Why Won't My .45 ACP RN Loads Fit??

[Gary H]

or run those 1.214" with less Titegroup

The load book shows a maximum of 4.3gr. at OAL 1.260.

I've got 4.1gr. and can shoot the ammunition if I have an OAL of 1.214.

Should I dismantle, or is it safe to shoot?

Is there a "rule of thumb" that allows one to keep the thumb attached to the hand?

 

[Steve Smith]

I'd shoot it, but I'm crazy like dat, foo!

 

[Edward429451]

I had a very similar problem awhile back loading for my G21. I wound up dropping the load and seating to 1.190 with a 225 gr LFP. Worked it back up to 5,8 gr ww-231 and its been fine ever since.

 

[Frohickey]

Round nose semi-wadcutter style bullet, NOT ROUND NOSE

It sounds like you have these kinds of bullets.


Since the 45ACP headspaces at the cartridge case mouth, you need to seat the bullet more until the shank (the cylindrical portion that is 0.452" in diameter) is flush or a little bit inset into the case.

These types of bullets are made in bullet swaging dies. They are usually unjacketted bullets, though you can make jacketted bullets in the same profile. The reason for this style of bullet is primarily cost/minimization of manufacturing steps.

1st step is always core swaging, or making a piece of lead to the precise volume for the bullet weight desired. If you can shape the bullet to its final shape in this 1st step, you are done. That ridge is there because you need an punch that fits into a cylinder. But to have no ridge, that punch will have to be very thin at the outside diameter, and that makes it weak and prone to breaking. If the punch breaks, you have inconsistent bullets which is bad for accuracy. To get rid of the ridge, you need to run the lump of lead into another die, and that adds another step and cost.

The other thing about OAL cartridge lengths is that its very bullet dependent. Shape and composition dependent as well. A jacketted bullet will be longer/bigger than a lead only bullet for the same weight, since the jacket is less dense than lead.

 

[Intune]

Told you I was a rookie. Looked up the precise oal for my EXACT type of bullet including manufacturer. 1.195. They drop in perfect. Got to get it in my thick head that we're not dealing with tenths or hundreths, but THOUSANDTHS! Uncrimped, empty cases fit in fine also. (You guys knew they would) Sheepish. Slow and exact, slow and exact, slow and exact........ And it's FUN!!! Maybe not after 100,000, but starting out, this is great!

 

[Gary H]

Is the Chronograph of any Use?

Whenever there is a load question, such as the one I mentioned above, is the chronograph a useful tool? For example, the load book has this bullet going a maximum of 783fps out of a 5" barrel. Now, if my velocity remains in this range with the shortened OAL, can I assume that I'm safe?

Intune:

I think that many of us use similar bullets most of the time and exactly the bullets noted in the load book a minority of the time. At least, that has been my experience. In exchange, we try to look up loads from various sources. My question above is in reference to the exact bullet as per the load book. It has been instructional. My Glock 21 has a very generous chamber and rounds that won't chamber in my Valtro will cycle in the Glock all day.

 

[WESHOOT2]

ASSUMPTION OF SAFETY vs TANSTAAFL

IF your chrono-testing gives similar velocity you may assume the load is safe.

 

[only1asterisk]

This information should NEVER be used for any purpose by anyone to do anything. Use of infomation within frees the author of any liability he may otherwise have been liable for.

First, let me say that I have noting but the upmost respect for Bruce Grey. He is a first class gentleman and shooter. His advise is sound and you would do well to follow it.

Second, I would shoot the 4.1/1.214" loads.
Hogdon list 4.8 grains of TITEGROUP for 818 fps at 16,700 CUP with a 230 grain roundnose FMJ and OAL of 1.200" Even if your lead SWC RN is fairly hard lead and has a little more bearing surface, pressure will be less with an equal powder charge. This doesn't mean you can stuff a 200 grain wadcutter all the way into the case and use a max load for a 200 grain JHP. In fact, you should ALWAYS FOLLOW THE LOADS IN THE BOOK TO THE LETTER.

Third, that does sound like maybe a bit much crimp. I might look at backing it off some.


David

 

[Intune]

Gary, I mean that I did the worst loading thing possible. I assumed. These are my first loads ever. Had my calipers ready & everything. Did the recc load minus 10%, checked throw every 10 rounds. But I measured a factory 230 fmj for oal because they feed great in my Colt and adjusted die accordingly! BUT, I was loading 185 swc. Never again will I assume that I am smart...

 

[Edward429451]

I did manage to chrony my 225's at 1.190 with 5.8gr 231 and they were 870fps avg 10.

Dont you all use this load though, This was in my G21 and showed no evidence of high pressure.

 

[bogie]

Tune...

If you're loading for a pistol where you can remove the barrel/chamber, try this.

Take the dang thing apart.

Then, with a bullet puller handy, take a primerless/powderless cartridge, and seat a bullet long. Try to drop it in the chamber. Doesn't fit? Turn the seater in a little, reseat, try it again. You'll eventually discover your ACTUAL maximum load length for that brass and that bullet. Back it into the case a few thousandths, start at a minimum powder charge, work it up, and you're golden.

You can talk to me more at KCR next week. Arne/Linda will be at Kay's on Wednesday night, then we're driving all together on Thursday.

 

[Intune]

Looking forward to it Bogie. Cool weather is rolling in this week, like mid-thirties at night! No telling next week, could be 90. Your method is exactly how I fine tuned them.

 

[Black Snowman]

One thing bogie forgot to mention was that you'll find the max OAL for that barrel. It might be longer than the magazine can handle in an automatic.

I tried going over MOAL in my Glock 24 because of pressure paranoia but they would get hung up in the magazines. Just an FYI

 

[WESHOOT2]

LONG ENOUGH?

I run my 250g (actual weight 252g) LRN-FP's at 1.174".

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha ha! BOOM!

(Don't try this at home.)