What dies are needed for .45 ACP reloading?

[Tomekeuro85]

I'm probaly gonna go with the LEE dies, but I dont know if i need the 3 die set, or the 4 die set that includes the factory crimp die?

If anyone has any experience with reloading .45 acp could you let me know if a crimp die is required?

More simply put, do I need this one:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=242098


or this one:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=661032


THanks again for all the helpful input.

 

[Hazzard]

I've loaded thousands of 45ACP. Either set will work, but the factory crimp die is the better option. The 45ACP headspaces on the mouth of the case, so roll crimping with the seating die is not the best idea (although it can be done). It also sizes the entire cartridge after seating to ensure it will chamber.

 

[CSA 357]

mine are rcbs carbide taper crimp, crimp and bullet seating depth is the key , you realy need to load them for the gun you will be shooting them in, i load for two 45 acps one 1911 and a glock *csa*

 

[distra]

I have the Dillon three die set + powder dispenser, deprime size, seat, and crimp. I was told by many wise .45ACP reloaders to have a seperate seat and crimp die. I crimp mine right at .470" (Lyman says max .473") too much crimp and you can loosen the bullet. My 1911's, XD45 and P45 all eat these like candy.

 

[yodar]

DIES

I too prefer the Dillon dies. You can gut them, clean them out (of cast bullet lube and other dreck) and reassemble them and not lose your settings

The last hole in the toolhead IS the LEE FCD which increased by quality dramatically

yodar

 

[Lennyjoe]

Yep, the FCD is a nice addition. I don't roll crimp anything but .44 mag loads.

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

The Hornady seating dies also easily disassemble without affecting the settings, plus they have a sliding alignment sleeve to align the bullet with the case mouth (ala Forster and Redding competitions dies, but available in more calibers), and they take an optional micrometer seating depth adjustment screw. To adjust seating depth on the dillon seating die, you now have to loosen the die lock ring, and screw the whole die in and out. The Hornady seater can crimp while seating, but the Dillon cannot.

I've also found my 45 colt Hornady seating die puts down a smoother, more consistent roll crimp while seating the bullet than my Lee FCD does in a separate step. I have no experience with taper crimping (required for 45 acp), so the Lee FCD's may or may not have an advantage there.

Andy

 

[Run&Shoot]

Deluxe 4 die set

First, let me say that a 3 die carbide set from any one is pretty good. I use Lee, RCBS and Hornady. I have likes and dislikes on all of them. However, I have just switched to adding the Lee factory crimp die to all of my sets for 2 reasons:

1) When loading for semi-auto pistol I have had over diameter cartridges from using cast lead bullets that are generally .001 or .002 wider than the equivalent jacketed bullet. The Lee FCD not only adds a taper crimp, but also uses a carbide collar to size the outside diametr of the case, just in case. this should eliminate any possiblity of cartridges jamming partway in the chamber.

2) I have trouble getting a consistent seating depth when trying to seat and crimp at the same time. Not so much with semi-auto cartridges which all use a slight taper crimp, but more so with magnum revolver rounds that have aheavy roll crimp.

 

[Sunray]

I've been using an RCBS 3 die set with a taper crimping seating die for eons. No roll crimping for the .45 ACP though. Taper crimp only.

 

[JoeHatley]

Either set will work. I've used a Lee 3 die set to load literally tons of .45 acp ammo in the last 25+ years.

Works great, but if I was buying a new die set today, I'd probably get the 4 die set.

Joe