.45 ACP handloading???

[Gundigest]

I just got a Ruger KP345 and I ordered the stuff to start reloading for it. How long does the brass usually last? I will not be loading it hot. The only pistol caliber I load for is 357 mag. Is there anything I should know about handloading for an automatic?

Thanks,

Tom

[NE Hunter]

you can't get too light or the action won't cycle right and you'll need to taper crimp instead of roll crimp. I have a seperate taper crimp die so it adds a step but it doesn't take that much longer. I think I read somewhere that if you buy the Lee factory crimp die it's a roll crimp for revolver and taper for the autos. .45 ACP headspaces on the case mouth that's why the different crimp.

[Charley]

.45 ACP brass will last until you step on it or loose it. Use a taper crimp, which most modern die sets use for autopistol cartridges contain.

[HighDesertWolf]

i have 45 acp brass that has probably been reloaded 50 times and has never had to be trimmed thats the nice thing about low pressure and a round that headspaces off the case mouth.

[James B]

Get the Lee factory crimp die. Its worth its weight in gold. As the others have stated, the brass lasts forever. It will finally get small neck cracks. great caliber.

[Gundigest]

Thanks for the info, I got the Lee 4 die set with the factory crimp die. What powdersand bullets work the best in the .45?


Thanks,

tom

[HighDesertWolf]

I like a 200 grain SWC or a 230 grain round nose in either jacketed or plated bullets. but on occassion i shoot lead cast in either grain weight or style. my favorite powder at the time is hodgdon clays been working out real well.

[eldeguello]

ORIGINAL: James B

Get the Lee factory crimp die. Its worth its weight in gold.

You need to keep all .45 ACP cases (or any auto brass that headspaces on the mouth) as close to max. O/A length as you can, in order to make sure each round headspaces uniformly from shot to shot. Bell the case mouths the least amount you can get away with, and still be able to start the bullets into the case without crumpling the mouth. Once the bullet is seated, check to see if the rounds will drop into the pistol's chamber all the way. If they do, then you will not need to apply any crimp at all, not even a taper crimp. I check this by stripping my pistol, and using the barrel as a gauge. If you can get the rounds to work correctly with minimum belling andno crimping, 45 ACP brass will virtually last forever, as long as the case mouths aren't buggered up too much buy the pistol on ejection.

I am NOT familiar with the LEE "Factory Crimp" die for the.45 ACP, but I have NEVER SEEN any .45 ACP factory ammo that had any crimp at all, and the other Lee crimping dies I have seen all apply a roll-type crimp, which is not used on auto cartridges since it would ruin the headspacing edge you need on these cases.

I have never had to crimp any .45 ACP rounds I have loaded. They all worked just fine right out of the seating die, which DOES remove the bell as the bullet is being seated........