Just started reloading the .45 acp and I picked up the 4 lee die set. There is a crimping die that says it is optional to crimp. Do these need to be crimped or not, it also has a light crimp or heavy crimp. What you think??
crimp or not to crimp .45 acp
- Thread starter kingfamous
- Start date
Re: crimp or not to crimp .45 acp
Carefully measure the case at the mouth after seating a bullet. I don't remember the specs off hand but the taper crimp needs to be applied just enough to take out the belling of the case mouth.
A case gauge would help but you can use your barrel. If it drops in easily it's good. You can test by seeing if the bullet will push deeper by pressing it against your bench.
Don't apply more crimp than you need to as the cartridge headspaces on the case mouth.
Jim
Carefully measure the case at the mouth after seating a bullet. I don't remember the specs off hand but the taper crimp needs to be applied just enough to take out the belling of the case mouth.
A case gauge would help but you can use your barrel. If it drops in easily it's good. You can test by seeing if the bullet will push deeper by pressing it against your bench.
Don't apply more crimp than you need to as the cartridge headspaces on the case mouth.
Jim
Re: crimp or not to crimp .45 acp
I would not say I crimp mine, I just use the Lee die to lightly remove the bell created when I expanded the brass.
I would not say I crimp mine, I just use the Lee die to lightly remove the bell created when I expanded the brass.
Re: crimp or not to crimp .45 acp
I use the Hornady taper crimp die in the last station 4 of the Dillon 550B (seating only in station 3).
I use the Hornady taper crimp die in the last station 4 of the Dillon 550B (seating only in station 3).
Re: crimp or not to crimp .45 acp
Taper crimp just enough for bullet tension and to remove the bell.
Just do one and slowly adjust the die down until you have it like you want.
Taper crimp just enough for bullet tension and to remove the bell.
Just do one and slowly adjust the die down until you have it like you want.
Re: crimp or not to crimp .45 acp
You will need to crimp it enough to get them to chamber. I had a Dillon Case Gauge and set the crimp to where the loaded .45ACP round would go in FLUSH.
If you don't have a case gauge, take the barrel out of your pistol and use it...crimp the round until it drops in the chamber and is FLUSH with the rear hood of the barrel.
I used a progreassive press, so I seated on one stage and cripmed on the last. Works great.
When I first started loading, I loaded 1500 rounds with "light" crimp. Went to shoot them and the slide would not lock up on my 1911. Ended up running the whole 1500 rounds thru the crimp die again after I set it per the instructions listed above. All worked fine after that. A Dillon case gauge is cheap insurance.
You will need to crimp it enough to get them to chamber. I had a Dillon Case Gauge and set the crimp to where the loaded .45ACP round would go in FLUSH.
If you don't have a case gauge, take the barrel out of your pistol and use it...crimp the round until it drops in the chamber and is FLUSH with the rear hood of the barrel.
I used a progreassive press, so I seated on one stage and cripmed on the last. Works great.
When I first started loading, I loaded 1500 rounds with "light" crimp. Went to shoot them and the slide would not lock up on my 1911. Ended up running the whole 1500 rounds thru the crimp die again after I set it per the instructions listed above. All worked fine after that. A Dillon case gauge is cheap insurance.
Re: crimp or not to crimp .45 acp
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 757Fixer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A light TAPER crimp is all the 45 needs. </div></div>
I used to taper crimp my USPSA/IPSC 45s to help ensure feeding.
You don't want an excessive crimp or any kind of roll crimp because the 45 ACP head spaces on the case mouth.
Get a bullet gauge, if you shoot a lot you'll appreciate it.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 757Fixer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A light TAPER crimp is all the 45 needs. </div></div>
I used to taper crimp my USPSA/IPSC 45s to help ensure feeding.
You don't want an excessive crimp or any kind of roll crimp because the 45 ACP head spaces on the case mouth.
Get a bullet gauge, if you shoot a lot you'll appreciate it.
Re: crimp or not to crimp .45 acp
The taper needs to be just enough to meet specs and for the bullet to avoid being shoved deeper in the case. That is usually just enough to remove the belling of the case mouth prior to seating the bullet.
Jim
The taper needs to be just enough to meet specs and for the bullet to avoid being shoved deeper in the case. That is usually just enough to remove the belling of the case mouth prior to seating the bullet.
Jim
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