.45 ACP OAL

[Bandit01]

I'm having a difficult time reloading .45 ACP to a consistant OAL. Using Lyman's 48th Edition, the OAL for the .45 ACP is 1.275 max. That size is way to large for my pistol.
Here's what I'm working with:

1 - I have the Dillon 550B machine;
2 - I have a CZ 97 pistol (which is a huge pistol);
3 - I'm using a 230gr. FMJ Bullet;
4 - I always load my ammo using as a secondary precaution, case gauges.

The problem is, a lot of times, I can't fit more than 8 rounds into my magazine clip. Then also, the rounds will jam up in the pistol. When I squeeze the clip out of the gun it looks as if the round is jamming inside of the clip.

Some solutions that I've tried are:
1 - Taking the barrel out and seeing if a live round will fit and that's usually never a problem--they usually do
2 - Speaking to a tech at Dillion, it was recommended that I reduce the OAL to 1.255. (This works but again, it's never consistent and I still have problems with getting more than 8 rounds into the clip).
3 - Then someone at the local range, said that the problem might not be my loading, rather my magazine clips.

Assuming that my problem is my OAL, what OAL have you used that's consistent. (I never have problems loading my 10MM; .40 Caliber; .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum).

Second issue, if the problem is my clip, it was suggesested that I try replacing the spring. Has anyone ever ordered a spring from Wolff's?

Sorry about being so long winded

 

[taliv]

i'm not sure i understand the problem. what isn't consistent?
are you saying your seater die is seating to random depths? i.e. lots of variation in OAL?

or are you saying you're getting a lot of fail-to-loads while trying to shoot?

also, what does how many you get in the mag have to do with it? are you saying the bullets stick out so far you can't fit them in the mag? or that your gun cycles fine with 7 rnds in a mag, but jams if you try to put 8 in the mag?

also, stupid question, but do you have a 7 or 8 rnd mag?

i load mine (200g jhp) to 1.225 instead of 1.255, and have never had a problem.

that doesn't mean you should load yours there, obviously.

 

[Zak Smith]

My general rule for reloading handgun cartridges is this:

I load as long as possible, but short enough that

(1) the bullet's ogive does not hit the lands in the barrel. If you remove your barrel from the gun, drop in a round, and give it a tap with your thumb, it should drop right out when you turn the barrel upside down.

(2) it feeds through the magazine reliably.

Repeat for each pistol you'll shoot that load through.

 

[Mal H]

I have a CZ-97B that I have put a couple thousand rounds of 230 FMJ through. The OAL for them is 1.275 and they have worked flawlessly.

I think your range friend is probably closer to the truth of the problem when he suspects the magazines. I have to admit I'm puzzled by your statement - "I still have problems with getting more than 8 rounds into the clip." As taliv asked, what is the capacity of your magazines? The mags that came with my CZ-97B were 7 round Mec-Gars. Did you purchase additional mags of greater than 8 round capacity? If so, what brand?

 

[gwalchmai]

Inconsistent OAL

Bandit, how much is the OAL varying? Mine always stays exactly where I set it. You've probably already checked these, but newbies like myself seem to hit ALL the problems...

Make sure you're using the FMJ seating plug, and not the SWC.

Make sure your seating die is clean and secure.

Check your crimp. About .469 should be enough.

Make sure your operating handle is completely unobstructed for the full length of its travel. A little bind at the bottom would prevent full seating.

 

[Bandit01]

Thanks all,
Mal H. The magazine clips that came with the pistol allows 10 rounds. I just ordered a new clip, in addition to a new Spring. My local range has the CZ97 and they said that they've had a few problems in the past with the magazine.

After using the CZ for a lil' while, I'm no longer impressed with it. The damn thing is just so big. I just picked up a used S&W 1645 (I think that's the number). I got it at the range for $300.00 It's in great shape and shoots really well. Plus, it's great for concealing. Funny thing, I have no problems loading and shooting the 7 rounds through that pistol; therefore, the problem is with the CZ.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

My 97b does not like any hardball round over 1.272. It works perfectly at 1.268 to 1.272. 1.275 is jam city! I find it interesting that in the post above 1.275 works perfectly.


Just goes to show you the variations between guns.

 

[Mal H]

That is weird, Peter. I double checked my reloads and most are definitely 1.275 (1.273 to 1.276 range). I would suspect the magazines before the pistol itself.

 

[Bandit01]

Okay Gents, again thanks for your informative feedback. My local range called and my new clip is in. Tomorrow I'll pick it and will report my findings. I have a few hundred rounds of .45 that I'm going to bring with me. The OAL is 1.255. I'll let you all know what happened.