Question from Novice: 45 Colt Re-Load

[jimeast]

I am setting up a Dillon 550 machine to load 45 colt brass.

As I set up the machine, I have the sizing, bell, seating and crimp dies set. The bullets are sold as .452", but the one or two I measured are .454" I am using Star-line brass. The bullets are from Missouri Bullet, the brass is new and from the same vendor

After sizing and belling a case, seating the bullet expands the case by .005" along the length of the bullet.

The case after sizing is .470" The expanded area after seating is .475"

Also, the raw brass is close to .475" in diameter. After the sizing station, it is reduced to about .470"

Is this acceptable? Or do I need to resolve this? This expanded area is still within spec and loads in the revolver cylinder nicely

The service from Missouri bullet was outstanding, and I have no reason to question the products they offer, but want to make sure I have a proper setup, and the dimensional results are good.

 

[joem1945]

I load that on a single stage press. It sounds about right although I never measured the loaded rounds. I use a case gauge. If the fit the gauge they will chamber.

 

[jimeast]

So just to be clear, it's OK as long as the diameter along the case is within spec; even if that diameter changes as the case diameter transitions along it's length where the base of the bullet is seated?

 

[Arkansas Paul]

This expanded area is still within spec and loads in the revolver cylinder nicely

Then you should have no trouble.

I cast my own and my mold drops them about .4535 so I don't even size them. I just lube and shoot.

I certainly do see where it bulges the case a little but that's no problem. That bullet will size down rather quickly when it enters the bore. It's a lead bullet so you want it a little larger than .452 (most of the time, depending on your bore diameter).

I think you will be just fine. Shoot a few and let us know how the accuracy is.

 

[eldon519]

.45 Colt specs are all over the place. From the sound of it you are fine. You want the portion where the bullet is seated to be bigger than the body because that means it has neck tension holding it in place. If the body and the bullet area were exactly the same, you'd pretty much be relying exclusively on the crimp to hold the bullet in place which is not what you want.

 

[mdi]

Will the rounds chamber?

 

[jimeast]

Thanks for the help everyone. The rounds chamber nicely. Once I get the powder measure set, I'll make a few and see how they work.

Also, I originally used a caliper to measure the bullet diameter and got .454" They were listed as .452, so I dropped a line to Missouri Bullet requesting support and they called me (same day) and wanted to send a new box to me. Before accepting the offer, I decided to use my micrometer to get a more accurate measure and they were indeed .452" so, I'm good to go. Hats off to Missouri Bullet for customer service.

 

[Buck13]

After sizing and belling a case, seating the bullet expands the case by .005" along the length of the bullet.

The case after sizing is .470" The expanded area after seating is .475"

I believe that's called "neck tension," and it's a good thing? If I've ever made these before-and-after measurements, I've forgotten, but seeing a very slight bulge in the way of the seated bullet is typical.

 

[FROGO207]

Be aware also that if you do size the bullet down too small the gas will slip by the bullet, melt it some and deposit lead in the bore (gas cutting). Better a bit too big around than too small IMHO. Do let us know how you make out.

 

[au_prospector]

Let me know if I am wrong Frog....

I was let to believe the term "gas cutting" referred to escaping charge gases flaring through the cylinder gap and actually etching and eventually cutting into the top strap of the frame. I have heard this with top end .357 and .44 magnum loads damaging a revolver in this manner. . . "gas cutting"

 

[FROGO207]

No you are not wrong. That is also what will happen with certain hot loads using certain propellants. Topstrap gas cutting.

The same process will also happen to undersized lead bullets that will not orbituate (bump up) in the bore and seal it allowing hot gasses by to melt the relatively soft lead. Barrel leading can happen at lower temperatures that will not cause problems with the topstrap. Even with starting loads it seems.