I guess the title explains it. So I bought 500 plated 230gr bullets for use in my 45 Colt revolver. A change from cast 255gr bullets but lead is drying up. New ones have no grease groves so roll crimp won't work. Will the taper crimp do the job. It's a Pietta 1873 so Ruger loads are out of the question, it will be mild loads. Thanks
Taper crimping die for .45 ACP bullet in 45 Colt SAA
- Thread starter lyman54
- Start date
Taper crimp works well. I use 45 acp bullets in my 45 Colt and 455 Webley. No crimp grooves so decided to try the taper crimp die. Just set the die up the same way you would if using it for 45 acp.
DaveMachine
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I have that one I've used on cast lead bullets but they have groves that a roll crimp can grab hold onto. Thanks
I've read it's the crimp. It's not sealing in the gases as it should.
Thank you. Feeling better about it now.
The FCD works with any bullet, no grooves or cannelure required.
You can probably put a light roll on that plated bullet without any issues. Taper should also work and since your loads are going to be light you shouldn't have to worry about bullets walking out binding the cylinder. If you do roll crimp don't bite too deeply into the plating, be gentle, lol.
Here's a quote from Berry's Bullets:
"Why is there no cannelure in your bullets?
Plated bullets are very difficult to cannelure. It requires an extra step after the plating and if not done carefully can ruin the plating. We only put a cannelure in two bullets (45-70 and 500 S&W). You shouldn't need a cannelure on our other bullets. If you feel the need, you can use a snug roll crimp to keep bullets in place. Just ensure you don't get the roll too tight such that it severs the plating and destroys the bullet."
Here's a quote from Berry's Bullets:
"Why is there no cannelure in your bullets?
Plated bullets are very difficult to cannelure. It requires an extra step after the plating and if not done carefully can ruin the plating. We only put a cannelure in two bullets (45-70 and 500 S&W). You shouldn't need a cannelure on our other bullets. If you feel the need, you can use a snug roll crimp to keep bullets in place. Just ensure you don't get the roll too tight such that it severs the plating and destroys the bullet."
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It's sound like you're doing it right, minus the "firm" part but that's just my personal opinion based on my experience with plated bullets. I find that most mild loads are dirty but Unique is especially filthy. It still doesn't stop me from loading it or any other powder I can get cheap.
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The reason for using taper crimp in 45acp is because the rimless case headspaces on the case mouth. If a 45acp is roll crimped it might not seat correct position.
But using a taper crimp on a 45 colt shouldn't change anything because that case seats on the rim. As long as it feeds into the cylinder it should be good.
But using a taper crimp on a 45 colt shouldn't change anything because that case seats on the rim. As long as it feeds into the cylinder it should be good.
