Learned This While Reloading 45 acp...

[nevadabob]

...that even though the round passes the plunk test, the COL is a tad too long to effectively load in the magazine! I have a newly acquired Star PD and am loading 200 grain coated SWC. The mag is a factory mag that holds 6 rounds. But only 3 rounds would load before everything came to a halt. Adjustments are in process.

 

[CQB45ACP]

It happens for sure. I shoot 45acp in gov model 1911s. One will eat anything others are finicky.

1.250-1.260 for 200 SWC is reliable for all.
Not familiar with your pistol what COL were you trying? And what works?

 

[243winxb]

I measure my COL to the swc's shoulder. In the Colt Gold Cup 45, this is just touching the rifling.

Bullet Lyman 200 gr BB lswc. Diameter .452" for GC. S&W 645 likes .451"
Diameter needs to be smaller then chamber throat.

 

[buddyd157]

i have started reloading about 2 months ago. i learned before that, one or 2 of my guns that shoot 45 ACP (not necessarily all are 1911's) will not shoot anything but round nose.

i am still at the "4.0 starting charge" specs as far as powder goes, according to the Lyman book, using only 230 grain lead cast, and my OAL is from 1.247 to 1.251, being reloaded on my Dillon 550c

the only issue that i have is the powder...smoky as all heck, as it's Bullseye....that'll be done soon enough, then i have Tite Group, that'll be going to duty sooner rather than later.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

i have started reloading about 2 months ago. i learned before that, one or 2 of my guns that shoot 45 ACP (not necessarily all are 1911's) will not shoot anything but round nose.

i am still at the "4.0 starting charge" specs as far as powder goes, according to the Lyman book, using only 230 grain lead cast, and my OAL is from 1.247 to 1.251, being reloaded on my Dillon 550c

the only issue that i have is the powder...smoky as all heck, as it's Bullseye....that'll be done soon enough, then i have Tite Group, that'll be going to duty sooner rather than later.

Typically the smoking is caused by the lube being burned off by the hot gases as they pass by and around the bullet going through the barrel. It means a few things, possibly: the fit of the bullet is not tight enough for your barrel, the base of the bullet is not expanding under pressure - possibly because the pressure is too low to cause obturation - the bullet alloy is too hard for the pressure being applied, and/or, the base of the bullet is beveled, rounded, or damaged, allowing gas to leak. Switching to a different powder but in the same pressure range probably won’t clean up the smoking if that’s what is happening.

 

[CQB45ACP]

Typically the smoking is caused by the lube being burned off by the hot gases as they pass by and around the bullet going through the barrel. It means a few things, possibly: the fit of the bullet is not tight enough for your barrel, the base of the bullet is not expanding under pressure - possibly because the pressure is too low to cause obturation - the bullet alloy is too hard for the pressure being applied, and/or, the base of the bullet is beveled, rounded, or damaged, allowing gas to leak. Switching to a different powder but in the same pressure range probably won’t clean up the smoking if that’s what is happening.

I agree. It’s the lube.

I use bullseye and lots of it and it’s no more smokey that sport pistol, W231, etc. unless I use lead bullets. So, I don’t use lead bullets at indoor ranges.

 

[Catpop]

This is what mine look like at 1.200.
Mine function well in my 5” Kimber and RIA officers model

 

[buddyd157]

Typically the smoking is caused by the lube being burned off by the hot gases as they pass by and around the bullet going through the barrel. It means a few things, possibly: the fit of the bullet is not tight enough for your barrel, the base of the bullet is not expanding under pressure - possibly because the pressure is too low to cause obturation - the bullet alloy is too hard for the pressure being applied, and/or, the base of the bullet is beveled, rounded, or damaged, allowing gas to leak. Switching to a different powder but in the same pressure range probably won’t clean up the smoking if that’s what is happening.

there is no lube to speak of, i don't use any, just the corn cob Lyman treated media..??

i have a pretty good crimp

the bullet i measured is at the specs from the book

i will "up" the charge soon, like i did on my 9mm, but frankly when i did that....?? it was even "smokier" than at the starting charge...

if i do not seat the bullet to the specs that i do, they will not "plunk" into the barrel or the Lyman block, due to to "ogive" measurement...??

even the reloaded ammo, that i buy from the store where i buy my lead bullets..??

his powder is smokey as all heck too.

 

[Blue68f100]

I load SWC with just a finger nail thickness of lead showing, giving me a 1.240" OAL. I use a special seating die which only contacts the shoulder so it's consistent.

 

[CQB45ACP]

there is no lube to speak of, i don't use any, just the corn cob Lyman treated media..??

i have a pretty good crimp

the bullet i measured is at the specs from the book

i will "up" the charge soon, like i did on my 9mm, but frankly when i did that....?? it was even "smokier" than at the starting charge...

if i do not seat the bullet to the specs that i do, they will not "plunk" into the barrel or the Lyman block, due to to "ogive" measurement...??

even the reloaded ammo, that i buy from the store where i buy my lead bullets..??

his powder is smokey as all heck too.

It’s not your lube we’re (well, I) talking about. It’s the bullet maker that cast the bullets then sized them using lube to do so. Aren’t they a little “tacky” feeling?

In my experience every powder is smokey with lead bullets and the amount of smoke is especially obvious at lighted indoor ranges.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

there is no lube to speak of, i don't use any, just the corn cob Lyman treated media..??

This is interesting. I have to assume from what you’ve posted that you cast your own bullets, size them without lube or just don’t size them, and tumble them in treated corn cob - which is typically treated with brass polish and some kind of wax. That’s not what I would have expected but if it is working for you - other than being smokey - then it works. Maybe all you need to do is switch to TiteGroup and be done with it.

 

[ballman6711]

I shoot some cast in a few different revolvers at an outdoor range, and they all smoke regardless of the charge/powder that I use. They aren't quite "blackpowder" smokey, but it's certainly noticeable.

View attachment 1124554 This is what mine look like at 1.200.

I load swc's a bit longer at 1.245" and they run well in my 1911. But if it works in your gun, don't fix it!

chris

 

[nevadabob]

On the 200 gr SWC, I loaded with the case mouth at the groove just below the bullet shoulder. This put the COL @ 1.310". When I went to the range the other day, the rounds fired off without incident. The issue is just getting a full load of 6 rounds in the magazine. My next action will be to drop the bullet down in the case a tad to make them "magazine friendly". Minimum COL per Lee 2nd edition with Titegroup is 1.225". I use TG @ 5.1 grains.

Blue68f100 and CQB45ACP...Your numbers look good.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

View attachment 1124554 This is what mine look like at 1.200.

That is how i seat my SWC.

 

[nevadabob]

CoalCrackerAl...No crimp on your loads?

 

[CQB45ACP]

View attachment 1124554 This is what mine look like at 1.200.

I

On the 200 gr SWC, I loaded with the case mouth at the groove just below the bullet shoulder. This put the COL @ 1.310". When I went to the range the other day, the rounds fired off without incident. The issue is just getting a full load of 6 rounds in the magazine. My next action will be to drop the bullet down in the case a tad to make them "magazine friendly". Minimum COL per Lee 2nd edition with Titegroup is 1.225".

Blue68f100...I'll try your numbers.

I thought SAAMI max was 1.275”. Maybe it’s different when using SWC. Regardless, I don’t go above that, but I’m not an experimenter.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

CoalCrackerAl...No crimp on your loads?

Yes a taper crimp. I seat them flush with the case mouth. I should have stated that.

 

[buddyd157]

It’s not your lube we’re (well, I) talking about. It’s the bullet maker that cast the bullets then sized them using lube to do so. Aren’t they a little “tacky” feeling?

In my experience every powder is smokey with lead bullets and the amount of smoke is especially obvious at lighted indoor ranges.

honestly, no, i cannot or do not feel any "tackiness" on the bullets'. not saying it's not there, i just do not "feel it"...after 48 years of truck driving, and working as a mechanic, my hands don't really feel much of anything, anymore

This is interesting. I have to assume from what you’ve posted that you cast your own bullets, size them without lube or just don’t size them, and tumble them in treated corn cob - which is typically treated with brass polish and some kind of wax. That’s not what I would have expected but if it is working for you - other than being smokey - then it works. Maybe all you need to do is switch to TiteGroup and be done with it.

no, i buy my cast lead bullets from the local gun shop. he makes reloads as well, that i buy from him.

no, i only tumble the shell casings clean them and to polish them, when they are empty. never loaded, never just the lead bullets.

yes, the Tite Group i was able to find online , 3 or 4 months ago, in an 8 pound container. no local stores here have or had any powders and the prices frankly online or in the stores.>?? were about the same. except for the hazmat fee's when buying online.

the Bullseye is all in my Dillon now, waiting to finish out with the 45 ACP's that i'll reload as needed..

my Lee Pro-4000, does my 9mm, and when i see the need for more 9mm, it'll get that diet of Tite Group, as well.

i just do not like wasting powders, i got 2 pounds of the Bullseye, when i bought an RSO's reloading room, which included the Dillon, and a whole lotta other stuff.

 

[CQB45ACP]

honestly, no, i cannot or do not feel any "tackiness" on the bullets'. not saying it's not there, i just do not "feel it"...after 48 years of truck driving, and working as a mechanic, my hands don't really feel much of anything, anymore



no, i buy my cast lead bullets from the local gun shop. he makes reloads as well, that i buy from him.

no, i only tumble the shell casings clean them and to polish them, when they are empty. never loaded, never just the lead bullets.

yes, the Tite Group i was able to find online , 3 or 4 months ago, in an 8 pound container. no local stores here have or had any powders and the prices frankly online or in the stores.>?? were about the same. except for the hazmat fee's when buying online.

the Bullseye is all in my Dillon now, waiting to finish out with the 45 ACP's that i'll reload as needed..

my Lee Pro-4000, does my 9mm, and when i see the need for more 9mm, it'll get that diet of Tite Group, as well.

i just do not like wasting powders, i got 2 pounds of the Bullseye, when i bought an RSO's reloading room, which included the Dillon, and a whole lotta other stuff.

Sorry about your hands, but that was humorous anyway.

I’m no cast bullet expert so I’ll stop at that other than suggesting you ask the guy.

I really do like Bullseye though and use it for 45ACP & 9mm and don’t find it especially smokey with plated, coated or jacketed bullets. I’ve never tried Titegroup and won’t anytime soon since I’ve got 3 pounds of bullseye to use up first

 

[nevadabob]

CQB45ACP...I saw your notation in the pic BE 4.5 and assume that's 4.5 grains of Bullseye. How do you like that load? I have about a pound on hand and want to load it next.

 

[CQB45ACP]

CQB45ACP...I saw your notation in the pic BE 4.5 and assume that's 4.5 grains of Bullseye. How do you like that load? I have about a pound on hand and want to load it next.

That’s Catpoop’s picture, not mine. (Sorry, couldn’t resist. I mean Catpop.)

But I shoot that load too (in a heavy govt model 1911) and like it but I seat it at 1.250”. I’m reasonably sure no pistol/magazine I own would tolerate 1.200”. One doesn’t even like 1.235”.

Incidentally, I use 4.5gr of Bullseye for 230gr RN too.

 

[nevadabob]

Got it...not enough coffee on board!

 

[nevadabob]

Made up some dummy rounds with a COL of 1.258. This dropped the projectile almost to the shoulder at the case mouth. Now all 6 fill the magazine without hesitation. Thanks guys for the help!

 

[9mmepiphany]

...that even though the round passes the plunk test, the COL is a tad too long to effectively load in the magazine!

...On the 200 gr SWC, I loaded with the case mouth at the groove just below the bullet shoulder. This put the COL @ 1.310".

I wouldn't have expected a round that long to plunk...I guess the slimmer nose or the SWC allows it to get pass the beginning of the rifling.

When working with a new bullet, it is usually a good idea to get a maximum "working COL" by seeing what will fit into the magazine. From there, I'll see how long I can seat and still plunk

 

[9mmepiphany]

the only issue that i have is the powder...smoky as all heck, as it's Bullseye....that'll be done soon enough, then i have Tite Group, that'll be going to duty sooner rather than later.

I haven't had that experience with Bullseye loads, but I've only loaded 500 rounds with it.

It has been my experience that Titegroup tends to be very smokey as the higher temps it burns at tend to melt the lube/coating on the base of the bullets...one of the reasons I no longer reload with Titegroup