Highwall in 45 EX|Page 6|Winchester Hunting, Shooting & Reloading|Forum|Winchester Collector

No updates from Lee Precision.  So I started another project.  Now have 5 projects in the works.  I get bored easily when I don’t have a problem to solve. 

Erin Grivicich said
Chuck,
I ran into a similar problem with my 1895 chambered in 40-72. I am using 405 dies with 40-72 brass and I was not getting enough of a squeeze on the neck to hold the bullet securely. I called Lee and they made me a factory crimp die that solved the problem. They also said 8 weeks but I don’t think it took them 2 weeks to get it to me.
On another note, did you purchase that 45 EX from a dealer in PA on Guns international? The reason I ask is I purchased a 50 Ely from him on the day he posted it. He also had a 45 Ex  listed and I was contemplating buying both but I realized the probable headache of acquiring the proper components to actually shoot it. I’m out of the same mold as you as far as being able to shoot the guns I own. 
Erin
  

I bought the 45 EX from Wards auctions.  It actually was not hard to shoot once I obtained the correct brass, 450 nitro express, that could be formed into the 45-125.  But getting the dies is a different story.  I was able to obtain a copy of the reamer print for this caliber but Lee didn’t want to use it.  I probably should have done as you did and ordered a crimp die first.  After fire forming I did not have a way to crimp the neck for the next firing.  None of my other 45 dies would work because the semi shoulder of the EX would not let the brass go into these dies.  Too fat. 

I recently bought and fired a Sharps Model 1878 Borchardt long range target rifle in 45-2.1″ aka 45 -70.  Less than 300 of these were made.  I had to thin the rim of the 45-70 cases because the headspace for the Sharps is less.  I also found out that new, at least Hornady, 45-70 brass is shorter than the older brass?

I wasn’t quite ready to post my next project but I got bored and started on it.  I will start a new thread on it. 

Just got an update on the dies.  They are supposed to be mailed next week.   Asked them if they could do 2 more similar sets for the 38 EX and the 40 EX. 

I agree.  We’ll see.  Also I need to work up a smokeless load. They sent me another email stating all the reasons the next set of dies will cost more. They want me to send them during their slow time.  I said OK and explained that the 38 and 40 may need another die before it will go into their f/l die or my chamber for fire forming.  

Here is a pic of the 45 EX dies.  

When they returned the brass and bullets they also included 1 sized dummy round with a seated bullet.  Loads with no problems.

Forgot to post this one.

TXGunNut said
Haven’t seen that box before. I suppose you didn’t need a case mouth expander. Have you used Lee’s Factory Crimp die?
 
 
Mike
  

I assume there is an expander on the shaft in the F/L die.  I haven’t used the die set yet but I do use one of their crimp dies for my 44 WCF. 

I have a special expander for my 45 Cal Winchester ammo.  I bought a pin gauge and had it mounted in a universal expander mandrel die.  I chamfered the leading edge so it will easily start into the case mouth.  This works for my .458″ and .459″ bullets.