Sizing Lead Bullets

[jibbs]

I have a question about loading lead bullets. I tried loading it the same way as tmjs (.45acp), and had to put more crimp on them to get the neck size down to .469-.471. Is this what you have to do? I know that lead has a larger diameter for a reason, I just wanted to make sure I am not doing something I'm not supposed to do. Is it supposed to be a little larger as it will chamber at .474. This probably sounds like a dumb question, but my thinking is why is lead larger if I'm just going to size it down. Is it because it is a taper crimp and that the base is will still be a larger diameter and helps seal in the bore better?

Probably should say these are 200 gr. RN, looks like they have a rim that should be even with the case?

 

[loadedround]

Jibbs:
I'm not sure exactly what your're doing or asking but I'll take a shot to help you(no pun inteded). Normally all 45 ACP lead bullets are .452" in diameter and the round itself headspaces on the case mouth. Also, most all 45 ACP seating/crimping dies are designed to taper crimp your cases opposed to roll crimping a revolver case. Having that information available, there is no reason to be concerned about outside neck diameters etc. Just flare your case enough to seat your bullet w/o saving lead. Next seat your bullet to it's normal depth and set your crimping die to remove all case flare and just give it a kiss more crimp(1/8 to 1/4 turn) and lock it in place.Practice on an empty flared case to get the hang of it. Remove your pistol's barrel and use it as a case gauge. It should drop right in and be flush with top of the barrel...you're set to go then. Just remember too much crimp will allow your round to seat too deeply in the chamber and give you erratic ignition. I certainly hope this answers your question and good shooting.

 

[Robert Palermo /Penn Bullets]

You aren't sizing the bullet down . You are taper crimping to secure the bullet in place and to insure reliable functioning of the gun under a wide range of operating conditions. The crimp at .469 is important under combat style loading and shooting. Taper crimps of .471 and .472 are suitable for Bullseye type light load shooting. Tighter crimps will minimise or eliminate many functioning problems. The fact is that most .45 acp cases headspace off the extractor rather than the case mouth as most cases are shorter than the SAMMI spec of .898. Ross Sefried found that tight crimps eliminated many of his functioning problems on his way to a World Championship.

 

[jibbs]

I appreciate the responses and I think you answered my question. The reason I asked this question was in order for me to seat the bullet w/o shaving lead I had to bell a bit more, so I had to crimp more to bring it back to .471. Not changing a thing to my crimp die, it would crimp lead to .475. I figured this was because the case had to be belled more than usual. But the other side of me was thinking that there only has to be enough crimp to hold it in place but the bullet wasn't chambering at .475. In my mind it looks like I am putting a lot of crimp on it (.471), but maybe I'm looking too much into it. I'm using RCBS taper crimp dies.