Unusual 45 cal die.

[roots911]

Got this die with a bunch of misc dies. It has no makers name and the only markings are 45 cal Patent pending. It is machined from one piece of bar stock and has no moving or removable parts. I installed it in a press and gently ran a 45 acp case in and the results are pictured. It places a roll crimp at the case mouth and appears to be the final step in constructing 45 cal snake ie shot loads. Any thoughts? I had not seen a die like this previously. Maybe because there isn't much use 134829134830134831134832134833for snake loads in eastern PA!

[Reg]

Could it possibly be used for putting a good crimp on blanks ?

[gloob]

Strange, indeed. Custom wadcutters for revos?

[country gent]

Im thinking crimp die for shotshells or blanks also. Bu the looks of the die nothing could protrude above the case mouth with it.

[bluelund79]

That's pretty interesting. Hoping somebody has the answer.

[fguffey]

I have a die like the one pictured, my die is a bullet swage die.

F. Guffey

[roots911]

The center portion of the die is not moveable so I do not see how it could swage anything. Maybe someone who actually used something like this could jump in and enlighten us!

[texassako]

.45 ACP shot shells have a long case with a step down to .44(?) caliber where the bullet would normally be in a regular case. Could it be a crimper for a .45 Colt shot shell or possibly a .410 brass shot shell?

[roots911]

I was thinking 45 colt shotshell also but all I had to test with was 45 acp. Might work for 44 mag/special also. Oh well, guess it will go in the odds and ends box. May put it in the swap & sell to see if anyone could use it. Thanks for the replies, Frank

[bedbugbilly]

Certainly is an interesting die! Is there enough adjustment (length wise in the press) that it could also work on a 45 Schofield or Long? Hopefully someone will be able to describe how and what it's used for - looks well made - this one's got me on the edge of my seat!

[mdi]

The crimp on that case looks just like a plain old, heavy roll crimp. Possibly a 45 Colt (or one of it's predecessors?)...

[azrednek]

About 10 years ago I came across one of the rec. or usenet group that specialized in old and antique reloading tools. It was a spin-off from rec.guns. I sold a 1950's Herters press and loose parts there. Don't know if it is still around but might be worth searching for.

EDIT: I did a search for the group and it appears to no longer be around. My gut feeling the unmarked die is for Hollywood blanks. Several years ago I saw some reloading tools purchased at the MGM auction. To the best of my knowledge not one of the tools were stamped although some had attached tags or numbers written with marker pen. Keep in mind I'm just speculating and could be wrong.

[lbaize3]

How about a crimping die for 45 auto rimmed?

[shaune509]

I have a 38cal die just like that. It is a 'Big Scatter' shot shell die, made by 'The Merwin co.' of Hurst Texas. I have not been able to find any info on the company or the die.
Shaune509

[94Doug]

I was thinking 45AR too.