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Case dies for 45ACP on 45LC?

spclarkspclark Member Posts: 408 ✭
edited July 2002 in Ask the Experts
Can sizing dies for 45ACP be used to resize 45LC as well? I'd think yes, and perhaps expanders, seaters, & crimpers as well but would like a more experienced hand's affirmation.
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  • RancheroPaulRancheroPaul Member Posts: 1,459 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ideal case diameter for a .45 acp is 0.476 inch. The .45 LC should have a diameter of 0.480, which is 4 thousandths of an inch larger. Two problems here. You would be working the brass quite excessively and essentially "downsizing" it if you sized a .45 LC with a .45 ACP sizing die. That alone would shorten case life, especially since you would be making them smaller than they were originally manufactured. Other problem is that when fired in a revolver, being as how they would fit looser in the cylinder bores, they would suffer from a great deal more "expansion" further working the brass lessening case life further. You would also need different shell holders anyway to hold the cases.

    If I really needed some ammo I might do this in a "pinch" but only as an emergency! Spend the $30 for a set of Lee .45 LC carbide dies. You would be much, much better off and save a lot of headaches and potential other problems.

    If You Can't Buy a Pair, Get a Spare!
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