Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Lee factory crimp die 458 question???????????????

Will the 458 win mag Lee factory crimp die work for the 458 LOTT?????????????



thank you

NO!!!

Bob

www.bigbores.ca

thank you

The 458 WM Lee die can work with the Lott cartridge, with a slight modification of the crimp process.

The case of the .458 Win Mag is 2.500 inches long. The case of the .458 Lott is 2.800 inches long.

When ready to apply a crimp to a Lott cartridge, put the cartridge into the shell holder, and then slide a close-fitting steel sleeve onto the cartridge. The sleeve should be 0.300 inches long. The sleeve base should rest on the face of the shell holder, and the sleeve top should press against the crimper collet base when the ram is raised. The .458 WM Lee F.C. die should crimp the Lott cartridges satisfactorily with this technique, applying the crimp at the case mouth.

A Lee .45-70 F.C. die would work in the same way. The .45-70 case is 2.105 inches long, so the sleeve should be 0.695 inches long for use with a Lott cartridge.

Perhaps I'm overlooking something?

--Bob

I am not sure I follow sir.

BullShooter is recommending using an extension to make up the length difference between the two cartridges. It should work.

You might just want to order a crimp die for the Lott.

They do not make any...

The first thing I would do is check at your local hardware store to see if they have any steel washers the right size. I've made collars for loading with washers. Sounds silly, but it works in a pinch. Carry your calipers and see if you can find the proper size, you may have to stack a few to get the exact width. May be out of luck, but I would at least check. If you do find the proper ID and thickness, just slide them over each case or cut out a mouth large enough to fit. If you want to glue them together, press them together with a C clamp and build up on the outer edge with epoxy(you don't want glue inbetween as it will most likely alter width and crack under force). Or just clamp them and tack weld them together.

The only reason I suggest the hardware idea is it is much easier than making a custom coller.


Good Luck

loder

OK I see know! Makes sense!

R7RM-

Thanks for the clarification on my attempt. The only custom collar I've actually used is a piece of iron pipe sawn to the appropriate length.

Like yourself, I use washers and similar items to make collet dies work with cartridges other than their original designation. In my Lee boxes are all sorts of such widgets with tags attached so I know what they're for. Last week I found a thin decorative nut from an electric fixture that slips down over a 218 Bee case to allow use of a Hornet collet die.

--Bob

Hey man, if it works, it works

I dont care what it's made of as long as it does the job. I hear ya, I have a bunch of little gadgets on my bench as well.

have a good one,

loder