45 ACP Reloading question

[Lone_Gunman]

I am reloading 45 ACP using a Lee Classic Turret press, and the Lee Deluxe 4-Die set. I am using once-fired Speer Brass, and Winchester .451 diameter FMJ bullets.

After I resize my cases, the outside diameter of the cases is about .465". After I seat my bullet, the outside diameter of the case in the area where the bullet is set is about .470". The rear of the case (where there is no bullet set) is still .465" of course, so the difference between the front and back is .005". I can visually see that the front of the case where the bullet is at is a little bit larger diameter than the rear of the case.

I checked a few rounds of factory ammo, and the difference with factory ammo is more like .002" from the front of the case where the bullet is, compared to the back of the case.

Is this a problem? Am I doing something to cause this? I have fired some of this ammo, and it works fine.

 

[countertop]

Shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Lennyjoe]

No worries mate. The brass expands a bit to help retain the bullet.

 

[Delmar]

Lone Gunman, I'd be more worried if the brass wasn't smaller behind the seated bullet. On a taper crimp setup, bullet setback is hindered more by the brass being smaller diameter behind the bullet.

 

[rchernandez]

To insure proper feeding, I use the factory crimp die, to bring that down to about .467-.469 (I load 185gr & 200gr lead SWC).

 

[loadedround]

That slight bulge is normal with some loading dies. Don't sweat it.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Gosh, if I don't see some sort of bulge when the bullet is seated, then I wonder if the brass was sized properly or if I sized the bullets smaller than they should be. If it's too small, then the case won't head space properly. If the loaded round diameter is too big, it won't feed or chamber. Your measurements are within spec. Don't worry.

When you start to see un-even bulges, that's when you need to look deeper.

-Steve

 

[Sunray]

"...it works fine..." Rule number one. If it works, don't fix it.

 

[Ares45]

It's called a coke bottle & = desired result. .469-471 is a good crimp. Keep rolling.

 

[temmi]

I see the same thing with my 45 ACPs everything is ok... you will see the same thing in aome factory ammo.

 

[LAH]

Most of my loads with .451 bullets are .470-.471.