[hill billy]

I recently purchased a loading setup (lee classic turret)and and after running a bunch of test stuff I finally started loading live rounds tonight. I noticed after charging the case there will be abut 1/8" space between the powder in the case and the bottom of the bullet. Seems I heard somewhere there is not supposed to be much of a cap. Can anyone comment on this?

[janobles14]

it happens in lighter loads. nothing to really worry about for the most part. just make sure you arent undercharging (can cause pressure waves or so they say).

if you are overly concerned you can use a larger grain powder or break out the old cream of wheat (search around the forums and youll see them).

[pinkymingeo]

The empty space is that size because the 45acp case is so small. If you really want to see some air, load a fast powder like Bullseye or Titegroup in 45Colt. There's room for 5 or 6 max charges in there. It's perfectly normal.

[lordgroom]

The space is perfectly normal. There is no need for concern. Different powders occupy different volumes. If you ever decide to use a different powder in .45 ACP it may fill the case more or may fill the case less than with your current powder.

Would you mind listing the type of powder, the weight of the powder you are pouring into the case, the weight of the bullet, and the weight of the bullet. I just want to make sure!

[hill billy]

I am using titegroup, about 4.4 grains, (the .37 cup in the LEE auto disk) and Berry's 230 grain FMJ.

[rcmodel]

What you might have heard refers more to rifle loads then pistol loads.

Bottleneck rifle cartridges hold a very large amount of powder compared to any handgun cartridge.

It is felt that a rifle load offering maximum, "Loading Density" is probably going to be more accurate then one that leaves a lot of air space in the case.

It doesn't apply to handgun cartridges, and the most accurate target loads will often have 1/4" - 3/8" or more air space under the bullet in the longer revolver calibers.

And as already been stated, it all depends on what powder you use.

In .357 Mag for instance, 4.0 grains of Bullseye might be a great light target load, and barely start to fill the case.

But 19.5 grains of IMR-4227 might be a great Magnum load, and would be a compressed charge with no air space at all.

rcmodel

[jim147]

A little goes a long way with Tightgroup. I load it in several calibers and you just have to be careful that you don't overcharge. 4.4 grains for a 230 should be a good start point. I use 4.7 in mine.

[Rick1911]

I have taught a lot of people to reload some catch on quick and others I don't think ever will. I always tell them no question is a dumb question if you don't know the answer.

[JG2000]

Are you using a scale to make your measurements or just going by what the book says? The Lee manual list the .37 disk as dropping 4.4gr of titegroup but this is just a suggestion or starting point. I've always had to go up at least to sizes to get close to the load I wanted. Just a thought.

[hill billy]

I did not scale it but a friend of mine did and he said it was really close. I went and shot the first 50 rounds I made this afternoon and I was fairly happy.