Lee Dies for .45ACP

[cinteal]

Rusty, I did that with my 44 mag loads (that's what got me first concerned with the FCD). There's almost no resizing of the bullet, base to crimp mark, on rounds seated/crimped in the standard die. There's a little in thicker cases like Federal, but we're talking .0005" and that's as far down as my cheap calipers will read, and that's even rounded. FCD resized everything below the crimp mark to the same diameter . . . about .007" in Federals. I did the same test for the 45 ACP . . . the post you thought you had offended me on

You've seen the opinions in this thread. Personally, I don't see a problem with the FCD on semi-autos for plinking, steel plate, etc. They definately decrease the chance of misfeed. Whether or not you should use the FCD to address feeding problems is up to the loader. Again, if you're doing things right in the loading process, and you just have a finicky gun for which the FCD corrects the feed problem, I don't think it will hurt. That's me.

If you want something to be a little more accurate, you might not want to use the FCD . . . it might not make a difference, either (???). I cannot recommend them for revolvers. I don't see the need as there shouldn't be problems with feeding . I, me, myself, don't use them anymore for semi auto or revolver loads.

 

[jcwit]

I've reloaded the 20 pulled down rounds and only crimped them lightly with the crimp/seating die. Did a field strip clean on the Kimber, soaked it overnight in the bucket of cleaner and its clean, clean, clean. Tomorrow I go to the range and I'll report on whether it works or not. We shall see.
Oh yes the bullets seemed tight in the case, I remember rcmodel stated about not being able to push the bullet into the case on one of his posts somewhere, and no I cannot.

 

[Walkalong]

I assume you dropped a few into the barrels chamber to make sure they fit. I am interested to hear how they do. What bullet? What O.A.L.?

 

[jcwit]

Yes I did do that and they chambered OK. Did this while the barrel was out of the gun for cleaning. Also tried 2 by manually racking the slide and they worked OK.

The bullet I'm using is a cast 228 gr. rd. nose out of a lee mold. OAL is 1.200 which I understand is right at the min. lgth. but if I go any longer (other than just a few thousands) the bullet engages the rifling & chambering becomes a problem.

I'm not using a hot load, 4 gr. of REX 2, load data says 4.5 gr. is max.

I'm trying. If this works here's hoping accuracy improves also.

 

[Walkalong]

That is a short throat indeed. Will standard 230 Gr ball ammo chamber?

 

[jcwit]

Walkalong I hate to admit to stubity but I guess.

This just accured to me DAH. I again took the pistol apart and took one of said bullets and dropped it into barrel then took an unprimed empty case with a VERY slight bell and pushed it into the barrel till the rim was even with the hood, then removed same.

The lead bullet had engaged the rifling some so I seated the bullet into the case just at the rifling marks. This is at 1.245, now I'm going to load a few rounds at 1.240 and check them. Maybe--maybe--maybe

 

[RustyFN]

JC I'm looking forward to your range report.
Rusty

 

[Walkalong]

I am willing to bet the 1.240 rounds feed better than the 1.200, but you never know. I seat Berrys 200 Gr HP's at 1.200 and they feed great in everything, but of course they should be seated shorter than 230 Gr RN bullets due to their shape. I am anxious to hear how both O.A.L's, with a light taper crimp, and minus the FCD, do in your gun. If you come home with a big smile on your face, we'll know you had success.

 

[jcwit]

Well here we are back from the range, really just walked in the door 10:45 P.M. Indiana time.

Results:
The 1.200 OAL loads with 4 gr. of Rex 2 and a 228 gr. Rd. Nose lead, sized at .452----Chambered each and every time however accuracy not the greatest.

The 1.240 OAL length rds with the same load----Accuracy SUPER 1 ragged hole except for 2 that I threw out, this was 10 rounds. Did have 1 hicup, round #7 with this load didn't chamber all the way but the slide was easily pushed home with just a slight push from my thumb. I'm gussing failure was from a limp hold as I was shooting from a rest and did not use a firm hold.

What I had been doing wrong way back before I ordered the FCD I can't figure out. But I'm not going to dwell on it. I'll eat my crow and accept it. Pistol shoots better than it has yet with this barrel.

Thanks for everyone with their suggestions and help and putting up with my stuborness.

Dam that tree brought me to a quick stop.