45LC/454 Casul Question

[dmftoy1]

Will any die set for 45LC allow you to load 454 Casul or do you need a special "dual rated" set? I know when I used to load 44 Magnum my set would allow me to load 44 Special . ..I assume the same is true for 45LC but I don't want to drop the $ on a set of 45LC dies if I can't load 454 with them as well. (Ruger Redhawk Alaskan enroute next week. )

The reason I'm a bit confused is that midway appears to list separate die sets for these two calibers with the exception of a 4 die Lee set.

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[P95Carry]

IIRC you want the larger set - bit like 357 set allows for 38 spl - and 44 mag allows for 44 spl.

You can set bullet seating lower but the dies must take the longer brass fully, for proper full length resize and I expect too mouth belling might also be compromized..

That is my appreciation of it - and I have Lee 454 dies - which would serve for 45LC if I wish - they are marked for both but I suspect are primary for the 454. I have never tried other way around tho.

 

[dmftoy1]

Thanks! Have you been pretty happy with the Lee's? The is a set of dies from Redding that look like they'd work but they're over twice as much as the Lee's.

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[P95Carry]

Dave

I started Lee 25 years or more ago and mostly have stuck with them - tho have odd sets of others - Lyman or RCBS.

I cannot complain about them at all really - they have served me well. Plus I think that if you are loading relatively smaller qtys of a cal - 100's as against many 1,000's, then they will save you some cash - that said some of mine have been worked hard and still do the job! I use tungstens for most pistol cals - and also use factory crimp dies too for many cals.

I also use Lee presses - again somewhat stuck with those but am aware that an investment in a Dillon would be better - too old now to bother to upgrade!

 

[mbartel]

Any .45 colt carbide dies will do fine for the .454 Casull. I use the carbide .45 colt Lee dies for both and have had no problems what so ever. Same for the .44 special/.44 mag. Lee carbide dies all the way....

 

[P95Carry]

mbartel - correct me if wrong - but IIRC those dies will be marked as suitable for both. Mine are I know - Lee usually does that. They do great for both.

Some dies, perhaps a Lyman set - could well be marked as and sold for, the lower size - ie, 45LC only.

It is those examples - I would not suggest using the shorter die for the longer cal version.

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Hornady 45 colt sizing dies are different that 454. Their 454 dies will work great for 45 colt, don't know about the other way around. The 454 set comes with their taper crimp die too, at the same price as the 45 colt, 3 die set. The seat/crimp die and expander die are the same part number for 45 and 454.

Andy

 

[dmftoy1]

Well I found a set of 454 Lee dies at the semi-local dealer so I decided to throw some money at him. Got a 5lb keg of Trail Boss too, so I figure I'm set for awhile.

Thanks for all the advice!!

Have a good one,
Dave