Should I buy a bigger die for my 45acp?

[NavyMajor]

45 Colt (.452) 3-Die Set
45 Auto-AR-Win Mag (.451) 3-Die Set
My sizing die .452 for my lyman lubrisizer. The bullet is from the lee 452-200-RF. I know that I should logically buy the dies for the 45ACP since thats the gun that will be shooting these. But will the die swage down these bullets to .451? What would be the problem using the 45 Colt (.452) 3-Die Set? Please help this is messing with my head and I want to order the dies soon!
Thanks in advance
V/R
Marc Major
Active Duty USN
Yokosuka Japan

[WHITETAIL]

I would try the 452 sizer.:cbpour:

[40Super]

Chances are you will need the .452 for a good fit in the acp. None of my barrels have used .451 though one is a tight fit at the bigger size.

[blpenn66502]

Swage - no telling. It would depend on what the true dimensions are and how the brass reacts. The 45 colt has different dimensions than the 45 ACP besides the OAL. You most likely won't be able to take out the mouth flare out with the 45 colt. The expander for the 45 Colt will be longer so you will need another step to flare mouth to prevent shaving when loading unless you want to want to run the expander way deep and it may end up being too deep. I you need/want a different expander you can order one or have someone make one for you - someone in the base machine shop could do it relatively quickly and easily.

[williamwaco]

I would try the 452 sizer.:cbpour:


+1.

I always size .45ACP to .452

[badboyparamedic]

I use .452 for both my 45acp and 45 colt.

[drklynoon]

As I read your question, Use .45 acp reloading dies. I do not think you are asking about a bullet sizing die but reloading dies. .45 colt dies will not work correctly. If your expander plug is not expanding your cases enough that is another problem but to be honest you won't know that until you get your dies. If you get lee dies and the expander is too small you could call LEE and find out if the .45 colt expander plug is larger. If it is then you can buy the .45 colt expander die and put the plug into your .45 acp expander die. Be warned that you will need to re-adjust your die after doing this. I hope this answers your question as completely as needed. Some of the other responses have been for bullet sizers and not reloading dies.

[NavyMajor]

Ya you got it. [I] was asking about about the reloding die. I already have the resizing die. I guess ill go for the 45acp dies and if I need to, just get a bigger plug. I already have an offer for someone to make me one. Thanks alot for everyones response. -Major

[40Super]

If you get Hornady dies , the expander plug can't be changed. For whatever reason they permanently attach it to the inside of the die body. To go bigger another brand is needed. It's one of their goofy designs that makes it hard to clean even.
Is there much for shooting opportunities over there in Japan?