hey everyone im gonna start reloading for my 1911, so far ive got several hundred assorted pieces of brass, 1000 pulled 230 grain federal hst hollowpoints, im not sure what primers im going to use yet, and i am planning on using unique powder. i will be loading these on a lee 4 hole turret press. should i buy 3 or 4 piece dies? carbide or something else? any other help is very much appreciated. thank you
45acp reloading dies
- Thread starter rem700308
- Start date
204 AR
Well-known member
Carbide absolutely. I crimp separately with a Lee fcd. My Kimber has a tight enough chamber that reloads are not reliable with certain brands of brass if I don't use that die. Any large pistol primer should work.
Over all length can be pretty important for reliability in 1911's. Load a couple mag fulls and try them before going into full scale production. Also while getting set up I take the barrel out of the pistol and use it for a gauge. Make sure completed rounds pass the "plunk" test, rounds drop in freely and drop back out, and also checking that they don't stick out or fall in too far (brass too short).
Over all length can be pretty important for reliability in 1911's. Load a couple mag fulls and try them before going into full scale production. Also while getting set up I take the barrel out of the pistol and use it for a gauge. Make sure completed rounds pass the "plunk" test, rounds drop in freely and drop back out, and also checking that they don't stick out or fall in too far (brass too short).
You definitely want carbide dies and make sure you get them with a taper crimp. I also use a Wilson 45 ACP max pistol gauge to check all cartridges. I was amazed at what I thought were perfect handloads until some would not fully seat in the gauge. After some final adjustments on the dies, all worked perfectly.
COYOTEKILLERMILLER
New member
Carbide for sure.
Steve_in_PA
New member
I've been using the RCBS carbide 3-die set for a lot of years. Works great.
I also use CCI Large Pistol Primers, but last year I had to use some Winchester Large Pistol Primers due to hoarding. Both primers have been excellent in my .45acp loads.
I use Rainier 230gr RN plated bullets, mixed case and 6.5gr of Unique.
I also use CCI Large Pistol Primers, but last year I had to use some Winchester Large Pistol Primers due to hoarding. Both primers have been excellent in my .45acp loads.
I use Rainier 230gr RN plated bullets, mixed case and 6.5gr of Unique.