45 acp

Use a factory round to set up OAL. Pull the barrel from the gun and plunk test to set up crimp.

Sparks coming from where?
As to OAL I generally seat to the longest the magazine will allow for the heavier bullets.

sifer1 said:

i've got one of though thing that look like a socket that you drop the shell into to see if it fits, would that be the same thing?

Click to expand...

Yes

sifer1 said:

goodmorning.
i've just got into reloading 45acp and would like to get some help on powder charge level, and col length. i'am having trouble getting it right. i'am using 230 fmj, tightgroup powder.
i've tried different charge levels and different lengths but still having trouble. my action on my springfield will to action, and i seem to be getting sparks coming back at me.
can someone give me some advice on this. i would like to get it figured out am i doing the crimp wrong or seating the ball at the wrong depth, or using the wrong charge???

thanks for the help in advance.

Click to expand...

To set the correct COL for your bullet and barrel you need to do the plunk test to determine the correct seating depth for the bullet you are using.
If you do not know what the Plunk Test is google it. When you do the plunk test you have to remove the barrel from your gun and use it for your gage.
What brand reloading dies are you using for your 45?

sifer1 said:

goodmorning.
i've just got into reloading 45acp and would like to get some help on powder charge level, and col length. i'am having trouble getting it right. i'am using 230 fmj, tightgroup powder.
i've tried different charge levels and different lengths but still having trouble. my action on my springfield will to action, and i seem to be getting sparks coming back at me.
can someone give me some advice on this. i would like to get it figured out am i doing the crimp wrong or seating the ball at the wrong depth, or using the wrong charge???

thanks for the help in advance.

Click to expand...

Please advise.
What different col have you used?
What powder charge with said col?
Even going further may help so what reloading press are you using? How are you confirming your powder drop (correct grains)
What manuals or sources are you referencing for your particular load?

A case guage is nice and I use them often. But they are not to be used to determine cartridge overall length as that is barrel specific. Many here can give excellent specifics on col determination steps which in sure will be posted soon.

Let us know the answers to some of these questions and you'll be on your way to great ammo.

Note. Some 45acp is large primer and some small

Hogdon load data NOT with same exact bullet but a reference below

I like the plunk test with a barrel, I found one of mine doesn't like the rnfp bullets so I load rn.

Hodgdon reloading site has some data for 45 ACP, 230 RN bullets and CFE pistol. Click on the link, then select 45 ACP should take you there.

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

I have not used Titegroup in 45 ACP but have tried a pound in 38 Special. I was not impressed. Some folks like it.

There are lots of powders that work well with 45 ACP and 230 RN bullets.

My favorite is 700-X but lots of folks do not like the way it meters.

I've used and like Accurate #5, Unique, and W321/HP-38. But those just scratch the surface of suitable powders.

sifer1 said:

hornady dies

Click to expand...

Does your CRIMP die roll crimp or taper crimp??

Walkalong said:

That won’t check to see if the bullet is seated enough to fit your barrel, Do the “Plunk Test”.

Click to expand...

This^^^

I have a Kimber with a short tight chamber, and when I load 45acp with 230gr ball I have to seat them at 1.250" - 1.260", with the longer length not consistently feeding in my gun. So your barrel ultimately determines your OAL. I could have the barrel throated, reamed, etc.. but it shoots so well I just make my ammo to suit it. That's part of reloading, tailor made ammo to suit a particular gun.

Walkalong said:

I don't use Titegroup

Click to expand...

I also don't use Titegroup, so can't help you there.

sifer1 said:

but still not sure how much powder to use,

Click to expand...

Look at your book/books or online loading data from the manufacture of the powder or the bullet. Start at the lowest charge listed and work up in 0.1 gr increments until you find what works for you and your gun.

It may take a while to find what feeds and functions well, along with the accuracy you want, but it's well worth it.

Have fun and stay safe.

chris

Erief0g said:

What different col have you used?
What powder charge with said col?
Even going further may help so what reloading press are you using? Hornady dies
How are you confirming your powder drop (correct grains)
What manuals or sources are you referencing for your particular load?

Click to expand...

sifer1 said:

hornady dies

Click to expand...

Welcome to THR

I've used cfe, bullseye, W231, & WST (currently my favorite for 45acp reloads)

For COL I have settled between 1.240 - 1.260. currently I use 1.250 and WST.

I will add that hogdon states 1.200 for 45acp. If you look they use the 1.200 COL for their loads, which is way too low.

I never noticed it, but I pasted some photos when I was working up a load and a several folks commented that the COL was too low. I don't remember who posted, but they commented that hogdon used 1.200 for all their 45acp load data. This COL is way too low. I referenced several sources for 230 RN bullets and the 45acp COL data fell between 1.240-1.260 (unless you are using SWC bullets). I've done the plunk test and 1.260 works on all my 45's. Because depending on the powder and bullet the reference states 1.240, I decided to split the difference (no ill effects) and go with 1.250.

Good luck.

sifer1 said:

I've got one of those things that look like a socket that you drop the shell into to see if it fits. Would that be the same thing ?

Click to expand...

It's called a "cartridge gauge". And No, it won't really help you during the first steps. Later on when you're comfortable with the numbers, the cartridge gauge could become a big help.

When you first start out, you'll want to use the gun's chamber as your measuring device. So remove the barrel from the gun so that you can easily work with the cartridge in the chamber.

► When you go to the Emergency Room, you don't want to talk to any nurses. You want to talk directly with a doctor. Later on when your condition is under control, talking with a nurse who has talked to the doctor is more acceptable. It's also like that in reloading. The barrel is the foremost authority on cartridge dimensions, and that's always the very best starting point. Later on when things are going your way, you may be able to accept a substitute that "mimics" the authority. Remember, there is no guarantee that the gauge accurately mimics the barrel. Part of this early work is to prove to yourself that the gauge is a very close approximation of the barrel, and therefore something trustworthy and useful.

Hope this helps.
.

Crazy Horse said:

I will add that hogdon states 1.200 for 45acp. If you look they use the 1.200 COL for their loads, which is way too low.

Click to expand...

I agree... with the 230grn RN bullet, particularly, and double-extra particularly with TiteGroup powder.

OP, as someone else mentioned... we need some particulars from you to help you troubleshoot what's going on.