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July 5, 2009
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I finally caved in and dropped 7 Ben Franklins on 445VS8 Super Mag yesterday.
While trying to locate reloading dies, I stumbled onto the Lyman web site and determined that Lyman sells the exact same set of carbide pistol dies for the 445 Super Mag as it does for the 44 Magnum. However, while visiting other sites such as RCBS, it appears that the dies are different. 
The cartridge specifications for these two rounds are different, including the overall length (around 3/8") and case diameter albeit only a few thousandths of an inch, so I would expect different die specifications. If any Forum member would provide me some technical assistance, I would greatly appreciate it.
Also, does anyone have any leads on where to find new and/or once-fired 445 Super Mag cases? Like every other reloading component, current demand has made these cases scarce. This has be exacerbated by the fact that only Starline still manufactures the brass.
I can't wait to get this puppy out to the range to test fire it. I saw a few You Tube videos on people shooting the 445 Super Mag and it was hilarious. 
October 1, 2009
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I use standard 44 mag dies (Lee brand) to load .445sm with no issues at all. Just don't use 44 special dies as there may be length trouble in the sizing die. I know a couple of people that load with 44 mag dies of other brands with no problems either.
I got my .445 brass from midway usa. Starline is the only maker of .445 brass that I know of, so you could order direct from them also. Midway also sells factory loaded ammo for .445 if you wanted to go in that direction to start out.
Of course we need to have range reports, and as always, 
July 5, 2009
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Thanks for the information 788.
I already have RCBS .44 Magnum reloading dies so it appears that I do not have to purchase new dies. With respect to obtaining brass from MidwayUSA and Starline, both companies are out of stock with no specific date to replenish their stock. I'll just have to keep looking. Thanks again.
August 24, 2009
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I imagine my boy will go thru 100-300? .44 mag rounds next weekend. I do not have reloading equipment. If you all are interested in the brass, pm me, email etc. and we can probably work something out. We should still have a sack of brass at the farm, unless my cousin took it home with him.
August 29, 2009
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I contaceted all the die makers about 445 dies and they all said that the 44 mag dies work fine. Most of them sell the 445 or can make them special order. They said that the 445 dies are longer and if you are not having problems there is no need to use the 445 die.
July 5, 2009
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landtoy80,
Thanks for the extra research.
When I reload my first batch of rounds, I'll pay very close attention. If I see anything that doesn't look right, I'll purchase a set of 445 dies.
GG
August 29, 2009
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The only things I can see that could go wrong is if the case bulges at the bottom you wont be able to size the case completely. The part of the brass that is not getting sized may cause a problem (maybe not) over time. I have not been loading very long and have not loaded 445 so I am just speculating.
Get one of those brass checker thing (cant think of the name, headspace checker???) where you put the sizes brass into the guage and it checks the brass for roundness, length etc. Not sure if there is one for the 445 but a 44 mag one would work. You can check it in the cylinder of the revolver too if you don't want to spend the cash.
October 1, 2009
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If your sizing die is to short, what happens is the mouth of the case gets bent or wrinkled. I know because I've done it with 357sm and 445sm. you don't even realize it happens until you pull the brass out of the sizing die & see you have made an addition to the scrap brass can.
Range Officers
February 25, 2009
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I use Redding 44 dies to resize 445. They work good.
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."
~Thomas Jefferson~
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Range Officers
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February 9, 2009
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I have used RCBS .44 mag dies for years to load my 445SM without any problem. I then bought a set of 445SM redding dies so I did not have to chnage settings to load .44 magnums. I have not has any trouble with the Redding dies either. I have never used and do not own any Lyman dies.
A man cannot have too many SuperMags
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