.451 or .452?

[Paper Boy]

Looking to start reloading for my pistols, have been for the rifles for a long time, but one thing I have not been able to figure out is this.

For .45 ACP there is .451 or .452 sized cast bullets. Can load data for the two be interchanged? I assume the max may be diffrent but is the starting the same?

[rjf]

start the same and work up to most accurate but not to exceed max.

[Paper Boy]

start the same and work up to most accurate but not to exceed max.

Awesome thats what I figured. Thanks

[Cowboy T]

Yes, it can, but typically you want to use .451" for jacketed bullets and .452" for cast bullets. If you go .451" for the cast bullet, then it's a very good idea to match your alloy's hardness to your load's approximate pressure. This is to get proper obturation and reduce the chance of leading. For .45 ACP-type pressures, that'd be about BHN 11-12. Straight wheel weight lead typically is this hardness.

[Paper Boy]

Yes, it can, but typically you want to use .451" for jacketed bullets and .452" for cast bullets. .

I was planning on using cast .452 .45 ACP 200 Grain SWC for my 1911, the ones below...

http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=56&category=5&secondary=13&keywords=

[J-cat]

Bullet size depends on your throat diameter. My CQB had a .452" throat and would not feed .452" bullets. Can't force a .452" plug into a .452" hole. So I had to size them down to .451".

My SA Pro has a .453" throat and feeds .452" bullets without isse.