[Catpop]

What is the actual minimum headspace number (field,unsafe)?

[rcmodel]

Actually "Minimum" is not the unsafe condition as long as the slide will close & lock on the Go Gage.

No Go gage is .920".
Go gage is .898".

A field gage or No Go gage would be Maximum.
And over Maximum would be unsafe.

rc

[Catpop]

RC
Thank you for the prompt reply. I had a senior moment on the max/min thing. The .920 was exactly what I have been searching numerous threads trying to find. I can now make a gauge to check my 1911.
I had shot some reloads a friend gave me the other day and found some primers backed out when I recovered the cases. I read in #45 edition Lyman book, page 215, this was a low pressure sign of excessive headspace.
I don't think I have, but just want to make sure.
Thanks
Catpop

[rcmodel]

Primers backing out is a sign of low pressure.

A normal pressure load would slip the case back against the breech face and re-seat them, even if they backed out.

Revolvers do it every shot, every time.


PS: Before you go to the trouble of making a NO GO gage, lets look at a couple other things.

1. Measure some of the fired & sized cases. They should measure no more then .898".
And no less then .888".

2. Take some sized empty brass and drop them in the chamber. See if they are flush with the back of the barrel hood.
If they are flush, you don't have a headspace problem.

3. Then try it with the offending loaded rounds and see if they are flush with the barrel hood too.
Then try to force them in deeper with your thumb.
If you can force them in deeper with your thumb, see step #4

4. Measure your reloads at the case mouth to see how much they are taper crimped.
If less then .468", they may be slipping by the headspace shoulder and driving deeper in the chamber when the firing pin hits them.

At any rate the .022" allowed between Min & MAX chamber length is a lot.
And if the cases are to low pressure to slip & reseat the primers, all you can do is jack up the load pressure to normaler.


rc

[hentown]

You might also not shot friends' reloads. I don't shoot anybody's but mine. Before you do a lot of measuring, etc., why not know exactly what the load is that you were shooting? Unless you pull some bullets and weigh some powder, you won't know, unless you loaded them yourself.

[Catpop]

rc
Thanks for the input on checking the subject cases and putting them into the chamber to check for fit. Good ides! I will do this when I return to the bench.
catpop

[Catpop]

hentown
Thanks for the input. Very sound advice on not using others reloads!!!!
This friend is the exception as he has years of experience with the 45 plus is very meticulous, weighs every charge and keeps excellent records. He only let me try these as I have just started reloading 45 acp and have gotten only as far as 230 grain Berry's RN with Unique 5.0 to 6.5. My luck with working up a satisfactory load with Unique at 25 yards hand held on a rest has not been good yet, 2 1/2 to 5" groups. I was looking for some help. He felt a lighter load might be what I was looking for and I did shoot 1.75" with it, best group yet!
I've loaded and fired 30m+ rounds through my 357 mag Blackhawk since 1973. But I'm completely new to the 1911. I love it and only wish I had started years ago! I hope to improve soon.
Thanks again.
catpop