.45 ACP Loadig Sequence
with "Bullet Setting Roll"

This is the way I currently load all pistol cartridges.   I use my RCBS Turret Press and the Hornady Case Activated Powder Drop with an RCBS expander die to load all pistol cartridges.   Here is what the .45 ACP sequence looks like.   I couldn't make the RCBS turret press' primer tool work correctly so I use the RCBS hand primer.   I have a Universal Hand Primer Tool and a standard.   I use the universal for small primers and the standard for large so expidite caliber changes.

BTW: I use the same sequence and dies for loading .45AR.


I use the following dies in this sequence:
Lee .45 Carbide Sizer/Deprimer
Hornady/RCBS .45 Powder Drop/expander
RCBS .45 Seater
Lee .45 Factory Crimp


Pick up a clean, unprimed, and sized case from the cup.  


Place case in primer tool.  


Squeeze (prime the case).   It would be smart to not have your hand directly over the mouth of the case in case the primer detonates, but here I'm using the older RCBS hand primer with a shellholder that you have to hold the case in while priming.   Please see the 9mm sequence where I use the newer RCBS hand primer tool.


Place the primed case in the shellholder.  


Charge and flare the case.  


While the ram is up charging the case, get a bullet from the tray.  


Set the bullet on the case holding it between the tip of the thumb and the pad of your pointer finger.  


Now roll the bullet and case between your thumb and forefinger to allign it correctly on top of the case mouth.   As you do this with your left hand rotate the turret to the seater die with your right.


Notice how it sets straight, ready to seat.  


As you seat the bullet move your left hand to the turret rotate knob.  


As the ram comes down, rotate the turret to the crimp position with your left hand.  


Crimp the bullet.  


Remove the new round from the shellholder with your left hand and as you move it to the ammo box, rotate the turret back to the charge postion with your right.  


Place the new round in the ammo box.