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45LC - .458 brass and .452 bullets???

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45LC - .458 brass and .452 bullets???

Old 02-02-2003, 04:40 PM
  #1  
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Location: Imperial, MO
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Default 45LC - .458 brass and .452 bullets???

Hey guys I'm getting ready to load up my first batch of 45LC. Standard WW brass measures .458 and the 250gr Hornady XTP's are only .452. The bullet easily slides down in the case. I don't think I will have problems with the large magnum charges but with the smaller powder charges is there a trick to keep the seating/crimping die from nocking the bullet down into the case before crimping. I hadn't actually started loading yet, I just got home with the supplies and noticed the brass offers the bullet very little resistance from sliding down inside.

Thanks,
Toby
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Old 02-02-2003, 06:54 PM
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Default RE: 45LC - .458 brass and .452 bullets???

You really need to do a little more reading. Would be my quess that the brass has been fired and not resized yet. One of the first steps of reloading is to resize the brass as it stretches every time it is fired. I hope you take time to read the reloading book before attempting to do some loading.
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Old 02-02-2003, 07:46 PM
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Default RE: 45LC - .458 brass and .452 bullets???

As a lover of the 45Colt and an avid reloader I agree with MR300WM.
Learn as much as you can before you ever start.
I have found that they need a very good crimp also.
I have been using a crimp die for years and have better results than just crimping with the seating die.

good luck!
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Old 02-02-2003, 07:57 PM
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Default RE: 45LC - .458 brass and .452 bullets???

MR300WM,

No reading required, except on the face of my calipers. Not new to the game, just my first go-round with the 45LC. These are WW 45 Long Colt new in the bag, never been fired. I will admit, earlier I was on the "fly" and I made a mistake. The .458 ID was wrong. However these casings still range from .454 - .456 ID. I can take the jacketed .452 250gr Hornady XTP and set in the unflared case mouth with ease. The bullet does have just enough resistance to hold it up. However, even the slightest little touch of the finger and down inside the case it goes. But, to your point, I haven't resized the new brass, YET! Now that I have time, I'm going to run them all through the sizing die and check again.

Edited by - Toby from MO on 02/02/2003 21:02:14
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Old 02-02-2003, 08:12 PM
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Default RE: 45LC - .458 brass and .452 bullets???

aunsaber,

I hear ya. I am loading for a Marlin 1894 Cowboy. I have been shooting this gun for about a year now and I am just getting around to loading for it. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on. Trying to get a handle on the true potential of this cartridge. Paco Kelly, John Linebaugh and Jim Taylor, on www.sixgunner.com, have some great articles detailing the testing and loads developed for this cartridge in the Contenders, Rugers, Marlins and Winchester's. I can already tell this thing is going to steal some of my love from my 44 mags and definately the .45-70.
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Old 02-03-2003, 07:28 AM
  #6  
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Default RE: 45LC - .458 brass and .452 bullets???

Run this new brass through a .45 Colt die that is made for the current version of the .45 Colt, which uses .451" to .452" bullets, not a die for the "old" version, that used .454" bullets. My .45 Colt dies are made for .454" bullets, so I do my sizing with a .45 ACP die, then expand with a .451 size expander plug.

Keep yore powder dry!!

Edited by - eldeguello on 02/03/2003 08:28:54
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Old 02-03-2003, 11:18 AM
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Typical Buck
 
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Default RE: 45LC - .458 brass and .452 bullets???

Toby; it sounds like we read the same authors.
There are a lot of 44mag guys around here starting to find the full potential of the .45 colt. (in the right firearm)
Until recently I could always find a better selection of bullets for the .45 colt. But then I like cast bullets and that makes a little differance.
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