The Hornady 45 ACP Case Expander Die (Hornady part no. 044556) is a case expander die for 45 ACP brass. Made by Hornady, a longtime staple on the reloading bench of handloaders who work up their own precision ammunition. This die is machined to fit standard reloading press threads and drops straight into your existing die set for 45 ACP cases. Handloaders sizing, expanding, seating, or crimping 45 ACP brass for hunting, competition, or range practice rely on dies like this one for round-to-round consistency that factory ammunition can’t always match. It’s built for the reloading bench, not the range bag, and belongs in the toolbox of anyone loading their own 45 ACP ammunition.

Key Specifications

• 45 ACP is the cartridge this die is machined to size, expand, seat, or crimp.
• Case Expander Die function: this die flares the case mouth just enough to start a bullet straight without shaving the jacket or lead, the step that comes right after resizing and before seating.
• Precision-machined internals: the die is drilled to accept an optional powder-through insert, so it can double as the charging station on a progressive press.
• Standard 7/8-14 press threading fits virtually every single-stage, turret, and progressive reloading press on the market.
• Hardened tool-steel body resists wear from repeated press strokes for a long service life on the bench.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this case expander die do? Flares the case mouth just enough to start a bullet straight without shaving the jacket or lead, the step that comes right after resizing and before seating.

Why expand the case mouth before seating a bullet? It keeps the bullet from shaving lead or jacket material as it enters the case, which keeps bullet pull and seating depth consistent round to round.

Buy the Hornady 45 ACP Case Expander Die

Order the Hornady 45 ACP Case Expander Die from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop for fast, direct shipping to your reloading bench. Browse our full lineup of reloading dies to round out your press setup for 45 ACP handloads.