.45 Colt resizing die too tight?

[23 Blast]

Made my first batch of .45Colt ammo.

250gr. Berry's plated FP bullets
6.7 gr. HP-38
CCI large pistol primers

Anyway, during the decapping/resizing operation (I do this first step in batch because I then use a primer pocket cleaner), it seemed like some of the cases required a bit more force than when I reloaded .38spl, .357mag, or .45acp. The dies are brand new, so perhaps that's a factor?

In any case, once I loaded the bullets, there seemed to be a noticeable bulge where the bullets are pushed into the case. In the absence of pictures, think of putting a soup can part way down a tube sock and seeing how the sock bulges around the can. Measuring the diameter between where the bullet was (right at the case mouth) and lower down the cartridges (near the head) revealed a difference of only about .002.

All cartridges chambered properly (I was using the dismounted cylinder of my Ruger Blackhawk as a case gauge).

So, I'm guessing these will shoot fine, but wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this?

[pacrat]

A common occurance. It is known as "wasping". Caused by variations in brass thickness. Not all cases are created equal. With a revolver, if it fits, shoot it.

More force required to size larger diameter cases is due to increased surface area of the case. "Bigger case, Bigger grunt" on the press handle.


Jm2c

[shoebox56]

Anyway, during the decapping/resizing operation (I do this first step in batch because I then use a primer pocket cleaner), it seemed like some of the cases required a bit more force than when I reloaded .38spl, .357mag, or .45acp. The dies are brand new, so perhaps that's a factor?

Although they say carbide dies don't require lube, I use it anyway for this reason.

[23 Blast]

Although they say carbide dies don't require lube, I use it anyway for this reason.

I know. I lube one case in about 30-40, when it seems like the stroke is harder than it should be. This did help some, but it did seem unusually "sticky" at first.

[BigBronco]

Yep lube on big fat & long cases saves elbow grease.

[sghart]

This is why I love RCBS case lube. I shoot a lot of 45 Colt in my revolvers and my rifle. I can always tell the brass that comes from my Vaquero as it is slightly harder to size.

Spread a bunch of brass in a single layer in an aluminum baking pan. Hit it with one or two spritz's of RCBS case lube. That's all it takes. My loads sail through my press.

Good advice posted above also.

I also do the same thing with most of my straight wall cases, especially stout 45-70 loads.

[Capt.Dunsel]

Made my first batch of .45Colt ammo.

250gr. Berry's plated FP bullets
6.7 gr. HP-38
CCI large pistol primers

Anyway, during the decapping/resizing operation (I do this first step in batch because I then use a primer pocket cleaner), it seemed like some of the cases required a bit more force than when I reloaded .38spl, .357mag, or .45acp. The dies are brand new, so perhaps that's a factor?

In any case, once I loaded the bullets, there seemed to be a noticeable bulge where the bullets are pushed into the case. In the absence of pictures, think of putting a soup can part way down a tube sock and seeing how the sock bulges around the can. Measuring the diameter between where the bullet was (right at the case mouth) and lower down the cartridges (near the head) revealed a difference of only about .002.

All cartridges chambered properly (I was using the dismounted cylinder of my Ruger Blackhawk as a case gauge).

So, I'm guessing these will shoot fine, but wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this?

Ok just in case nobody has mentioned this to you , 45LC ( or Colt if you prefer) come in 2 flavors . Prior to WWII they were of a .454 flavor , that was the size not the power level . After WWII they started coming in at .451 , there are 2 , yes 2 different sizing dies available . Both can be used but you find when the brass is sized in the newer dies with the bullets being of older design you'll get the bulge . They are safe to shoot that way , brass just doesn't last as long .

Example : My colt Trooper in .45 needs the older dies , it likes the .454 diameter . My TC Contender likes the .451 , new chamber/ new dies .

And a word of warning , when picking up brass for the .45 LC ( Colt) make sure to stay away from the old "balloon head " cases , at Blackhawk and Contender pressures they give way , heads separate real quick .

[23 Blast]

Thanks, Capt. Dunsell.

The bullets I have for them are .452 diameter.

[pacrat]

Baloon head cases non issue since turn of 20th century. With advent of smokeless powder. You can find them in cartridge collections.

[Capt.Dunsel]

Baloon head cases non issue since turn of 20th century. With advent of smokeless powder. You can find them in cartridge collections.

You can also find some at your local range , some folks have some they reload for guns like a Colt trooper and occasionally misplace them

But they are few and far between , but still show up . Just a warning .

[pacrat]

You can also find some at your local range , some folks have some they reload for guns like a Colt trooper and occasionally misplace them

But they are few and far between , but still show up . Just a warning .

Point noted and agreed with. Making up "hot loads" in a old BP balloon case for a modern revolver such as a BlackHawk, would NOT BE GOOD THING.