255 gr set back?

[wisconsin]

Id like to say that first off i am new to reloading handgun...

With that said I'm trying to load some 255 gr cast bullets for 45 ACP and i cant get them up to an OAL of 1.200. Every time I load them I can push them to 1.143 with my fingers. I know that with this load that OAL is a huge factor in pressure. Would a taper crimp fix this issue?

I would like to stick to the 255 gr load because my SA 1911 loaded Really likes them, but I am having this difficulty reloading them.

for these I used a lee classic loader, Lee 255452 cast mold and Unique powder

 

[Mike 27]

I may be way off base here but I would think a 255gr is a 45 colt bullet. I am surprised you are having issues with the bullet being that loose. All you should have to do is crimp just enough to take out the bell from your expander die. I can't say I have seen a bullet bigger than a 230gr for ACP though, and see no data for anything over 230 in my books.

 

[wisconsin]

the 255 is a Colt bullet, but it shoots very nicely out of a 1911. Buffalo bore makes a P+ load of it, but thats too expensive and rough on my gun. I did have some old ones that would push it to about 700-750 fps and its great for target

 

[rcmodel]

If you can seat them with finger pressure you do not have proper case neck tension, and a crimp won't fix it.

Any chance you are using Remington .45 ACP brass?
It is known to be thin, and unable to be sized small enough to get good neck tension.

Other then that?
Measure your expander.

It needs to be no bigger around then .450", and .4495" might even be better.
If it isn't, make it so with a drill and emery cloth.

rc

 

[moxie]

wisconsin,

As a new reloader you shold know that sticking to published load data is the way to go. Where are you finding data for the 255 and .45acp?

The fact that Buffalo bore has a round with that bullet, or at least the same weight, doesn't mean a thing in the world of reloading. They are pros. We are not.

Strongly suggest you get back to basics. You clearly have a problem with your sizer die not sizing enough, your expander die expanding too much, or a combination of the two. A taper crimp won't help a bit on this problem. You are so far off base that you must go back to the beginning.

Start at square one and set up the dies exactly per the instructions. Select a load for the .45acp bullet and powder you choose. Proceed.

 

[wisconsin]

I undrstand that the pros are pros and i am not. I got my info from disecting a few of the reloads my grandfather left me. 255 gr cast with 4.3 grs unique powder so i was trying to replicate that load.

I do have the stuff and set up for standard loads and i have been doing that with good success, its just this load in particular thats giving me issues.

And yes, i believe it is remington brass

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

i would try a different brand of brass

 

[wisconsin]

Okay, i just got this load down. Whoever called it about the brass was right! i found some Winchester brass and tried it with that... and Voila! Still a little shorter than i planned at 1.171" oal but i cut back the powder to 4 grains. I fired it but had no chrono so I'll have to wait to see that data.

 

[moxie]

See especially the post by zeke:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/archive/index.php/t-276.html

I worry about a long bullet like that with such a short OAL. Seating must be pretty deep.

Finally, agree that Rem. brass is thinner, but properly adjusted dies should still give you adequate neck tension. IMO.

Press on knowing that, as a self-described new reloader, you are in the experimental world of very seasoned gentlemen.

 

[Certaindeaf]

If it pushes in easy you are over expanding.. see what RC said. Neck tension has nothing to do with "crimp", especially in a straight walled pistol cartridge.

 

[Certaindeaf]

Also, I'm not sure if the Lee classic loader full length resizes those, I forget. I started out using one of those many decades ago for 9mm and it was a little "iffy" kinda.

 

[wisconsin]

The lee classic does a full length size. I cant thank you guys enough for the info, this load has sentimental value to my family so it is vastly appreciated

 

[Certaindeaf]

I'd say to just use a smaller hammer for flaring.. be very careful and try the bullet a couple times for each flaring operation or so. Do it minimally.