Loading .45acp

I've loaded rifle cartridges so far, I'm tooling up to start .45acp. Only question is, when looking at bullets, is see .451 and .452 sizes. Which do you follow and does it make a difference? I've searched 10pgs+ and still can't dig anything up.

 

Depends on the type of bullet.

.451" = Conventional Jacketed bullets.
.452" = Lead & Plated bullets.

rcmodel

 

OK, one step further, these are fine to load .45acp in a cartridge that is loaded with the correct amount of powder? It may sound elementary, but I just don't want to screw anything up.

 

Yes, as long as you use data from a load recipe calling for the type of bullet you have, they are fine.

.001" of an inch makes absolutely no difference in pressure or safety, one way or the other with normal loads.

We commonly bounce around with the .45 Colt with bullets ranging from .451" up to .454" using the same powder charge. It all depends on which size best fits the cylinder throats.

To give another example, look at a .30 cal rifle.

The hole through the barrel is .300" with .004" deep rifling grooves. But you use .308" bullets.

SO, the bullet is actually .008" bigger then the the lands, and approximately 1/2 of it must be squeezed down .008" when it hits the rifling.

As you can see, .001" difference in a .45 bullet isn't very much in the grand scheme of things.

rcmodel

 

Thanks guys I sure do appreciate it.

 

Didn't notice what type of pistol is being fired, but make sure that it is ok to fire lead bullets in your particular pistol if you choose to do so.

I think Glocks and lead Projectiles is a big no no.

 

Various powders work better at low to high power factors.
Weight of bullets will effect results of each powder.
First figure out what you want the pistol to do,then find a bullet to do it.
Then find a powder.

Its easy to condem a perfectly good powder for a fault due to a wrong application. To light or to heavy of a bullet, fired at to slow or to high of velocity.

 

Both of my 1911s are picky when it comes to feeding the .452" bullets and with not chambering full battery with them.

Also, be sure if you buy the .452" bullets they are for the .45ACPp and NOT the .45LC (Long Colt).

I learned that the hard way buying 1000 bullets and found out they were not ACPs.

Most boxes today will distinquish between the two but not always.

 

Ha you guys keep bringing up good points. I will be loading for a few XD45's and a few 1911's.

 

Was it improper shape or diameter that caused the problem? Maybe you could purchase an inexpensive LEE sizing kit in your choice of diameter if that was the problem, and size those bullets to suit. You also get a bottle of liquid ALOX, so you are good to go to lube pre and post sizing.

 

Basically, the bullet curvature of the .452" was different from the .451"

Because of this the crown of the bullet on the .452" hit the edges of the 1911 chamber not allowing it to fully seat.

I then realized that the .452" I had was for a long colt and Meister Bullets had not designated that on the box.

 

rcmodel knows his stuff.

I use .451 FMJ and JHP bullets for 1911 and XD 45 acp.

My Lee mold is a 452 with a .452 sizer die.

I've heard of 45 Colt/ 454 Casull using .454 bullets. But also plenty SAA 45 Colts with different chambers in the same gun!

From what I have read, .458 bullets are rifle bullets.