first batch of reloads and I have some ?s

[ddross]

My son and I shot our first batch of reloaded .45 ACP today. Reloading data is

Hornady 185 grn XTP HP
Clays 4.1 grn (suggested starting grains from Lyman's 49th edition)
Federal primers ( I believe, I would need to check the box to be sure)

Bullets were seated to an over all length of 1.175. When checking some were 1.174 and sometimes 1.176. How much of an issue is this variation?

I would say the rounds shot nicely for recreational shooting; however, we had several loading problems. The pistol is an XD .45 ACP 5" barrel. Usually just pulling the slide back slightly would allow the cartridge to enter the chamber properly to fire. The magazines are 13 round but the problem of rounds not chambering properly happened irregardless of how many rounds were in the magazine. After shooting our reloads we went on to fire many factory loads (an additional 100 rounds) with out any chambering problems which means it is strictly our reloads and not the pistol

Since this was our first batch of reloads are there any suggestions or thoughts as too why we would get loading problems intermittenly? We were wondering if we are seating the bullets too deep even though specs call for an over all length of 1.175?

Thanks,

 

[MulticalinMO]

Compare your COAL and the factory ones that did not have any problems. I'll venture a guess that yours were a bit longer. Also check to see if you did not remove the expansion so the projectile would go in easier. You may need to crimp a bit more, but it is hard to tell without seeing them.

 

[Zotter]

Yup - measure your crimp - make sure that the diameter at the top of the case is correct as well as your OAL. Once you've ensured your dimensions are correct, you shouldn't have any further feed problems.

If you do - try a different bullet.

If you *still* have issues - time to dig much deeper.

 

[Seedtick]

I would think just a tad more powder would solve your feed problems.

ST

 

[mrokern]

I would think just a tad more powder would solve your feed problems.

ST

Yup. If your dimensions are on (and those lengths should not be too long for the caliber, BTW), then it's time to look at your loads. Minimum loads may not cycle your slide with enough nuts to properly load the next round. Trust me, I've been there, and with a XD as well.

-Mark

 

[ddross]

We did check case dimension on the first five we crimped. All were consistently within the tolerance specified in the directions that came with our dies, which are RCBS carbide. After the those five we did not check case dimensions for crimping on any other rounds.

Unfortunately the only factory loads I have are ball or metal jacketed, but in the future I will check that. So am I to assume that loading problems are typically because the cartridge length is too long and/or too shy on powder.

Maybe I sure confirm that OAL is overall length and COAL is cartridge overall length?

 

[ddross]

Would going to 4.2 grns be sufficient then? Lyman's states max load for Clays is 4.6 grns.
Thanks for all the input guys.

 

[strambo]

A chronograph is very valuable (even an inexpensive one) so you know exactly what velocities you are running. It makes sense that the starting load would have issues chambering reliably. Usually, the best loads seem to be about 75-90% of max. Now, depending on the manual, a max load in one can be middle or even a starting load in another manual. Which brings me back to the chrono...the max safe velocity in any given caliber and weight projectile is very similar in all manuals. So...the load that cycles reliably in your gun, shows no overpressure signs and is comfortably under the max load velocities listed in the manuals is a good one. Make sure you know the test barrel length also when checking velocities.

As an example: I have a load for 9mm of 5.3g Unique under a 124g FMJ with an OAL of 1.135". It gives me about 1120 fps in my Sig P226 (4.4" barrel). My Lee manual doesn't have Unique in 124g, but has it in 125 (same diff.) and lists starting load at 5.7 and max at 6.2 with max vel. @ 1170 fps. Since I'm at 1120 at 5.3 grains (below starting in Lee!) 6.2 would likely be unsafe. My Speer manual goes from 5.2 to 5.8 and lists max vel. of 1180 at 5.8g and 1080 at 5.2. This very closely matches my actual results, but I only know this since I have a chrono. So, the max load in one manual is only .1 g over the starting load in another. I would have been safe at the Lee starting load, but it would have been stiff.

3 manuals is best, I go online and search to get the 3rd data point often. If I only have 2 data points, I split the difference and start there.