Reloading for 1911

[Jjwisled]

Put my first 1911 in jail Monday and I'm going to order dies for it. Lee 4 die or 3 die set? Most of the brass out there is lp primers right. I've already ready have unique and titegroup any other powders you like for 45. I'll be working up my loads out of a manual so I'm not looking for data. Mostly be loading 230 gr cast. Will need to work up a load for 185 xpb as well

[Blademan21]

Put my first 1911 in jail Monday and I'm going to order dies for it. Lee 4 die or 3 die set? Most of the brass out there is lp primers right. I've already ready have unique and titegroup any other powders you like for 45. I'll be working up my loads out of a manual so I'm not looking for data. Mostly be loading 230 gr cast. Will need to work up a load for 185 xpb as well

The 4 die set has a crimp die. Not needed if the seat your bullet right. But I do use one on my Dillion 550.
I always use LP brass. LP primers WILL NOT fit into small primer brass without a small kaboom. I use some Bullseye as well as the two you have.
Always follow you reloading manual for max loads recommendations. 230gr FMJ is my favorite bullet. Only load 185 SWC for target. Nice clean hole. My 2 cents. Good luck.

[croue]

WST is my favorite in the 1911.

[Low Light]

Partial to Titegroup in my RIA. Bullets need a slight crimp, and seem to feed a bit smoother with one, in mine. YMMV.

[Jjwisled]

I got a ria as well when you say crimp are you talking about the factory crimp die that comes in the 4 die set. Thanks for the reply s btw

[divingin]

I use a taper crimp die rather than a roll crimp (which I think is what comes with the 3-die set.) Taper crimp is less sensitive to differing case lengths. The Lee factory crimp die is a taper crimp.

[Jjwisled]

Thanks again, I'll get the 4 die then

[someoneeasy]

You're going to want the 4 die anyway. If you're planning to load cast, you're going to need to flare the case enough so you're not shaving off lead, then to crimp at least enough to remove the bell.

[Socratic]

Unique has always been a go-to powder for many handgun cartridges, especially the .45 ACP. It will give higher velocities than Bullseye. Ken Waters really liked it. He was able to achieve excellent velocity within standard pressure limits.

itegroup seems to have become the powder of choice among target shooters. I've found it to be excellent .45 ACP powder. I know this borders on heresy: I believe Titegroup will replace Bullseye as the primary .45 ACP powder. But then again, Bullseye is old technology (100+ years old) while Titegroup is new technology.

PowerPistol and Longshot are good if you're looking for velocity.

http://www.realguns.com/loads/45auto.htm

[Low Light]

I got a ria as well when you say crimp are you talking about the factory crimp die that comes in the 4 die set. Thanks for the reply s btw

Yes. Do a search in WTS, there was a guy selling a 4 die set for $30, I believe.

[Low Light]

Never mind. Looks like the dies are sold. I got mine used in the sales section for around $25 or so, so if you're not in a hurry keep an eye out.

[robert101]

Post #2 seems to cover it. Just remove the bell and don't crimp to much. I settle in around .471 to .472 for my SA Loaded barrel. They feed fine and very few FTFs. I don't really work up loads as much as find a nice soft shooting charge in my favorite two powders Unique and Bullseye. Have fun.

[bigbossman]

You're going to want the 4 die anyway. If you're planning to load cast, you're going to need to flare the case enough so you're not shaving off lead, then to crimp at least enough to remove the bell.

The Lee 3 die set bells the case mouth with the second "powder through" die.

1st die resizes and de-primes, 2nd dies flares and allows powder drop, 3rd die seats and taper crimps. I've been using the 3 die set with cast bullets since the mid-late 90's, and it does all the operations you need done to get reliably feeding ammo

You can buy the 4 die set and separate the crimp from the seating if you want, but IMO it just extra work when the seating die taper crimps for you.

[beetle]

WST is my favorite in the 1911.

me too. very clean, and weirdest thing is that it seems have a much lower operating temperature. When I pick up my brass they are cool to the touch (as opposed to other powders like 231 which are warm/hot to the touch)

[DragonDJ11]

I use the 4 die set in my Lee Turret Press. I tried a few different option in everything and found that my Range Officer prefers Bullseye Powder, with 200gr Coated SWCs and CCI Primers.

But that is me, your results may differ.