OK, not trying to start a .001 reloading war. I just want to know a few things. I have reloaded for revolvers, years ago. Reloading then made since in regards to cartridge length. Now that I’m trying to reload semi-auto’s, there seems to be a plethora of data/facts/whams/etc on cart length (CL). The reason I will use CL is because there are so many terms in regards to the overall length of the cartridge, so bare with me. Please no negative comments on this.
So, I am going to start reloading the 40 SW. I have a Wilson Cartridge Gage tool and an OEM and Lone Wolf replacement barrel for my Glock. Please, no comments on the Glock. I’m using these devices to see if the cartridge will work.
The “Plunk Test” and the Gage do not agree on what it is telling me. I made a mock up round with the following components and dimensions (for those that want to know the numbers):
Precision Delta 180 gr FMJFP bullets
Length .590
Dia .400
Case Winchester length .844, outside case dia with bullet seated .421
The overall cartridge length is 1.135
OK, the round will “plunk” fine in the barrels, but will not drop in to the Wilson Gage. In the Wilson Gage (WG), the entire rim is proud of the gage. Now, factory ammo drop all the way in to the WG, the end of the cartridge is flush with the end of the gage. I did apply a Lee FCD crimp to the mock cartridge just to see if that made a difference, it did not.
OK, enough of this. The mock cartridge drops fine in my barrels, compared to all commercial cartridges, and the “Plunk Test” pictures. So, now for the questions.
Again, I am new at reloading semi’s.
1. What the heck is the Wilson gage telling me??? The mock rounds drop in to my barrels just fine, according to the “Plunk Test”.
2. The case always stops at the ridge in the chamber, so aren’t we just making sure the bullet isn’t too long? Meaning, the “Plunk Test” only checks for bullet length?
3. Any other comments related to AOL that I’m missing?
Thanks
So, I am going to start reloading the 40 SW. I have a Wilson Cartridge Gage tool and an OEM and Lone Wolf replacement barrel for my Glock. Please, no comments on the Glock. I’m using these devices to see if the cartridge will work.
The “Plunk Test” and the Gage do not agree on what it is telling me. I made a mock up round with the following components and dimensions (for those that want to know the numbers):
Precision Delta 180 gr FMJFP bullets
Length .590
Dia .400
Case Winchester length .844, outside case dia with bullet seated .421
The overall cartridge length is 1.135
OK, the round will “plunk” fine in the barrels, but will not drop in to the Wilson Gage. In the Wilson Gage (WG), the entire rim is proud of the gage. Now, factory ammo drop all the way in to the WG, the end of the cartridge is flush with the end of the gage. I did apply a Lee FCD crimp to the mock cartridge just to see if that made a difference, it did not.
OK, enough of this. The mock cartridge drops fine in my barrels, compared to all commercial cartridges, and the “Plunk Test” pictures. So, now for the questions.
Again, I am new at reloading semi’s.
1. What the heck is the Wilson gage telling me??? The mock rounds drop in to my barrels just fine, according to the “Plunk Test”.
2. The case always stops at the ridge in the chamber, so aren’t we just making sure the bullet isn’t too long? Meaning, the “Plunk Test” only checks for bullet length?
3. Any other comments related to AOL that I’m missing?
Thanks
Last edited: