to put a heavy roll crimp on the auto rim shell, where i use a taper crimp for the acp.

More than likely the settings will be the same, But , there's always a but in reloading , if both shell holders are from the maker then it "should" be the same settings . If the shell holders are from different makers the settings may not be the same.
I've run into this before. I use a single stage press . Adjusted my dies to reload some 9 mm luger using a CH shell holder , next time I wanted to reload 9 mm I grabbed a Lee shell holder , dies were no longer in the proper place and had to re-adjust them....that's when it hit me....the shell holders made a big difference.
Not all shell holders are the exact same dimensions , set your dies with brand X and no garentee they will be correct with brand Y.
If both shell holders are from the same maker at least you have a better chance , but ( there's that word again) who knows for sure...just watch for any differences.
Gary

Jimmyj, same here. Got a couple of 1911s and a S&W 25 which I love shooting, probably more than the 1911s.

Not sure why it would be more expensive for you. The Forster does not require any shell holders other than the ones supplied with the press.

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Tennessee

Interesting question. I load both but never back-to-back. Just now grabbed both shell holders (RCBS) and brass. The holders are the same thickness but the AR brass sits deeper in the holder by .025". So, only the sizer die setting is the same. Expander, seat and crimp are different settings.

Snowwolfe, the rim of the auto rim is much thicker than other cases. It won't fit. You have to buy a separate set of jaws. I don't remember what they cost but they weren't cheap. Since I got about a dozen moon clips with the gun I decided to pass on the jaws. The loads are the same.

I'm like Ronnie . I use two different sets of dies.I usually only shoot one load in each caliber so the dies are set up for one bullet and not ever changed . Bullet seating and crimp are the only setup differences .

Eddie

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Grumpy Old Man With a Gun

Using the same die set, just swap out the shell holder & pop in the other shell holder & keep reloading, provided you're using the same bullet (& crimp type) with a COAL" that's compatible in the guns to be used.

.

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Waiting for the break of day

I load everything for my 1911's with a taper crimp. The 1917 and 625 get FULL moon clips. If I went to the expense of buying AR brass, I would use a different bullet and loading. I have an extra set or two of 45 ACP dies so at that point I would do everything unique to each cartridge. But for now, why bother? 250 grain Keith tip at 750 to 800fps? Maybe!

Ivan

Timely thread. I just went from reloading a small batch of 185 gr Auto Rim test loads to the same load in ACP. All I did was change the shell holder (on a Lee Classic Turret) . The unchanged die settings produced a bullet seated to very close to the same depth. OAL differs of course due to rim thickness.
Both loads will be run in my 627pc.

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Dave

The latest edition of Handloader magazine has an excellent article on .45 AR loading by Brian Pearce.

I highly recommend it. Brian presents lots of data, and uses revolver specific bullets not seen in your standard .45 ACP published data.

jimmyj,
If you are loading on a 550, I have a 45 AR shell plate I don't need.
PM me with your add. and I will put it in the mail.
tb

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frontsightnsqueaz

I have some 45 AR brass coming in next week and will see how they work (or dont) on my Co-Ax. Thanks for the tip.
Are you using the larger jaws that comes with the press?

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Tennessee

I use the same settings but for the shell holder.

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Now go make God proud...

Yes, I use the larger jaws. Use them for everything except M-1 carbine. It's not the diameter that's the problem. The rim is about twice (guessing) as thick as a regular case. Call Forster and they can fill in the details.

The 45AR's cartridge length is measured from the case mouth to the case head, the same as the 45 ACP's case, & are the same length (.893" +/- .005").

Therefore if you're using the same bullet & the same die settings for each round the COAL"s should be the same, allowing for the normal variations.

Differences in case lengths don't affect COAL" anyway since that setting is independent of it, unlike crimping.

.

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Waiting for the break of day

I load different bullets in 45acp cases than in 45 AR cases so my OAL is different.

My 45 AR loads are a Berry's 200gr SWC over 4.0gr of Bullseye with a 1.235 OAL.These are shot in a 625-2(Starline Brass Cases)

My 45acp are mostly hard cast 230gr RN over 4.1gr of Red Dot with a 1.200 OAL(Remington Brass Cases)

These are both loaded on a Lee Classic Turret Press

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NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

I see what you mean. I may try placing a shim under the jaw plate.
But why call Forster? Do they have a solution?

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Tennessee

Go back and read my post, #9. They have jaws for sale that will work.
Edit: Hadn't thought of trying shims, probably worth trying but I'm quite happy using moon clips.

I think you can buy a adapter for the co-ax to use a regular shell holder.