45 acp lead bullet COL

[sta500rdr]

I loaded up some 45 ACP today. They were a whole bag of bullets I got from a buddy. They are cast lead, very nice. Very consistent weights. They are all 215-217 grains. I couldn't find the exact bullet in my load info. I used the Lyman manual to try and get COL for them. The manual said COL should be 1.272, in order for me to even get them to chamber in my Colt Defender, they have to be seated to like 2.215. That seems short to me, but it is where they have to be in order to even chamber properly. Everything else is in spec. Brass is proper length, crimp is right.

Anyone have any insight? Or is that just where they need to be. Seems like a pretty drastic difference from what the manual says.

 

[Magnum Shooter]

The 1.272 is for 225g round nose, Lyman also lists a 200g SWC at 1.161. An OAL of 1.215 does not seem out of line for a 215g bullet. So if you loaded them at the starting load shoot them and see how they do.

 

[sta500rdr]

Sounds good. I just wanted to make sure that I wasnt burying the bullet in the case too far. I didnt find much on the round nose to compare it to other than the heavier bullet weights. Thanks! I did shoot one, it shot fine, no pressure signs, all is well.