OAL .45acp

[jak77]

Hello,

I finally have everything I need to start my reloading adventure. I am planning on cranking out my first ever reloads later tonight after I get off work. One question I have though is what OAL are you guys using that you find feeds well in most your handguns. I know every one is different and some are picky, but is there a length that you find most of your pistols prefer?

I am using 200 gr LSWC over bullseye through a Springer Loaded, if that helps.

I plan on starting off with 5 grains of Bullseye.

Thanks

[RaymondMillbrae]

For a LSWC, I would go between 1.235" to 1.250".

Experiment to see which works best for you. (Chronograph them, check for accuracy, check for reliability).

If you load them shorter, there will be more pressure...hence an increase in FPS. (You might be able to save yourself .25 to .5 grains per round).

In Christ: Raymond

[jak77]

Thanks raymond! My lyman manual suggests 1.235 as well so ill probably start there

[BigBronco]

for 200 SWC I had to go to 1.265 to get them to feed in my Randall

[EWILKE]

oal

1.240 seems to work in all my guns. for 200 swc

[Malthusian]

I have had difficulties with LSWC
Bullet types vary
Rather then go by OAL

The shoulder of the bullet should be about the thickness of a fingernail past the case
Too much shoulder and they will not chamber

I have some as short as 1.16
These were a particularly stubby shaped bullet.
Most fall within the 1.25 OAL length

Nowadays I drop every single bullet I make into a Dillon case gauge
Never had a FTF since

[hypnoman]

great tips guys. . . I've gotta go check mine . . .

[jak77]

Thanks guys! Keep em coming. Looks like ill have to experiment to determine what works well

[sammy]

1.240 seems to work in all my guns. for 200 swc

This is what works best in all my 1911's.

[bruce381]

1.240 for me 200 sec bulleye at 4.5-5

[Fishslayer]

Depends on the bullet. Some LSWC have longer noses (is that the right term?) than others. I use the barrel to set the length. I start out long & seat a bit deeper till the round headspaces properly. Then write the length on the box of boolits.

Malthusian mentioned the shoulder. I've found Redline Ballisitcs LSWC to be very prone to this. I loaded a batch just a hair too long & got a whole bunch that failed to chamber completely.

When making notes on test rounds I always include bullet brand & OAL in the notes.

[MAC USMC]

I shoot several .45's of different makes. I like to test my completed rounds BEFORE I load up a large batch. I take out the barrels and drop one round in for a test fit. It should drop in easily and not hang up at all. If one barrel does not accept the round I make a slight adjustment to shorten it and try it again. When the rounds drops into all my barrels perfectly

[LexLuther]

length varies

solid advice here...mine 1.26...reloading manuals should include more info on headspacing.

I have had difficulties with LSWC Bullet types vary Rather then go by OAL

The shoulder of the bullet should be about the thickness of a fingernail past the case Too much shoulder and they will not chamber...Most fall within the 1.25 OAL length

Depends on the bullet... I use the barrel to set the length. I start out long & seat a bit deeper till the round headspaces properly. Then write the length on the box of boolits...When making notes on test rounds I always include bullet brand & OAL in the notes.

[cdrxls]

i use BearCreek 200gr HBRN under 5.0gr of WST, at 1.250 OAL. with a Lee Factory Crimp Die (FCD)

this has worked in all my 1911s.

good luck and have fun reloading