Will a 45 ACP sizer/de-capper work for 45 Colt?

[Warren Sear]

The de-capper pin broke on my Lyman sizer/de-capper 45 Colt die. The pin itself cannot be replaced, because it is an integral part of what gets screwed into the top of the die (as well as I can explain it).

I have a set of 45 ACP dies (RCBS), so I plan to use the ACP die to size and remove the primers on my 45 Colt brass. Does anyone see a problem with this?

 

[scattershot]

It would seem to me, from what I remember about the Lyman dies, that by the time you get the decapping pin far enough into a 45 Colt case to pop the primer, you would have excessive flare to the case mouth.

 

[colt_saa]

You would also be sizing the cases down more than necessary. Why not just buy the part you need and use the correct die?

cartridge drawings provided courtesy of Stevespages.com

 

[mosquito]

The answer is very simple......NO, you cannot size .45 Colt with a .45 ACP die!!!

 

[gregintenn]

Is this a recent change with the dies? I have Lyman dies that I've replaced the decapping pins in. 41 Mag and 223 if I remember correctly.

 

[Warren Sear]

You would also be sizing the cases down more than necessary. Why not just buy the part you need and use the correct die?

cartridge drawings provided courtesy of Stevespages.com

That is the answer to my question, right there. Thank you.

 

[Warren Sear]

It would seem to me, from what I remember about the Lyman dies, that by the time you get the decapping pin far enough into a 45 Colt case to pop the primer, you would have excessive flare to the case mouth.

No, the sizing die de-caps, but does not flare the case.

 

[Warren Sear]

Is this a recent change with the dies? I have Lyman dies that I've replaced the decapping pins in. 41 Mag and 223 if I remember correctly.

It is new to me, anyway. I bought these dies in 2006.

 

[kwselke]

It is new to me, anyway. I bought these dies in 2006.

I've crunched several RCBS decapping pins on Berdan cases over the years and keep spare pins on hand. I'd contact Lyman before tossing the resizing die. There is bound to be a fix. Meanwhile you can use a nail punch or the decapping assembly out of your 45 ACP die and a precision mallet to decap a few cases before resizing in your current Colt die.

 

[scooter123]

Check the following link. In it you will find that you can purchase a new decapping pin for just 3.50 dollars.

Lyman Products Your Primary Source for Reloading Equipment

PS; I couldn't believe that in this day an age anyone would produce a sizing/decapping die that didn't feature an inexpensive and replaceable decapping pin. From the detail drawing provided it looks to be similar to how RCBS dies are set up. With an RCBS die you loosen the lock nut and then unscrew the pin to remove if from the BOTTOM of the die. It could also be a collet clamp setup similar to what Lee uses. With a Lee die you loosen the collet clamp by unscrewing it and the decapping pin will slide right out.

 

[max]

Take the part "that gets screwed in" that isn't broke and use it in the die where you need it.

 

[452x6]

RE

I respectfully disagree with most of the previous posts and want to point out that it all depends on the bullet size you are planning to reload with. Most modern 45 Colt revolvers have cylinder throats of approx .452 vs the older .454 size.

I use .452 bullets and a 45 ACP sizer die works great for me. I started out reloading 45 Colt with a 45 Colt sizer die however I noticed that the neck tension was not sufficient and too much crimp was required. I have improved consistency and accuracy of my reloads by using a 45 ACP sizer. As far as brass life, I have lost count of the number of times I have reloaded my Starline and Winchester 45 Colt brass and so far have not lost a single case.

I want to stress that I'm not claiming to be an authority, simply relating what works very well for me.

 

[Paul105]

I did a quick search (didn't verify this will work for you) and came up this this:

Lyman Decapping Rod Universal Decapping Die (Replacement Part)

By the way, plus 1 on what 452x6 said. In the late 80s I loaded a lot of .454 Casul ammo for a Freedom Arms with .45 ACP size die and a separate crimp die -- before dedicated .454 die sets were readilly available -- worked just fine.

FWIW,

Paul

 

[Warren Sear]

Take the part "that gets screwed in" that isn't broke and use it in the die where you need it.

???

I should have posted pictures to begin with. Here are pictures of the assebled and dis-assembled die.

BTW, bullets are .451".

 

[Warren Sear]

I did a quick search (didn't verify this will work for you) and came up this this:

Lyman Decapping Rod Universal Decapping Die (Replacement Part)

By the way, plus 1 on what 452x6 said. In the late 80s I loaded a lot of .454 Casul ammo for a Freedom Arms with .45 ACP size die and a separate crimp die -- before dedicated .454 die sets were readilly available -- worked just fine.

FWIW,

Paul

Paul105, thank you for the link; I will just get a replacement (and a spare) ordered.

 

[Paul105]

Looks like the above Midway link is for the Universal Deprimer and won't work for you.

Did a little more research and here is a link for die set replacement parts on the Lyman website.

Lyman Products Your Primary Source for Reloading Equipment

Paul

 

[Paul105]

Geez, looking at that picture, maybe the Midway liked Universal unit will work.

Just color me confused.

Paul

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

From your picture, you ought to be able to screw a decapping stem from an other die. Different brand dies use various diameter and pitch threads. You might be able to use a decapping stem from a rifle or pistol die you already own. I've done it with Lyman, RCBS, Pacific, Hornady, C-H and others, just not Dillion. Or if you have a belted mag die you can use it as a decapping only die for most handgun cartridges. Ivan

 

[SgtLumpy]

If you're going to deprime and size in two separate stations/dies, I suggest a Lee Universal decapping die for the decap. Their decap pin is NOT part of the threaded knob portion like the Lyman part is. Their pin rides in a collet, sort of like how a dremel tool holds it's bit.

You set the pin to the depth you want then tighten the collet appropriately. If the pin hits an obstruction (shell plate not aligned) or a primer that's welded itself to the brass, the pin won't break. Instead it rides UP in the collet.

Again, imagine a dremel tool and you were to push the bit down onto your workpiece. With enough force the bit would back up into the dremel instead of breaking.

If the Lee pin rides up due to obstruction you can SEE the back of the pin at the top of the die.

If you should tighten the collet way too much because you just don't know any better, and you hit an obstruction, and the pin bent, send a photo to Lee and they'll send you a new pin. The die isn't damaged.

Here's a pic of the die and pin. I bent my pin because I didn't know how to set it. The pic doesn't show the collet (on the other end of the die). Lee replaced the pin under warranty. New one arrived via priority mail. -

Sgt Lumpy

 

[Engineer1911]

Buy an RCBS carbide sizer die and a package of replacement decapping pins. Life will be good forever after. Think "Standard Parts" and "Inventory in Stock"

I have two Lyman die sets and they are two nightmares. Maybe that is why they were the only dies in stock in .25-06 and .45-70 .