45 acp COL Question

[dredd]

I have loaded my first ever 45 acp rounds. They will be for a Springfield 1911 GI.

I have spent countless hours reading and researching here... books... manuals etc.

However, I *assumed* something, and am not feeling right about it.

Here is what I assembled:

230/gr FMJ Round Nose (Delta Precision)
Once fired Remington Brass
CCI Large Pistol Primer
Autocomp Powder ( Starting Load: 6.0 / Max: 6.6 )

Here's the problem...

Hodgon only has the one listing for a 230 FMJ and it is a Hornady FN
They show 1.20 for the COL

The max OAL in the Hornady Manual is 1.275
My Factory Remington 230/gr RN measures 1.243

I loaded 6.3/gr of the Autocomp and seated the rounds to 1.250

Where did I come up with 1.25 ??? It just felt good at the time!?!?!?!?

My hair brain logic is telling me that 0.05 is "just about right" for compensating between the FN & RN.

In all honesty, I think I was excited and in a hurry making up my first rounds. I usually do not let my brain fall out on the floor like this when doing these types of things.

I have a total if 15 test rounds made up. Let me know if you think I should shoot them, seat them more or take'm apart.

If it matters at all, the rounds do chamber just fine in the barrel.

Thanks for looking!!!

BTW... this thread is GREAT: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=506678

 

[Ridgerunner665]

I load my FMJ's to 1.26"...but OAL can also depend on the gun and what it will feed reliably.

1.25" is fine and should be safe as long as you don't forget to work up your loads from the start.

 

[LiveLife]

+1 on 1.25" OAL to start with 230 gr RN as they will feed/chamber in most 45 pistols.

Longer OAL will allow the bullet to engage the rifling sooner and give you better accuracy. If you like, you can test longer OAL to see if they feed/chamber reliably from the magazine.

 

[Walkalong]

Load 230 Gr RN bullets to 1.265 and you'll be fine.

That Hornady 230 Gr bullet is a TrFP, not a RN. That is why it lists that short O.A.L. Many posters have asked about that. You figured it out on your own.

 

[dredd]

Thank you for the replies.
I was concerned I might have created a Pressure Issue by not seating to the published info for that particular powder & slug.

 

[Trent]

Load up dummy rounds without powder or primer and test whether they feed reliably. Only way to know for sure. If you get stovepipes, could be too short or long. Just experiment to find what works in your handgun. Some 1911's are picky, my Springfield 1911 is decidedly NOT picky, except with flat nose.

Measure the rounds before AND after to make sure your not seating the bullets deeper when chambering.

Don't "guide" it in, either. Pull the slide back all the way and "let 'er rip" under maximum spring tension.

DO NOT EVER load a dummy round with a primer in it! Chances are too high they'll get mixed with live ammo and result in a squib. (don't ask me how I know.. it's embarrassing..)