Seating 45ACP

C

cw308

New member
I use the RCBS 45 ACP carbide dies set of 3 , size & decap , bell , seat taper crimp die. I use to seat an crimp in one stroke is how the die is suppose to be used . Someone in this forum advised me to seat an crimp in separate steps. I did it today an you are correct , may take a little longer but much more precise . I'm using a single stage press ( Rockchucker ) my one an only . Thanks again .

Chris
 
Sometimes it pays to keep an open mind and try new ideas. Glad this works as you expected! I try to keep my hobbies as enjoyable as possible.
 
I agree that the dies were designed to seat & crimp in one step, but like you've learned separate is easier to setup and to execute!
 
I have never had an issue seating and crimping with one die, but then I like things simple so I shoot the same type of bullet in whatever cartridge I am loading - 158 in 38/357, 124 in 9mm, 230 in 45, and so on. Once set, the dies do not change.
 
Yes, helpful information if not lively debate.

I do enjoy the folks here and have learned from many, while I've disagreed with a few, I have had my views changed on occasion also. Even the ones I've disagreed with there are no hard feelings or ill will.
 
Once you go progressive, the point is moot.

But I loaded on a single stage for 31 years. And it didn't take long to figure out that doing them in separate operations makes better ammo. But even then, my basic lead target shooters for 38 and 45 ACP were done in one operation, and they came out just fine.

Maybe I've gone too far, but now that I've gone progressive, I actually do three crimps in the case of roll crimped ammo. The first die seats and takes out most of the flair (I flair generously); the second die taper crimps, and the third die is a Lee FCD and performs a roll crimp, if applicable.
 
I bought my 5-station Hornady ProJector press specifically because it had 5 stations... so I could seat and crimp in a separate step. It's worked pretty good for the past 25 years...

Having said that, there are a few cartridges I still one-step the seat and crimp... I have found it works better with something like a cast bullet with a crimp groove vs a FMJ bullet, for example, with no crimp groove, particularly with a heavy crimp (for something like a Magnum charge of W296, etc.)
 
When seated an taper crimp with plated bullets ( 230 gr. FMJ or should I say RN ) with plated . The plated bullets would slightly flatten . When using the same die , backed the die out , lowered the seating plug to the OAL I wanted ,seated all the cases . Backed out the plug lowered the die to remove the bell an taper crimped all the cases . The rounds were more consistent without any flattening . Both ways never caused a problem in the pistol , I'm not in an rush to load , after all I'm only loading 50 at a time . Why not make them as precise as possible . Thank You All for all your input .

Chris
 
I'm trying to wrap my head around the issue......well, were people are having issues seating and crimping in the same step.

I've been reloading since about 1991 and for all my handguns rounds (.380, 9mm, .38/.357, .44mag and .45acp), I've always seated and crimped in the same step.

For my training/plinking 9mm and .45acp, I use plated bullets. Primarily Rainier, but some Berry thrown into the mix. Never had an issue with seating not being precise.

Guess I've been lucky. Use the method that works best for you is always the way to go.
 
Will admit I have been a one step seat/crimp as that is they way that 3 die pistol sets are designed to be used. That is until I purchased a Tanfoglio Witness 45acp. No matter what I tried I couldn't get them to chamber properly. Even tried the 2 step seat then crimp. That corrected about 95% but still ran into problems. Lastly I went to a Lee Carbide FCD, not the taper crimp, and that solved the problem completely.
 
Chris,

In the reloading course I teach, I teach to seat and crimp in separate operation for pistol rounds. With revolver rounds, on the other hand, both operations can be done at once.

Don
 
USSR said:
In the reloading course I teach, I teach to seat and crimp in separate operation for pistol rounds. With revolver rounds, on the other hand, both operations can be done at once.
Click to expand...

Can I ask why? I seat and crimp with the RCBS carbide for pistol (.45acp, 9mm, .380acp) but found using a Lee FCD in a 4th step to crimp/finish revolver (.38spl, 357 mag and .45Colt) was better. I had done it in 1 step at first but got a FCD after a while and like it.

This is opposite of your technique and I am curious. Thanks!
 
FWIW; I still, after 30+ years, prefer to seat and crimp in two steps, but I often use "different" crimping dies. For my revolvers I use a Redding Profile Crimp, and a Lee Collet Crimp. For my semi-autos I just barely kiss the case mouth with a taper crimp die, just enough to straighten out the case mouth. I don't have any chambering problems that can't be fixed, and in my 30+ years have never had any need to resize my handloads as a final step (I only own 6 center fire semi-auto pistols). Any problems with rounds fitting my guns is 99% of the time fixed with die adjustments (jacketed, cast coated, plated bullets, mixed brass)...
 
hen seated an taper crimp with plated bullets ( 230 gr. FMJ or should I say RN ) with plated . The plated bullets would slightly flatten . ....
Click to expand...

Are you using the flat seater or the round nose seater? Sounds like you are using the flat one...
 
Steve in PA
The only problem I have was when using Rainier 45acp 230 gr. Plated ,the tips would flatten slightly. Maybe caused by the resistance when seating an crimping in one step . Tried it in two steps felt it went much smoother .
 
Nathan
It wood seem like it but no I'm using the round nose plug , thanks though . Plateing is alittle softer , it's just very little , I'm sure it's from the same step process , maybe just picking hairs , doesn't happen with FMJ's only plated .
 
Kmw1954
What is the difference with the factory crimp die , do you think from a one step seat/ crimp die roll or taper , set up should be the same . I guess if it works it works .
 
robhic
I think it is in the setup. I've used the RCBS Carbide die to seat an crimp in one step , worked fine but with softer bullets you may have flattening issues , two steps you don't . I never even noticed it until I read an article an looked and I did have flattening , doesn't cause any problems just want the bullets to keep their shape .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top