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45 ACP lead cast - .451 or .452?

2K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  yep380 
#1 ·
I have some 200gr 45 ACP lead bullets from a local source (which is great, imo, to get stuff locally). They measure .451 at the base (and I've measured several, they are very consistent). These have a rounded profile with a flat nose.

Researching online, I see most people are saying to use .452 when loading 45ACP cast lead to ensure a good seal in the barrel when the cartridge is fired and avoid leading. However, I'm finding conflicting information saying .451 is OK as well (which is what is commonly used for jacketed bullets)

Is it OK to use the .451 lead bullets? I have not "slugged" my barrel (I have two 45's anyway, and would like to load for both).

Is this a case of loading a shooting a few and seeing what happens in my particular gun?
 
#2 ·
It's fine to shoot .451-see how accurate they are.I cast a bunch last time-we resized to .451 and they were not accurate in my son's 1911,but were fine in mine.Then we shot a few mags unsized .452 and they tightened up the groups.I used a LEE mold with Alox,at about 840fps.
 
#3 ·
Yep, most fellers will shoot .452" lead bullets in their 45 ACP, but there are many guns that will shoot .451" bullets too. There are other factors involving barrel leading other than diameter. Nothing is stopping you from shooting your .451" bullets in your gun. Worst case scenario; barrel leading, which ain't the end of the world. If the bullets aren't too hard they'll upset to fill the rifling ("hard cast" don't mean much. For the 45 ACP, anything over 10-12 BHN is not necessary and often too hard). Try 'em...
 
#4 ·
Though I prefer to size my .45 ACP to .452, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot em.
 
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