.45 Acp Oal

[schmeky]

I posted about problems with my new CZ-97 feeding my handload of:

H&G #68, 200gn LSWC
4.2gns WW231
OAL - 1.240"

This load exposes about 1/32" of the bullet shoulder from the case mouth. If I go to an OAL of 1.260-.270 the bullet shoulder will be protruding about 3/32" from the case mouth. I tried a dummy round and a 1.270" seating depth has the bullet shoulder contacting the lands.

I used the barrel to check the 1.270" dummy and the case rim is about .015" above the barrel, obviously due to the bullet shoulder contacting the lands.

Is there any problem with this? BTW, I use an RCBS die that seats and crimps simultaneously.

 

[71Commander]

I load SWC at 1.225- max

 

[Walkalong]

I load the 200 Gr SWC's I use at 1.260 to 1.265. Works for me.

 

[glicerin]

Many SWC have different nose shapes, so OAL needs to change. I seat so wadcutter edge is out of mouth about .045". Checking in your chamber is best idea. Too long won't chamber, too short will chimney in my 1911.

 

[ForneyRider]

What OAL ended up working for you?

 

[ChuckB]

"Many SWC have different nose shapes..."

Isn't the H&G 68 a standard size and shape?

Chuck

 

[schmeky]

ForneyRider,

Currently experimenting. I have a batch loaded up with an OAL of 1.230". Going to see if my CZ-97 and Witness Elite Match .45 will feed these smoothly using the H&G 200 LSWC.

My 1911's are good to go at 1.240-.245

 

[trickyasafox]

My 1911 likes em long- 1.265

 

[putteral]

Mine also like them at 1.260

 

[Sunray]

Your problem isn't your OAL(max is 1.275"). It's far more likely to be the feed ramp. LSWC's have square edges all over them and so to chambers. Try extending the feed ramp about half way up the sides of the aft end of the chamber with a fine jeweller's file. Mind you, this is a 1911 fix, but it should work on your CZ too.
"...and crimps..." As long as it's a taper crimp, it'll be fine. Been doing it for years. Taper crimp on the edge of the shoulder.

 

[38 Super Auto]

Your problem isn't your OAL(max is 1.275"). It's far more likely to be the feed ramp. LSWC's have square edges all over them and so to chambers.

+1 on Sunray's advise. My SAMMI gage allows 1.275" max as well. I had a 230 gr Lee RN that was finicky about AOL in an AMT hardballer. I found seating the bullet deeper corrected chambering issues. Also, the frame (feedramp) had to be modified extensively to allow SWCs to feed reliably.

I have learned from my 45s that seating bullets so the chambered round is not contacting the rifling gives me a higher probability that the round will chamber completely. This may give me less than optimum accuracy. I don't know. This sounds like an opportunity for some load development and range time.

 

[Jim Watson]

I used the barrel to check the 1.270" dummy and the case rim is about .015" above the barrel, obviously due to the bullet shoulder contacting the lands.

Is there any problem with this?

Yes.
You would be letting the slide either seat the bullet deeper or jam it into the lands. Not very reliable.

If it will not feed SWCs seated so as to give zero headspace or shorter, then the gun is not suitable for semiwadcutters. Many European guns are not.
I doubt there is any established technique for reworking the feed ramp of a CZ97 to SWC as there is for 1911.
Rather than experiment and risk trashing the barrel, I would change bullets.
I like the design sold by Laser Cast as "45 Cal. 200g RN .452" and by Billy Bullets as "45 200 RNSWC"; or if you cast, SAECO #265. It is a round nose bullet with a shoulder like a semiwadcutter.

 

[ambidextrous1]

The bench-rest shooters reload so that the bullet will contact the rifling when the round is chambered. That's not such a good idea for pistols.

I load the .45 ACP for an OAL of 1.240" max - necessary for the Para-Ordnance P14-45, and functional in my Colts. I can go shorter (The colts will chamber a recently-fired brass case!), but have no reason to do so.

 

[schmeky]

Tried a new load for the 97 using a 1.230" with a good taper crimp. Load consisted of a 200 gn LSWC behind a 6.0 gn charge of WAP1 (now Ramshot Shiloutte).

I have deduced my problem was the powder charge. The previous charge of WW231 was insufficient and the problems on my first outing where mis-feeds due to the slide not retracting fully.

I shot about 125 rounds of the above loads this morning and the 97 feed them all flawlessly. Everytime I closed the slide on a fresh mag I consistently heard that quick, "schllack" sound.

Also shot a few 185 JHP's and the 97 fed these without a hitch too.

As a side note, the 97 is just simpy outstanding. The accuracy is pinpoint, the big gun really tames recoil, and the slightly modified grip (to suite me) has the best feel of all my 45's.

I don't even want to shoot my 1911's right now.