hornady 45 colt new dimension dies

[bobke]

need the considerable wisdom assembled here regarding this new dieset-i don't think they're going to work out, unless i'm missing something critical. have been using rcbs for everything since day one, and no real issue with current carbide 45colt set, just wanted to try the hornady's, based on several positive reports from users here. i just took some freshly fired federal 45 colt brass and ran them through the rcbs carbide die and expander and they measured .468od x .447id-pretty close to ideal for .453 cast.

so i set up the sizer/expander for hornady and get .473od x .452id. i was almost able to push a sized bullet into the case by hand. something seams terribly amiss here. other than thinking these dies are really meant for cowboy type pressure with .454 bullets, i can't see how they'd work properly, especially after reading the latest handloader and the scovill/pearce recommendations for .446 sizing buttons for nominal od bullets.

i'm loading for a really finicky 45 colt bisley with .453 throats and .451 barrel. restriction at frame lapped out, gun's finally starting to show some promise and wanted to try these dies to see if my dieset needed to be replaced or improved upon, but looking at the dimensions above, i doubt the hornady's would be a step in the right direction at all.

comments guys? they're going back if they're all wrong. thx for your considerable wisdom.

[Frank]

Call Hornady and they'll send you a new one. They did that for me.

[Bucks Owin]

FWIW, I have a carbide Lee set for .454"+ cast bullets, an RCBS carbide size die for .4515-2" jacketed and a .45 ACP set "just because". I use all three for my fat throated .45 BH....Dennis

[9.3X62AL]

I would be curious to see how well (or poorly) your .453" boolits shot from cases with I/D of .452". Before shipping the tools back for replacement, try the rounds on paper. Apply the usual roll crimp, and let drive.

I'm not certain the "Handloader" recommendation for .446" I/D is such a great idea. I use a .451" expander for .454" boolits in my 45 Colt Bishawk, and I'm very happy with the work done by #454424, #454190, and #454490.

[runfiverun]

i'd try them too you might be better off with a 454 boolit anyways.
also [i'm guessing your using win brass] you might want them when you try another brand of brass. s-line for instance.

[44man]

I just measured a case done with the Hornady dies and they measure .468" OD and .449" ID.
I would call Hornady. As much as I like them, Hornady can screw up too.