.45 ACP handloading???
#1
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Central Michigan
Posts: 982
.45 ACP handloading???
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
Thanks,
Tom
#2
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Bar Harbor ME USA
Posts: 443
RE: .45 ACP handloading???
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.
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: A flat lander lost in the mountains of Northern,AZ
Posts: 3,171
RE: .45 ACP handloading???
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.
#5
RE: .45 ACP handloading???
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.
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: A flat lander lost in the mountains of Northern,AZ
Posts: 3,171
RE: .45 ACP handloading???
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.
#8
RE: .45 ACP handloading???
ORIGINAL: James B
Get the Lee factory crimp die. Its worth its weight in gold.
Get the Lee factory crimp die. Its worth its weight in gold.
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........