Does this COL seem right?

[bigdawg86]

Just getting around to loading up some sample rounds. Has anybody had issues with FTF or other problems with rounds this short? I am using the following load data for hopefully a good plinking load. I am using data directly of Hodgons website for 230g LRN and Clays. I'm not in a huge hurry and want to get a consensus before loading up more.

Brass: Mixed
Projectile: Xtreme 230gr plated RN
Powder: Hogdon Clays (3.5 - 4.0 grains)
Primer: Winchester WLP
COL: 1.200"
Taper Crimp Diameter: 1.470"

The pictures below compare my round from PMC factory 230g FMJ ammo... The neck of the case having a slight gap because of such deep seating has me concerned that it will snag and not feed.

EDIT: I made up a dummy round and the slide seems to close / chamber the round ok... but there is a small flat spot on the bullet tip from it entering the chamber at a sharper angle I would assume. Maybe I answered my own question?

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r120/bigdawg86/DSC_0023.jpg

[CalTeacher]

Just getting around to loading up some sample rounds. Has anybody had issues with FTF or other problems with rounds this short? I am using the following load data for hopefully a good plinking load. I am using data directly of Hodgons website for 230g LRN and Clays. I'm not in a huge hurry and want to get a consensus before loading up more.

Brass: Mixed
Projectile: Xtreme 230gr plated RN
Powder: Hogdon Clays (3.5 - 4.0 grains)
Primer: Winchester WLP
COL: 1.200"
Taper Crimp Diameter: 1.470"

The pictures below compare my round from PMC factory 230g FMJ ammo... The neck of the case having a slight gap because of such deep seating has me concerned that it will snag and not feed.

EDIT: I made up a dummy round and the slide seems to close / chamber the round ok... but there is a small flat spot on the bullet tip from it entering the chamber at a sharper angle I would assume. Maybe I answered my own question?



http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...6/DSC_0023.jpg

I'd say you're bit short on those rounds. Try running them out to about 1.25-1.26. You will likely experience setback and/or feeding problems with that oal. You went wrong by using the OAL for a LRN, when you clearly loaded up plated bullets. All bullets have different shapes, ogives, and lengths. OAL is dependent on these factors.

[bigdawg86]

I'd say you're bit short on those rounds. Try running them out to about 1.25-1.26. You will likely experience setback and/or feeding problems with that oal. You went wrong by using the OAL for a LRN, when you clearly loaded up plated bullets. All bullets have different shapes, ogives, and lengths. OAL is dependent on these factors.

Everywhere I have read says to load plated bullets as either lead or low to mid jacketed... so I went with lead. There isn't much published data on this load, and I am leery of just going with something straight off a google search.

Have any sources I could reference? 'Cause I have two pounds of this stuff and want to put it to use...

[Chief-7700]

Way to short... I run mine at 1.240 and that's what the gun likes.

[bigdawg86]

I know the COL isn't an arbitrary number... but at the same time it seems like the COL seems to be more important that the possible pressure changes from a different seating depth? I just did another dummy round @ 1.230" and that gap between the neck / projectile is gone. Again the dummy load feeds / chambers fine from just closing the slide. Should I just work up this depth?

BTW it's a Ruger P90 DC

[CalTeacher]

Everywhere I have read says to load plated bullets as either lead or low to mid jacketed... so I went with lead. There isn't much published data on this load, and I am leery of just going with something straight off a google search.

Have any sources I could reference? 'Cause I have two pounds of this stuff and want to put it to use...

The information about loading to low to mid jacketed is in reference to powder charge, not OAL. 3.7gr. of Clays at an OAL of 1.25" or so should be a great load. I load 3.7gr. of Clays with 230gr. LRN at about 1.27". As always, work up your loads until you find what works best for you.

[Bill Steele]

The OAL in a load spec is a minimum OAL. This minimum doesn't take into account feed issues, that is, if you load to the minimum it mat not feed properly.

You can always load longer as long as you are not above the caliber maximum and then that is just a feed/mag issue again, not a pressure issue. 1.265" sounds about right for a 230gr RN regardless of Lead, Plated or Jacketed.

[Colt562]

In your 2nd or 3rd picture it almost looks like the buttom of the bullet is pushing the case out which might make that gap you are talking about.

[Fjold]

I know the COL isn't an arbitrary number... but at the same time it seems like the COL seems to be more important that the possible pressure changes from a different seating depth? I just did another dummy round @ 1.230" and that gap between the neck / projectile is gone. Again the dummy load feeds / chambers fine from just closing the slide. Should I just work up this depth?

BTW it's a Ruger P90 DC

The difference in pressure due to the size of the combustion chamber is miniscule. You're worried about the wrong thing there, the issue of seating bullets too deep is way over blown. It's a self correcting problem. As pressure starts to build, the bullet starts moving forward and the combustion chamber gets bigger so the pressure doesn't reach an excessive pressure.

[M27]

I load all of my round nose ti 1.275"

[checkenbach]

I'm using 1.230" for Winchester and P.D. 230 FMJ's, has worked in my Sigs, and both 1911's. I think you need a bit more crimp as well.
Lee 230 cast tumble lubed worked well at 1.260" in my stuff.

[Fishslayer]

Everywhere I have read says to load plated bullets as either lead or low to mid jacketed... so I went with lead. There isn't much published data on this load, and I am leery of just going with something straight off a google search.

Have any sources I could reference? 'Cause I have two pounds of this stuff and want to put it to use...

They are referring to the powder charge.

1.120 sounds like more of a LSWC OAL.

There can only be so much difference from one 230gr round nose to the next. Lacking an exact figure for a given bullet use 1.250 as a starting point and plunk test in your chamber for a go/no go. 1.250 is going to work for just about any RN plated bullet you'll find.