The Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension .45 Caliber Taper Crimp Die (model 044172) is a dedicated reloading die engineered to remove case mouth flare and apply a uniform taper crimp to straight-wall .45-calibre cartridges. Machined from polished high-grade steel, this mechanical tool threads into standard reloading presses via an industry-standard 7/8"-14 thread interface. Unlike roll crimping, which folds the case mouth inward, this die applies an inward taper that preserves the square, sharp edge required for cartridges that headspace on the case mouth, such as .45 ACP (.45 Auto), .45 Auto Rim (AR), and .45 Winchester Magnum. By separating the crimping operation from seating, it eliminates projectile shaving, prevents case buckling, and promotes consistent, hang-up-free chambering in semi-automatic feed ramps.

Key Features:

• Flare Removal: Closes the belling imparted during charging and mouth expansion back to factory-specification wall dimensions.
• Headspace Preservation: Applies a consistent taper crimp without rounding the outer lip, maintaining the square rim surface essential for reliable headspacing.
• Feeding Reliability: Yields smooth, snag-free case transitions across semi-automatic feed ramps and into handgun chambers.
• Dedicated Two-Step Operation: Designed to function as an independent final station on progressive or multi-stage presses, ensuring projectile seating and crimping remain isolated.
• Hornady Sure-Loc Ring: Includes a precision clamp-style lock ring that tightens around the 7/8"-14 threads without marring the steel body.

Specifications:

• Model / MPN: 044172
• Thread Interface: 7/8"-14 industry standard
• Calibre Compatibility: .45 ACP (.45 Auto), .45 Auto Rim (AR), .45 Winchester Magnum (.45 Win Mag)
• Material: Polished, precision-machined high-grade steel
• Bare Unit Weight: Approximately 0.41 lb (185 g)
• Dimensions: 6.88" × 1.25" × 1.25"
• Included Hardware: Hornady Sure-Loc lock ring (shellholder not included)

Who is the Hornady 45 Cal. Taper Crimp Die For 45 Auto, 45 Ar, 45 Win Mag for?

• IPSC Classic and Standard division competitors — Requires smooth, hang-up-free feeding during rapid magazine reloads, which this pistol reloading taper crimp die achieves by sizing flared .45 ACP cases through its 7/8"-14 thread body to preserve the sharp mouth edge required for correct headspacing.
• SSAA and Service Pistol target shooters — Relies on precise 0.41 lb steel tooling screwed into standard 7/8"-14 presses to eliminate case buckling and bullet shaving, delivering uniform case-mouth tension across match-grade .45 Auto ammunition.
• Metallic Silhouette handgun shooters — Needs consistent retention on heavy magnum loads, which this pistol reloading taper crimp die provides by applying a secure inward taper to high-pressure .45 Win Mag cases without deforming projectile jackets.

Less suitable for: Shooters loading rimmed revolver cartridges such as .45 Colt with heavy powder charges or bullets cut with a dedicated cannelure; these loads require a dedicated roll crimp die to mechanically lock the case mouth into the groove and resist bullet jump under recoil.