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can I load 454 casull with 45 colt dies?

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8 comments

  • Tailgunner1954
    Yes, but the sizer probably won't reach all the way down to the rim, and the other 2 will have to be raised up in the press (same as with a mixed set, to accomadate the longer brass).
    What they do on the mixed sets (38spl/357, 44spl/44mag etc) is put a "mag" length sizer in the box with the "standard" length bell and seat/crimp dies

    Whittemore
    Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
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  • gruntled2
    The only problem will be that some rounds might be hard to chamber in
    some chambers of a revolver since you can't full lenth resize them.
    If they always go back in the same chamber (single shot gun or rifle)
    then they should chamber OK although they may be a little tighter than if they had been full lenth resized.
    I've been using a .44 Special die for .44 Mags for fourty years &
    rarely had a problem even when I used them in different guns.
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  • JIM STARK
    This will work for .32 /.32H&R mag., .38 /.357, .44SPL. /.44Mag. & .45LC /.454... Measure the difference in length between the longer case and the shorter case.. Put a spacer (washer) of that thickness between the die and the press.... Now your short die sits the proper height for the longer case...Good luck..
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  • gruntled2
    How does moving the die up or down make any difference? You can adjust that with how deep you screw the die in to begin with.
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  • 4C_Ranch
    Some of it has to do with the make of revolver you have. Freedom Arms chambers are extremely tight and you need to full length resize the cases. In fact, Freedom recommends you use only Redding dies as they are the most precise.
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  • Tailgunner1954
    Gruntled2
    I believe that you, Jim Stark and myself are saying the same thing, just in different terms. Bottom line is that the settings for belling, seating and crimping the 45Colt will be lower (closer to the shellholder) than for 454Casull. And that the 454 brass will (probably) not be sized all the way down to the shellholder due to the depth of the opening in the sizing die.
    Jim's spacer methiod (RCBS sells the spacers BTW) means you don't have to disturb the locking ring(s) when changing cartridges.

    I won't assume that the poster is aware of this and be called a fool later when he crushes a few cases.


    Whittemore
    Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
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  • mrbruce
    I have tried both ways, and the 454 dies will definately do a better job with less fooling around. Redding is the way to go.

    Gun control is hitting what your aiming at.
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  • guffie
    Thanks for the info, guys. I'm familiar with the RCBS combo dies for 38/357, and 44Spec/Mag. I have both of those. I was kind of afraid the tight chambers in the Freedom Arms might be a problem. I think I'll just go ahead and buy some Redding dies for the 454. I really like Redding dies, anyway. That's what I always buy if I can find them. Thanks again.

    Gun control means all X's.
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