First-time reloads won't cycle

[Master Blaster]

I've put about 15,000 rounds of 200 gr. lead semi wadcutters through my 5 1911's I use 4.0 grains of titegroup or 4.5 gr of 231 with a 16.5lb spring, 24lb in my compact. they always cycle and eject fine.

So I would recommend that you get a dial caliper and measure the casemouth crimp diameter, glocks have a loose chamber so this should not be a problem, but if your crimp is more than say .472 it could be causing a problem when extracting, not likely but possible.

Could also be that your extractors are gooked up with crud, brush them good and see if the problem continues.

It could not be a light load combined with limpwristing could it?

5.4 of 231 is not a real light load though. so I would check it with a scale and get a good powder measure.

 

[tomr8368]

I like about 5.4 gr Bullseye powder for my .45 loads with the Berry 200 gr ... just my $.02. And I threw away the dipper in favor of a scale. Good consistent loads now. The Factory Crimp Die is a must for me.
Tom

 

[HSMITH]

Not trying to offend anyone here, but guys it just is not that hard. There is a lot being said about all sorts of extra steps and measurements that are really just polish if anything.

The 3 die set you get from anyone and everyone will make ammo that cycles fine in guns that work properly and are fitted properly. Seat a bullet to the proper OAL with NO crimp, back the seating stem WAY off and adjust the crimp until a loaded round will drop right into the barrel freely, AND STOP. It does not matter if your bullets are .451" or .452". When it fits the chamber it is fine, measurements be damned. If you go further looking for a number you could go too small and have misfires from pushing the round into the chamber, and all sorts of cycling problems from a round that does fire when the brass is engaged with the bore. If you can take your ammo and push the bullet down against the bench and get some strain going before the bullet slips in the case your crimp is plenty tight. Take the round that you just set the crimp with and put it back in the press, bring it fully into the die at max stroke on the press and screw the bullet seating stem down tight by hand. Lock it and load another, measure it, should be within a couple thousandths, and crimp should be perfect still. Crank off 1000 rounds , shoot them up and repleat. Factory crimp dies or post sizing dies are not needed nor really helpful if the operations prior were sound. Overdone they can even size the bullets down in the case and ruin accuracy, but that could be a plus if you don't size your homecast lead bullets I suppose. They advertise it as such.

At any rate, I am not flaming anyone or trying to get anyone wound up. I just don't see that reloading reliable ammo is all that hard and I have loaded many many many of all types.

 

[tomr8368]

HSSMITH

You've loaded a whole lot more than I have. I'll give your way a try. Maybe I'm overdoing it. Thanks for the tip.
Tom

 

[Waitone]

Bag the dippers.

Purchase a scale and checkweights.

Consider both to be safety equipment.

 

[IMtheNRA]

Problem solved!

Thanks to all who replied! I got a scale and a powder measure. Weshoot2 was right, the dipper was loading 5.2/5.3 grains of Win-231.

Today, using the powder measure, I increased the loads to 5.5/5.6 grains and they work great now! Nice groups and reliable functioning.

Thanks again to this great forum!!!

 

[WESHOOT2]

OF COURSE

I'm always right, unless I'm not