Should have done my homework!

[tlawler]

I decided I wanted to see what all the fuss was about running .45AR in my .45ACP revolvers. I picked up 250 new cases and didn't even bother checking which shell holder/shell plate I would need to load them. I mean, I have a full set of the Lee regular holders, a set of the x-press holders for the APP, and 9 Dillon caliber conversion kits that will cover like a bazillion calibers by mixing and matching. Or so I thought. The Lee sets omit several: #6, and #'s 12 through 18. The .45AR takes a #13 Lee and a "H" Dillon shell plate. Neither of which fit any other caliber! No big deal...I ordered a Lee 13 and a Dillon H and now, I'll just have to wait. I need the 13 Lee because my RCBS universal primer won't grab the rim and ends up launching it across the workbench when I try and seat a primer. I'll just have to prime using my hand primer that takes shell holders. I'll have to track down a #13 Lee x-press shell holder too, but at least I won't be depriming for a while.

 

[alwslate]

The AR case is a bit different for sure but is still the best option for handloading .45 acp revolvers.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

I also found out the hard way that the 45 AR cases wouldn't fit in my hand primer, so I had to dig out my RCBS press priming system, only to find out the 45 ACP shell holder won't work either. I'm not sure what is more of a hassle, loading the moon clips for 45 ACP, or priming on my press for 45 AR. I think the latter.

 

[Engineer1911]

If I remember correctly, the Lee press and priming tool take different style shell holders.

 

[alwslate]

The R in AR means rimmed

 

[dsf]

Unlike the 455 Webley you'll never have to worry about tearing out a rim on the 45 AR.

 

[jcelect]

AR cases

The AR cases are not only rimmed but the rim is much thicker than a rim on a normal revolver case! It must make up the thickness of the 45ACP rim plus the moon clip to headspace properly! The key to full moon clips is to have at least 100 clips(that's 600rds)! Load clips at home and reload fast at the range! Then back to your Dillon for the next trip!
jcelect

 

[colt_saa]

The key to full moon clips is to have at least 100 clips(that's 600rds)! Load clips at home and reload fast at the range! Then back to your Dillon for the next trip!
jcelect

I stopped using AR brass after the first time I tried it.

Moon clips are Way Better

I moon and de-moon while sitting in my easy chair during News Hour

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Never had a problem priming 45AR cases with my RCBS Universal...?

 

[Dump1567]

Yep, ran into that problem myself when I got into the AR game. I just got done cranking out some AR to re-supply what I shot with my wife last week.

I use the priming tool on my single stage Rock Chucker for LP. With SP, I use a hand priming tool.

Being retired, re-loading is something I enjoy doing. I go into the Garage a few times a week for 30 minutes or so and "crank the arm of freedom" (as I call it).

 

[jag22]

I load on a Forster and that required some extra parts. The guy I bought my 25-2 from included AR brass and moon clips. Tried out the moon clips and never touched the brass. All 45 reloads are good for revolver or semi-auto.

 

[22hipower]

I also found out the hard way that the 45 AR cases wouldn't fit in my hand primer, so I had to dig out my RCBS press priming system, only to find out the 45 ACP shell holder won't work either. I'm not sure what is more of a hassle, loading the moon clips for 45 ACP, or priming on my press for 45 AR. I think the latter.

Yes, I went through all that when I started loading AR. By the time I figured it out, got the parts, loaded a few hundred rounds I decided moon clips were really the way to go. Or just stick 45acp in the cylinder charge holes and fire away; most will drop out when the cylinder is opened and those that won't are easily poked out with a stick or whatever.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[tops]

I hook the rim of another case under the stuck case and pry it out. Larry

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
I use AR brass for "special" loads.
Extra light or 45 super range.
That way I cant screw up an auto.

 

[StrawHat]

The 45 Cowboy Special case will also work. It uses the shell holder for the 45 long Colt.

Kevin