.45acp Reload Issue

[STORMINORMAN]

Said it before and I'll say it again: IMHO most reloading problems as described by the OP are due to overexpanding and/or overcrimping.

Resizing cases and correctly dispensing powder are accuracy endeavors: expansion and crimping creep into the skill category. Usually my expanded cases will still pass in a LYMAN MultiCaliber Ammo Checker prior to bullet seating. This usually applies even after the bullet is seated. Taper crimp enough to just return the case to pre-expansion dimensions.

For some near MAX revolver loads an even heavier roll or collet-style crimp may be indicated...

Cheers!

 

[BE Mike]

A GTG taper crimp for .45 ACP with jacketed bullets should measure around .470" at the case mouth.

 

[jcelect]

The Factory Crimp Die is controversial. I retired mine because it was swaging my .452" lead bullets down to .451", the jacketed .45 ACP size.

Does a revolver really require a heavy taper crimp? Serious, not rhetorical question.

Bullet pull on an auto will probably go unnoticed because the bullet is held in place by the mag. However, on a revolver, bullet pull can be catastrophic! There is nothing to hold the bullet back from pulling too far and end up sticking out of the front of the cylinder. You now have a revolver with at least one live round in a chamber and you can not open the cylinder. Those of us that shoot a lot of heavy recoiling rounds, in revolvers, crimp every reload really good!
jcelect

 

[StrawHat]

I have always relied on neck tension and a taper crimp, even for loads using Keith’s recipes. As long as neck tension was proper, no bullet creep. Even in magnums.

For the 45 ACP or Super, a decent taper crimp should be sufficient.

Kevin

 

[jimmyj]

I ordered a Lee Factory Taper Crimp Die. Adjusted it using a factory .45 cartridge. SUCCESS ! issue gone.
"Plunk Test- ok
Ruger Blackhawk .45aco cylinder- cartridges slides in and out perfect

 

[67tempest]

jimmy.j, glad it worked for you. Seems like every time this subject comes up it creates controversy. I say that as long as it works, that's all that matters.

 

[BB57]

Loaded factory duplication loads using CCI LP Pisto primers, Unique Powder, and 230 grain FMT and JHP bullets. Used a heavyvtaper crimp.
Each cartridge passed the "Plump Test.
However when the cartrides were attempted to insert into revolvers' chambers the cartridge would enter except the last thide of the case. Revolvers were Riger Blackhawk.45 and a S&W Model 625 .45acp.
ran each cartridge a second tome though a full length resizing die and then the taper crimp die.
Approx half the cartridges would then chamber but the other half would not

Opinions ?

“Plunk Test”, although you are testing for overly “plump” cartridges.

Some revolvers (and some semi auto pistols like the original Walther and Manurhin PP pistols) have tight chamber dimensions. That’s particularly the case for revolvers designed for bullseye completion.

A small base or under size sizing die is one option.

A second is to post size the round, if the problem is at the front end of the case. That can be an issue with cast bullets in particular. Post sizing squeezes everything down so it is all under the maximum permissible dimensions again.

 

[shil]

I ordered a Lee Factory Taper Crimp Die. Adjusted it using a factory .45 cartridge. SUCCESS ! issue gone.

Excellent! Success is the best testimonial!