45 auto rim

DeerSpy

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I have dillon SD loader set up for 45acp bought a 625 can I load auto rim cases with what I have? If not what do I need?
or should I just stick with my acp cases and use moon clips?

thanks
 
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Shell holder (I don't have a Dillon, so maybe this means an entire conversion kit...?) for the AR should be all you need extra. (Assumes you have the 45 AR cases, of course.)
 
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I don't have any AR cases but was thinking if I found sum cheap
I might give it a try. but don't want to buy another set of dies.
I load 185gr lswc for 1911 colt and was planning on using moon clips and same load for 625
 
Howdy

Yup, I load 45AR with regular 45ACP dies. I have one set adjusted specifically for loading 45AR. You will need a shell holder or shell plate specific to 45AR. Its rim is unlike any other rim. About .090 thick vs about .060 thick for many other revolver rims.
 
You need a 45AR shell plate. Dillon makes one for the 45AR. I reload for 45ar on my Dillon 550. Dies, powder measure are all the same as for 45ACP. Just call Dillion and order a shell plate for 45AR.
 
If you should come across any .45 Auto Rim cases be very careful about using the earlier "balloon-head" cases, which are very weak and won't take much pressure to rupture. Later production cases will be solid-head.

Looking into the case mouths with a good light you can tell the difference. Balloon-head cases were formes with the case head folded together, showing a crease around the interior of the head. Solid-head cases will not display the crease.
 
One would anticipate that the shell plate/holder for 45AR is the same as the one for 45LC…but it is NOT! Dies are the same as for 45ACP. All you need to do is to adjust your bullet setting and crimp dies properly.*

*owner of 25-5 and SDB who hasn't been reloading for 45AR in 10+ years :rolleyes:
 
Love the Auto Rim case. Plain ol' RCBS .45 ACP dies and a .45 Auto Rim shell holder have been feeding my Model 1917 revolvers for 30 years now.

The moon clips are sensible choices for self defense use but I really enjoy the Auto Rim case for range use.
 
I've got a hundred pieces, mostly reloaded ammo, but for what it would cost to ship, you can simply order new from Midway or elsewhere.
 
thanks for the info on dies.
think I will stay with 45acp cases for now to keep cost down and see how that works, guess I will some tools to load and unload moon clips whats is best kind to get?
 
thanks for the info on dies.
think I will stay with 45acp cases for now to keep cost down and see how that works, guess I will some tools to load and unload moon clips whats is best kind to get?

Wilson Combat makes very sturdy moon clips and their "moon clip case extractor" makes removing the cases MUCH easier. You can order directly from their website - Accessories, then search for "moon clip".

If you stick with .45 ACP cases, you don't need to worry about another shell holder/plate. If you used a different bullet with a cannelure, then a roll crimp would be better (assuming you use a taper crimp for .45 ACP).

There's an interesting article in the current "Shooting Times" on loading .45 Auto Rim: The .45 Auto Rim

I was just starting to work up a load with a 200 gr. Oregon Trail lead RNFP intended for .45 Long Colt when I stumbled upon that article. Still haven't got the velocity up to where I want it (goal about 800 fps).
 
04-07-2011 11:19 PM
TheTinMan Quote:
Originally Posted by DeerSpy
thanks for the info on dies.
think I will stay with 45acp cases for now to keep cost down and see how that works, guess I will some tools to load and unload moon clips whats is best kind to get?

Wilson Combat makes very sturdy moon clips and their "moon clip case extractor" makes removing the cases MUCH easier. You can order directly from their website - Accessories, then search for "moon clip".

If you stick with .45 ACP cases, you don't need to worry about another shell holder/plate. If you used a different bullet with a cannelure, then a roll crimp would be better (assuming you use a taper crimp for .45 ACP).

There's an interesting article in the current "Shooting Times" on loading .45 Auto Rim: The .45 Auto Rim

I was just starting to work up a load with a 200 gr. Oregon Trail lead RNFP intended for .45 Long Colt when I stumbled upon that article. Still haven't got the velocity up to where I want it (goal about 800 fps).


Do you know what issue of Shooting Times?
 
Howdy- as a point of interest- I just got through a loading "glitch" for my m25 with AR cases. With lead 230 gr round nose bullets ( NOT the hardest cast bullets I've ever loaded ), I was experiencing difficulty with both lead build up on the front of the cylinder AND unburned powder getting under the extractor star, until I went to using a bit of a roll crimp with these lead bullets ( the ones I have feature a SMALL "ledge" at the forward edge of the driving band), instead of a taper crimp ( which works fine for me with jacketed bullets). Dug out an OLD Pacific seating die that had this ( roll crimp) feature, as my more current die set did not. The increase in velocity and accuracy was obvious! Jus' sayin' .
 
Dillon does not offer a .45 Auto Rim shellholder for a Square Deal press. They made a number of prototypes many years ago, and I was fortunate to consult with them and be provided with 2 shellholders for trial and error. The problem is that the case rim is so thick that it does not leave enough thickness for the shellholder rim, which fractures after moderate usage, mostly when seating the new primer. I broke 2 of the 4 positions on one of the shellholders I have. Apparently, this is not an issue for the 550 shellholder, but these are not compatible with the Square Deal.

I use my good shellholder with .45 acp dies to size and deprime, then prime off the press with the Lee hand-held device. Then I go back to the press for powder charge, seating and crimping. I use the taper crimp, same as .45 acp, with no problems.
 
.45 AR

Just gettin' into loading AR's; found a projectile that looks promising, but not such good luck for a recipe. 200g jfp, .4515 in. diameter. Trying for 860fps. Got Bullseye on hand. Can crimp either way. 'preciate y'all helping out.;)
 
I don;t think Dillon makes the shell plate for the 45AR. I use 45acp dies, but load the 45AR on a ss press. I don't shoot them often prefer the moonclips in my 625, but like having the option.
 
i have shot 250 rounds and 4 different bullets still have not found the right combo to keep from leading in my new
JM625 all bullets I tried were .452 diameter, best results from some 200gr swaged using 4.5gr BE powder, who sells swaged the ones I have I bought at a yard sale no name on box I have not shot these in 1911 yet, I am trying to find a load that will work in both, using the 1911 shooting bullseye.
 

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