question about Hornady XTP's

[kermit315]

Hey guys,

I loaded up some Hornady XTP's to the specs in the hornady book (5.4 grains of Unique, 1.23 COL 230 grain projectile). When I cycle them through my 1911, it seems like they bind up coming back out. I took the 1911 apart, and dropped some of them in the chamber, and they drop right in. When you try to pull them out, they are resistant.

I have a feeling that the front of the bullet is impacting the lands and grooves when the round chambers, touching just enough to cause a bind when you try to cycle the round.

My question: does anybody else reload these for a 1911, and if so, would it be a problem to seat them a little bit lower in the case to avoid this problem?

Thanks,

Jamie

[freonr22]

hodgdon site shows 1.20 for all 230gr

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

[kermit315]

I see that, but I dont see it addressing anything HP in 230gr. Do you think it would make a difference?

[fairfaxjim]

I've found that some bullets do required a bit deeper seating than normal in certain chambers. I have a Sig 226 and a P6, both 9mm. A couple of bullets need to be seated slighter deeper for use in the P6 or I will experience exactly what you described. It seems to depend on how far out the shoulder of the bullet is.

[kermit315]

thats what I am thinking. I think I am going to run them through the seater again and seat them to 1.20 as freon suggested, then try again.

I will let you guys know what I come up with.

[TakeFive]

I believe the HP bullet would be itself longer than the FMJ bullet in order to make up for the loss of weight in the hollow point. That changes the placement of the curve of the nose of the bullet and that is what should be the same between HP and FMJ for reliable feeding. I would paint the HP round with a magic marker, chamber it and see if the rifling is making a mark on the bullet. Another possible problem which you are probably aware if is headspace. Since the .45 ACP headspaces on the case mouth, the case length and crimp are critical. Assuming the case length is within spec, make sure to use a taper crimp and not a roll crimp.

[kermit315]

everything seems fine except the extraction. When I substitute a 185 gr projectile (dummy round) and load to the same length, it doesnt have any problems. I think its just the added length of the 230 grn. bullets.

[kermit315]

ran then down to 1.20 and cycled them again.....working like a dream now.

Thanks Freon and all that chimed in.

[freonr22]

cool!!! !!!
i searched a bit, and saw most @ 1.23 but i dont think .030 makes much diff, imho

[xMAC1x]

Have you fired these rounds?

[kermit315]

Not yet, maybe tomorrow if I don't get too busy

[e-rock]

45 xtp wont eject

Ok,
I might get beat up here but this is what i know.

First with all semi auto hand guns the round headspaces on the case mouth, ok some on the ejector but that being said if it headspaced on the case moth it will be safe to fire.
This is done buy pulling out the barrel and using it as a gauge, load a round and drop it in the removed barrel.
You will hear a tink when the bullet is deep enough to let the case hit the lip inside the barrel.
This will usually be below the hood of the barrel.
Alot of 1911 guys will say to headspace off the bullet letting it touch the lands but making sure the case is just below the barrel hood (NOT ABOVE THE BARREL HOOD).
That being said it is known to improve accuracy on some 1911s to headspace off the bullet.
This is with a lower pesssure round like 45 acp only all others should be headspaced off the case.
I found that with my XD 45 headspacing off the bullet hurt accurracy so i space .003 off the case for same hole groups out to 20 yards.
This way of headspacing with the barrel as a gauge is a good practice for all semi auto pistols, but you will find that hollow point can be long and still fit in the magazine. If you chamber a round and it does not come out easily this is not good as a higher pressure round like 9mm or 40 SW can be dangerous if the bullet is forced deeper in the case by hitting the lands upun chambering.
Could cause a huge pressure spike and result in catastrophe...

Advice is advice better safe than sorry,

Good luck and have Fun!