ibhotrod wrote: ... What is wrong with the Hornady crimping die that people are modifying a 45-70 crimp die. Am I ok to buy a Hornady set. ...
ibhotrod-
There is nothing wrong with the Hornady crimping die. It performs its intended function well. (Unfortunately, Hornady neglects to mention their crimping die in the instructions included with the die set, leaving the novice user wondering about its use and function. Worse than this, the instruction sheet include some generic comments, not applicable to the 450B, about using the roll-crimp mechanism built into their seating die.)
There are numerous posts in this forum about using the Hornady taper crimp die to crimp bullets into the case. These usually indicate that a finished diameter of about 0.475" outside diameter at the crimp is about right.
There are circumstances where a taper crimp does not adequately retain the bullet in the case, and in these cases a side-crimp (or stab-crimp, etc.) applied to the case
below the case mouth may be helpful. For example, the side crimp may be useful when loading lighter weight bullets because the heavier crimp may result in a more complete powder ignition and burn.
So, you're OK to buy the Hornady set of four dies. The FL sizer is essential. The case expander-mouth belling die can be quite useful when loading cast bullets. The seater die when properly adjusted produces cartridges with minimal run-out. The taper-crimp die works well with most bullets.
Hoot will be along soon to fill in any gaps in the above.
--Bob