Lance03

Hi all, I'm pretty new to reloading, about 2 weeks. I'm loading 45colt for my Blackhawk. Using Starline brass and Oregon trail 200g swc. According to my "one book/one caliber" reloading manual, (closest I could find in the book is the Hornady #12108 swc) the COL s/b 1.595", which is right on the shoulder of the bullet. I get that set, then I'm doing a roll crimp, after crimp COL comes in about 1.575". The crimp is seating bullet a bit deeper. Please, I need advice, what am I doing wrong?

Thanks in advance.

john16443

Time out Lance, let's step back and make sure we're on the same page. These bullets are typically used in 45 ACP applications as the DON'T have the cannelure or groove in the body of the bullet. You are trying to load them in 45 colt revolver cartridges that require a roll crimp in the cannelure groove of the bullet.

Since the bullet doesn't have the groove, I am not surprised that it is 'moving' when you apply your roll crimp. You need to consider a different bullet, like the 45LC Cal. 200g RNFP .452 found here. Home

If you're not able to use your 200g SWC's, send me a PM and I'll see about purchasing them from you.

Sr40ken

If you don't have a properly placed crip groove you're gonna move the bullet. Unless you're going real hot you might try a tapper crimp. jmho

john16443

One more thing, when you go and try to fire these 200 SWC's that don't have the cannelure, the bullets in the chamber may/will tend to move out of the case (get longer) since you roll crimp isn't hanging on to the bullet, this will cause you problems.

Dale53

Lance03;
When loading that 200 gr SWC, you really need to seat the bullet in one die and crimp in another (the functions need to be separated). When you try to seat and crimp at the same time, you can run into all kinds of problems with bullets that don't have a nice, long, sloping crimp groove.

You CAN use a roll crimp (lightly) if you leave the bullet shoulder extending out about 1/16" from the case mouth. Just crimp enough to remove the flare and slightly more. Using fast burning powders, you don't need a heavy crimp for the powder to burn properly (Bullseye, Titegroup, 231, Clays, etc.).

Just seat and crimp in separate steps. Use a light crimp (a taper crimp works well, also). Load up a single case to see if the load will chamber properly (a tight throated gun may resist loading with the bullet shoulder extending from the case mouth). If it loads without a problem, then load some up and try them. I think you'll do just fine.

Four die sets were invented for a reason. If the bullet has the above mentioned long, sloping, crimp groove, you can get by with a three die set. If no crimping groove in the bullet, then a four die set eliminates a lot of problems.

This is a picture of several loaded rounds in the .45 Auto Rim. If you will look at the cartridge standing up on the right side of the frame, you'll see that the bullet is seated out enough that you can see the cylindrical portion that is just above the shoulder. This load is taper crimped and driven at about 1000 fps to insure expansion. It is rather soft lead and there is no distortion from crimping. It is taper crimped at the case mouth to a measurement of .470". This load shoots extremely well, also:



Dale53

Sr40ken

great suggestions Dale. w lead or plated bullets I always crimp in seperate steps. prolly a bit anal on my part but they shoot well.

robertbank

I have shot thousands of .45acp 200 gr LSW through my 45 Colt with no issues. I just taper crimp them. I also size them .452. I have never experienced bullet set back in my revolver either. If you just apply a tape crimp friction will hold the boolit tight in the case.

Take Care

Bob

Lance03

Thanks for the advice guys, My Blackhawk is a convertible, I will use these for the 45acp rounds. I ordered 500 Oregon trail 255gr SWC that have the crimp groove for the 45colt.

DTesch357

Lance,

Just for future reference, you will find the Missouri Bullet Company - Missouri Bullet Company - to be much more affordable than LaserCast/Oregon Trail bullets.

Oregon Trail has raised their prices more than a few times in the last six months or so, which prompted my switch - one that I definitely do not regret.

Dan

Lance03

Thanks Dan, I will be taking a look at Missouri.