[TXMINIME]

I'm a newbie in the process of setting up a new (to me) reloader and have a question on OAL... Using 230 gr. FMJ RN bullets, Hodgdon manual recommends a OAL of 1.2 with Clays. However, the Lee manual is showing OAL of 1.19 using Clays. A quick search of various reloading forums and I found the general preference is 1.25, but without any specific powder.

My questions are:
1) How critical is OAL in relation to a specific powder?
2) What kind of differences would I expect to see if I use a OAL of 1.25 instead of 1.2 as recommended by Hodgon?

TIA.

Francis

[The Bushmaster]

In the .45 ACP 1.2 is a good average with any powder for bullets in 185 grain and lower. 1.250 is a good average for bullets over 185 grains The .45 ACP is a low pressure round. One must be real careful at the lower and upper powder charges. I just ran an experiment with W-231 where I loaded 4.7 grains under a 185 grain JHP and seated 25 rounds at 1.200 and 25 more seated at 1.250. All of the ones seated at 1.200 had no problems cycling my Colt Series 80 with a 16 lb recoil spring. Those seated at 1.250 caught the fired case on the way out causing a smoke stack and jamming the works. Both had an accuracy problem at 25 yards. Cartradge OAL DOES make a difference specially at the lower and higher ends of the powder weights.

One last note...Looking at all your information and going with what you think will work for you is the correct way to do it. Read and follow your manuals. Be real careful who you follow on the internet...Including me...:scrutiny:

[Griz44]

Work some loads up gradually increasing the length. Published data can be fudged a bit to make a round work better in your specific gun. I load short for my compact Kimber and longer for my Colt Gov SS. Find the one that your gun likes to eat..

[Walkalong]

Load those 230 Gr RN at 1.250 or 1.260 and forget about it. Work up your load and then load a bunch up.

You are not going to see much difference in 1.200 & 1.250 O.A.L. as far as pressure in this low pressure round. It might, and I mean might, need .1 more Grs., maybe. Clays is pretty fast.

Welcome to THR

[aerod1]

I've been loading my 200 grain LSWC to an OAL of 1.250" and they seem to work well in my Springer loaded model, Colt series 80 Officers Model and Auto Ordnance, 1911's.:)

[TXMINIME]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to start with 1.25" and work my way up slowly.

Francis