.451 or .452, what's the difference?

[GSDFAN]

Newbie question: I'm reloading for my .45's and it's working out pretty well so far. It's hard to find .45 bullets around here but I have noticed some in .451 and .452 diameter. What's the difference to my .45 cases? Is .452 the heavier bullet weights like 250 and 300gr? What do I need to know about this?
Thank you.

 

[Khornet]

Lead vs jacketed

lead .45 bullets are usually .452, while jacketed are usually .451.

 

[nate.45]

1/1000th of an inch.

 

[Walkalong]

Khornet got it. Also, plated bullets are usually closer to .452.

 

[GSDFAN]

Ok, that makes since. Does 1/1000" affect the setting of my flare die or is it just trial and error? I have been using Hornady 230 (.451) HP/XTD, 230g FMJ (.451) encapsulated, FN, RN etc. what ever I can lay my hands on.

 

[Stinger]

Hornady's 45 bullets that weigh over 230g are usually .452 in diameter.

 

[shc1]

I’ve used .451 and .452 in 45 ACP, no problems at all.
As said above it’s only 1/1000 of an inch.
What part of VA? Might see you at the range.

 

[GSDFAN]

Roanoke area

 

[mike_in_md]

.452 will have more contact with the rifling in the barrel. It's the size I use for my 185 LSWC hollow points.

 

[kildar]

.453

What about a .45 a cast bullet measuring .453 would it have detrimental affects on accuracy in a .45 auto?

 

[NuJudge]

No problem with accuracy with .453", but may not chamber

Slug your bore. If your pistol groove diameter is .451", you are about right with a .452" cast bullet.

I have always believed that bigger is better in cast bullets, up to where they will not chamber, and the less sizing the better. The problem is that a .453" bullet in your brass may be too big in diameter to chamber freely.

 

[1911NM]

NuJudge is on the button. Depending on what you are shooting, ie., semi-auto, if slugging your bore comes out large enough for the .453, do you really want to shoot that diameter, or would you be better served by getting a new barrel. If you're in the wheel gun bunch, swapping barrels is not as easy so you might want to use the .453 to tighten up some sloppy groups.