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igolfat8
12-22-2013, 08:45 PM
I need help choosing a sizing die for .45 ACP, shot from my Springfield RO. I did not have access to any soft lead to slug my barrel so I took a factory cast 200 grain LSWC and removed the blue lube. I measured 4 bullets and they all measured .453" with a dial caliper and also verified with a micrometer. Next I cleaned and oiled my barrel and drove 2 bullets through from the muzzle end. The smallest OD, measured in the rifling grooves, was .443". The largest OD on both measured between .4515" - .452". I am a newbee and not sure what sizing die that I will need to order. Any help from experienced casters would be greatly appreciated.

mrblue
12-22-2013, 09:04 PM
Well it depends, If you have a Lyman/RCBS sizer start with a 452, the most common sized. If not and you are going the lee route, which is a little more affordable, go with a .453 and 452. Then try them both under different loads and see which shoots best and leaves less lead. Trial and error.

Cherokee
12-22-2013, 09:27 PM
I would start with .452 using clip on wheel weight + some tin. Never met a 45 ACP that required 453 to shoot well w/o leading.

sirgknight
12-22-2013, 09:29 PM
All of my 45's go through a .452. This size works great in my wheel guns and semi-autos.

igolfat8
12-22-2013, 09:39 PM
I have not cast the first boolit nor do I own any equipment yet ... but I am just doing my home work. I only plan to cast .45 ACP and have access to range lead. Don't have deep pockets so am considering Lee 4-20 pot, single stage Lee press, sizing die, tumble lube and Lee casting mold. I shoot paper in the winter and will likely shoot bowling pins in the summer.

Shiloh
12-22-2013, 09:48 PM
Slug your bore. My guess is that .452 will be just the ticket. I'd start there.

Shiloh

kryogen
12-22-2013, 10:09 PM
looks like I am double dumb for buying a .451 sizer :P Looks like I'll have to buy a .452 also. Will slug the bore tomorrow if I have time. Also, I will have to check my hk45 when I get it.

ShooterAZ
12-22-2013, 10:22 PM
452 452 452

igolfat8
12-22-2013, 10:26 PM
Slug your bore. My guess is that .452 will be just the ticket. I'd start there.

Shiloh

I thought I did? Info is in the first post.

JWFilips
12-22-2013, 10:35 PM
.452" in my Remington R1s!..... but Unsized Lee 230 Grain TL's @ .453" works just as well ....however I still try to size about .452" just to have consistancy

runfiverun
12-22-2013, 10:36 PM
you did pretty much.
i'd also go with 452 it's worked for all my 45 acp's, maybe one of these day's i'll measure a barrel before i shoot it.

turmech
12-22-2013, 10:38 PM
just in case someone did not already say it, .452

MT Gianni
12-22-2013, 11:18 PM
I have an odd ball Kimber that will not chamber a 452 but needs a 451. It is best to slug as you did.

felix
12-22-2013, 11:27 PM
Might be the cases you are using in that Kimber using the 452 size boolits. Choose Remington and/or Military using same boolits, and see if the problem persists. Anyway, you are lucky having that tight chamber. ... felix