Using RCBS 45 Colt dies to load 454 Casull

[wichitadude]

I have run into a problem that I am unable to solve.
When using the RCBS carbide 45 colt sizing die, I am getting a bulge at the base of the 454 case. This bulge is about .010 larger than the case mouth diameter. Base measurers .0478, mouth .0468.These cases will not go completely into a case gage

 

[Ifishsum]

is the longer .454 case bottoming out in the 45 colt die? try backing out the sizing die a turn or so

 

[WrongHanded]

I have yet to load either, but I've heard that .45 Colt dies don't work well for .454 Casull because of tighter tolerances on the Casull, thicker brass (?), tighter chambers, etc, etc.

 

[buck460XVR]

Starline claims that .45 colt dies work best with their .460 brass so I can't see why there would be an issue with using them for .454. Could the issue be oversized chambers? Have you tried the resized brass in the gun or just the case gauge? Many times with my .460 brass I don't full length resize, just resize far enough to get proper neck tension. Never had an issue with the cases fitting into the chambers.

 

[crestoncowboy]

Starline claims that .45 colt dies work best with their .460 brass

I'm almost positive my 460 set has 454 and 45 colt written on them too. They are rcbs.

 

[FROGO207]

Sounds like oversized chambers to me as well. Were they fired in that particular revolver? Do the fired cases fit back into the cylinder? Is the problem with one or all cylinders? Might be the die has a small or sharp entrance an is messing up the brass. Look things over and let us know.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Buy a set of 454 dies! can’t got wrong with extra dies.

 

[BBarn]

I have both 45 Colt and 454 Casull RCBS carbide die sets. There is less than 0.001" difference in sizing ring diameter between them. The 454 sizing die will accommodate a case length of about 0.1" more, but even the 45 Colt sizing die has sufficient internal length to accommodate and size a 454 case.

Perhaps the 454 cases you are working with suffer from excessive bulge near the rim from being fired in large chambers.

My dies are several years old and it's also possible that newer RCBS dies are different and the 454 brass is too long for a newer RCBS 45 Colt sizing die.

Lastly, though the sized 454 brass may not enter a case gauge, it's possible that they will drop into your handgun's chamber(s) just fine.

 

[Pivot Dr]

I load 45 Schofield, 45 Colt, 454 Casull, and 460 S&W with my RCBS 45 Colt carbide dies. No problem.

 

[highlander 5]

I have loaded 45 Schofield,45 Colt and 454 Casull with 45 Colt Carbide die from Dillon and Redding with no problems,sounds like you don't have your dies set up correctly.

 

[wichitadude]

My particular RCBS die case does not mention that it will also load the 454 nor do the dies.
If I back out the sizing die it completely misses the bulged area of the 454 case.
The dies were setup per the instructions from RCBS that are contained with the dies. Using this setup the 454 case goes all the way into the sizing die but when it comes out the bulge is still present.
I don't have the revolver that these cases were shot in to see if they would enter the chambers without a problem. I'm reloading these for use in an TC encore barrel. They will not go into the chamber of this barrel.
I sent an email to RCBS asking if their present 45 Colt dies are capable of loading the 454. Response has not come back yet.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If the 45 Colt dies are fairly new they should do the 454 Casull easily. It sounds like you don't have the sizing die adjusted correctly.

 

[Pivot Dr]

The sizing die is set up exactly the same for the Schofield, Colt, Casull, and 460 S&W. Run the die down until it just touches the shell holder. You have to adjust the expander/bell die to the specific case you are loading. The seating die must also be adjusted specifically for the case you are loading. I have a Lee crimp die and it too must be adjusted to the specific case/cartridge you are loading. Those adjustments require both die body location in the press as well as stem or plug adjustments. It’s not difficult, but one must be throughly familiar with the dies and what needs to be adjusted to make everything work. I can’t imagine a bulge in a case causing a problem after running it completely into the sizing die. But I’m not there and can’t see what’s happening from here. I know mine works perfectly even though I’ve read it’s not possible to load all four of those chamberings with just the 45 Colt die set. If it isn’t working for you, “there’s either something wrong or something else the matter!”

 

[DocRock]

The bulge is the portion of the case that doesn’t get sized because of the shell holder lip. The brass is all fired in the same revolver ?

454 Casull is running at very high pressure: 55,000 psi and higher with factory ammo, closer to 65kpsi with hot hand loads. Your revolver may have slightly large chambers or it may just be case head expansion from those high pressures. Primer pockets may be a little loose soon.

I have noticed that the shell holder in my Hornady 454 Carbide Die Set seems lower profile than the Lee 45LC shell holder.

Make sure the die is set to full contact with the shell holder at full throw. I guess the Lee Bulge Buster kit won’t work with a rimmed case. Maybe get the grinder out and skim the face of the shell holder ?

 

[FROGO207]

Have you any brass or factory ammo that will fit the barrel? If so measure it and compare. I am still not convinced that your die is good. The brass may be oversized as well. Have you fired any 45 colt? Do you have any of that brass to try in the die?

 

[Obturation]

I have run into a problem that I am unable to solve.
When using the RCBS carbide 45 colt sizing die, I am getting a bulge at the base of the 454 case. This bulge is about .010 larger than the case mouth diameter. Base measurers .0478, mouth .0468.These cases will not go completely into a case gage

Your base diameter is not bulged , spec for od at the head is .480". Something else is going on. Got a picture of a loaded cartridge, it will help.