45 ACP reloads

[Savage99]

I recently ran into a problem with some reloaded 45acp. I did some for a friend and it had chamber problems in a newer 45 and the ammo would be hard to chamber. These reloads worked in an older 45 Colt Officers. Is it true that the dimensions of the newer pistols are closer to prevent re-loaders from doing their thing? Do I need to get a full length sizing die, one in which it goes closer to the head of the bullet? It looks like there is a little bit of a dimension issue at the head. I have not gotten the micrometer out yet, I am curious if others have run into this.

[wellerjohn]

All cartridges must meet spec. including factory, make sure your checking your reloads with a case gauge. Double check your die adjustment, some times the sizing die can back out a little and cause it.

[ojisan]

I'm guessing your reloads use cast lead bullets.
I have found that commercially cast lead bullets vary in diameter...some of the widest ones cause chambering problems in guns with minimum sized chambers.
If you are loading jacketed bullets and have chambering problems, then you need to check your dies as mentioned above.

[OB_WAN]

first: I ran in to a lot of issues when I was doing a one-step size/crimp on my 45acp, shaving lead which would cause feed issues primarily but also some case sizing. so I split it out in to 2 steps, size it and then follow up with the lee full-length sizing die to take the bell out of the case(aka light crimp) and get the case just right. I'm glad I got the full-length sizing die.

I next noticed that guns are different when feeding ammo. some SWCs I loaded in to my 1911 will feed perfectly all day long. My buddy's XD won't even think about feeding them. I'm guessing I'd need to adjust the OAL for his gun but it then may affect my own feeding.

If you're running 230gr ball(FMJ) ammo, try to match some factory specs and it should feed through most 45s.

[J-cat]

Newer 45 ACP's have tight chamber throats that require .451" bullets. Most commercial cast bullets measure .452"+ As you can see, this will cause chambering issues.

A Lee .451" sizer die will shave .001" off the bullet diameter and will make them fit. They are pretty cheap, about $15.

[xxdabroxx]

what type of bullets are you loading?

Have him remove his barrel and see if the bullet is prematurely engaging the rifling.