45ACP. I am hitting every problem known to man

[Questor]

You can always tell when I'm experimenting because of the weird problems I encounter. The puzzle du jour is that I can't get 45 caliber (for 45ACP) 200 grain SWC Lasercast bullets to taper crimp to anything less than .473"

.469 to .470" is what is reliable and generally preferred.

I have a Lee taper crimp die, which cannot be screwed down farther.

I have used a variety of cast bullets for 45acp but have not encoutered this before.

Have you encountered this before? I'm looking for a replacement taper crimp die.

[IntrepidWizard]

Shim your caseholder,but you must have other problems?

[Iowegan]

Questor, Sounds like your bullets may be to large in diameter or seated to long. The nose may be bottoming out in the die before the crimp can work.  I measured my 45's case mouth using jacketed (.451") bullets and get .465". Using lead bullets (.452"), I measured .466". Check your COL, it should be about 1.185". The bullet's shoulder should be flush with the case mouth.

The taper crimp should only be measurable on the first .075" from the case mouth back. It should taper from .466 to the full body dimension of .471~.473" in that short distance.

I use Dillon dies so I have no idea about your Lee TCD.

[jakes10mm]

I was having feeding problems with my 45acps into a tight Colt chamber.  Switched from a taper crimp to the Lee Factory Crimp and the feeding problems disappeared!  Unfortunately, this die does not seat the bullet.  I have a Lee 100 press, so I seat online, then crimp in a single stage press.  Worth the time!

[Questor]

Jakes10mm: Interesting you should say that. I replaced my Lee taper crimp die with a Dillon crimp die and the problem disappeared.