Impact issues

[jr45]

I have reloading .45acp with both 230gr cast and FMJ round nose. When examining the paper target, the paper appears torn instead of a clean hole. When I fold the tears back down, you can see where the bullet tip impacted...does not appear to be key holing.

Has anyone else experienced this? Fired from Taurus PT145 with 230gr lead over 6.2gr Herco and 230gr FMJ over 8gr of Pistol Powder.

 

[MarcusT]

To get a clean hole you need to a semi wadcutter. Round nose bullets usually just tear the target like you are describing.

 

[rcmodel]

You can't get any other kind of hole with round nose bullets.
That, plus the fact the .45 ACP is a low velocity round and what you got is what you get.

It has nothing to do with key-holing.

If the holes appear elongated on the paper, all that means is the paper target is trying to get out of the way when the bullet hits it.

You can prevent that by fastening the paper target solidly to a backer of cardboard, wood, etc.

rc

 

[ReloaderFred]

It's normal, and one of the reasons the Semi-Wadcutter bullet was invented for target shooting. A clean hole makes scoring easier in competition.

Hope this helps.

Fred