Which 45 Colt die set

[Denver1911]

Howdy all. I just ordered four boxes of 45 Colt cartridges and, as soon as I get a gun to shoot them from, they'll need loading back up. I've always used Lee dies for 9mm, 45 ACP, 38 special, and 223 Remington. Any reason to choose a different set for 45 Colt? Thanks!

 

[WESHOOT2]

I prefer to start with a Lyman 'Deluxe' 4-die set for its 'M' flare/powder-drop-through die; I add a Redding Profile Crimp Die for its superior finish crimp.
Then I add a LEE Carbide set for their easy adjustments.
All get Forster/Bonanza die-lock rings.

 

[gmartinnc]

The expander dies from Lyman leave a ledge inside the case for the bullet to sit on, so it being started crooked is no longer a problem. Redding is made like this and RCBS has recently changed all of theirs to this design as well. Don't know about other companies.

 

[VA Shooter]

I use Lee dies for all my reloading including 45 colt.

 

[Rclark]

If your satisfied with your current Lee sets, get Lee. That said, I have used nothing but RCBS three die sets with good success over the years.

 

[375supermag]

I use and recommend RCBS dies.

I load thousands and thousands of rounds annually using RCBS dies with no complaints in revolvers(including .45Colt) and autoloaders

I do use a Hornady proflie crimp die for .45ACP.
The only other die set I use in revolvers is a Redding set for .375SuperMag.
I tried a couple of Lee die sets many years ago...I wasn't impressed

 

[Rick Courtright]

I've always used Lee dies for 9mm, 45 ACP, 38 special, and 223 Remington. Any reason to choose a different set for 45 Colt? Thanks!

Hi,

Other than curiosity or availability, I can't think of one! I've used RCBS in the past but have switched everything to Lee. Price was a consideration at first, but today it's just preference. The old RCBS stuff's not languishing in a drawer, though, as my brother in law likes and uses RCBS dies exclusively, and is a good foster parent for any green orphans.

Nobody makes "bad" dies these days, so it's just a matter of what you like best (or have gotten used to), and I'd imagine there are 10s of 1000s of guys out there who've assembled "Frankendie" sets like a couple of posters have already mentioned here.

Rick C

 

[WIL TERRY]

LET 'S SEE....IN 45COLT HUH....So far to load 45COLT cartridges the past 44 years I've used dies from CH, LYMAN An original die set sized to load .454"OD bullets, RCBS steel, RCBS CARBIDE, RCBS COWBOY, LEE, ECHO, and a couple of others that excape my memory now. ALL OF 'EM loaded perfectly good ammunition. I now use some of all those dies to load 45COLT ammunition BECAUSE this size die works best here, that expander works best with those bullets, that seater die works best here, that crimp die works best with this brass, and this one with that brass. LISTEN UP; never ever miss buying cheap used die sets you see in gun shows as sooner or later that die set will bail you out of a problem; ALWAYS buy used crimp dies in particular.
And so it goes...

 

[DGW1949]

If ya ask me, the single-biggest improvement in loading dies was when the carbide sizing ring was introduced. As far as I know, that feature can be had in any brand these days....which leaves the other details a personal preference type of thing....which can only be determined through experience...which means that my affinity for RCBS dies won't mean squat to the guy who prefers a different brand.....which don't make either of us right, it just makes us different....so, what I'm saying is that I gots no idea what brand of 45LC dies the OP should buy other than to say that if likes the LEE dies he already has, he'll probably like their 45LC dies too.

DGW

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I have only ever used Lee 4-die carbide die sets for straight walled cases and Lee 3-die sets for rifle cases and have been more than satisfied knowing the price was right and they perform well. I like having the extra FCD.

 

[Precision32]

I bought Lyman "M" dies. They set on the bench. IMHO, the over work the brass way t much.

If LEE has worked for you in the past, they should work for your 45 LC. I've never had a problem with LEE products.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

Mine are R.C.B.S..

 

[Denver1911]

Thanks all. I picked up a set of RCBS while I was at Cabelas over the weekend. "Availability" trumped other factors.