45 acp & 45 gap

[jack19512]

I don't cast or reload for my 45 ACP yet and just purchased a 45 Gap, does anyone know if I can use just one die set to reload for both the ACP and GAP? I really don't want to have to buy 2 die sets if I don't have to.

[2ndAmendmentNut]

I have only ever loaded 45acp, but as far as I am aware of the dies are the same, or at least the sizer die is the same. I am not sure if the expander die or the seater die will screw down far enough for the shorter GAP case.

[mike in co]

the issue would be if the crimp will come down to meet the shorter case length of the gap.

i have been looking for an unoptainium...a metal framed gap on a small frame with a hammer..

on the other side i have over 700 once fired cases.


mike in co

[StarMetal]

There is more issue then the crimp. If using steel dies (take note that the 45 acp is a tapered cartridge) the bullet holding part of the GAP brass may not get sized down as much as would the 45acp using the same steel die. Now with a carbide sizer that is not an issue. So you may not (but I doubt it) have enough bullet tension. Then add the crimp mentioned in the above post.

Joe

[jack19512]

I guess it will just be 2 die sets to make sure. :smile:

[mike in co]

There is more issue then the crimp. If using steel dies (take note that the 45 acp is a tapered cartridge) the bullet holding part of the GAP brass may not get sized down as much as would the 45acp using the same steel die. Now with a carbide sizer that is not an issue. So you may not (but I doubt it) have enough bullet tension. Then add the crimp mentioned in the above post.

Joe

there is only .0028 taper in the 45 case from mouth to base(.0014 per side).....not sure if that is enought to be an issue...but i'll default to 2 die sets also.

mike in co