Thanks for posting about the Redding dual sizing die. I have lots of Redding dies but they didn't have that one the last time I bought any. I wonder if it will resize the base enough to cycle properly through a Lightning? The text explaining the dies features indicate it leaves the bases slightly larger and only fully sizes the case mouth for the bullet. Anyone tried one of these?
Pettifogger,
I have not, but I think that the base diameter will size the case to .480" which is the SAAMI spec case dimension (-.006) while the front carbide ring will size to about .470" OD. The Lee Carbide crimp die sizes the base to .480".
The .45 Colt chamber is slightly tapered. Here are the SAAMI specs for chamber and cartridge:
chamber - front: .480" / .484" ..... average .482"
chamber - rear: .487" / .491" ..... average .489"
cartridge - .473 / .480 .... average .4765
When full length sizing with a standard carbide die, the base of the cartridge is sized below the SAAMI O.D. The two step die eliminates that condition as does neck sizing and then using the Lee Carbide Crimp die......or just neck size only if the cases will be used in the same gun.
I have an older RCBS die (not carbide) that I purchased back in 1974. It has two diameters - neck .470, base .480"....so the two step sizing die is not a new idea.......
w44wcf