.45 ACP > Please look at these cartridge measurements

[Flt Simulation]

For you folks that load .45 ACP, I would like you to look at these measurements and give me some input as to what you think.

I am not having any problems with these cartridges cycling through my Colt Gold Cup, but just want your opinion if these measurements look satisfactory.

Bullet is Bear Creek poly-coated 230gr lead RN.

Cases are various once-fired.

Dies are Lee and using the Lee Factory Crimp Die (FCD) for final crimp.

Thank's
Ron
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Case Mouth Widths:

After Sizing: ...... .467"

After Flaring: ..... .470" (this has been enough bellmouth to set the bullet on the case)

After Seating: . .. .473" (obviously, the bullet expands the case somewhat)

After Crimping: .. .470" (measured right at the very mouth edge of the case)
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OAL: 1.25"

 

[IlikeSA]

Without my book, but from memory, those look normal. I don't usually load 230 grain bullets though, so take that with a grain of salt.

 

[Blue68f100]

If they will past the plunk test in your barrel and feed ok you should be good to go.

 

[edfardos]

factory ammo post crimp is about .468", but these fat lead/plated bullets only allow for .470" like you have. This can be rough in a fouled tight chamber. Thinner brass can help if you get jams (ftrtb).

I put a bit more flare on mine, but otherwise identical to your measurements.

edfardos

 

[The Bushmaster]

Those measurements look just like mine using a 185 grain bullet. You have no problems with yours? Beautiful...Shoot-em...

 

[Spammy_H]

I have had feed issues with a COL of 1.25". While it is the SAAMI max spec for OAL, Hodgdon's data calls for a COL of 1.200" for any 230 grain bullet.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

I reloaded for an XD45 using the SAAMI max, and had a small number of failures to feed, but when I reduced to 1.200", everything smoothed out.

 

[Canuck-IL]

...with a COL of 1.25". While it is the SAAMI max spec for OAL

not really ... SAAMI OAL is 1.275 for 45 ACP.

/B

 

[Spammy_H]

Canuck - thanks you're correct.

 

[918v]

Your .470" bell number does not sound right. I have to bell mine to .477" so the case mouth doesn't shave lead during seating. I crimp mine to about .472".

 

[rcmodel]

OAL for a GI Mil-Spec 230 RN-FMJ bullet profile is 1.266" - 1.271".

Crimp is .469" - .471" depending on brand & age of case, with most running .471".

rc

 

[Flt Simulation]

Your .470" bell number does not sound right.

I have to bell mine to .477" so the case mouth doesn't shave lead during seating.

That's what I am thinking too. In fact, I do get a little shaved lead when I press the bullet.

However, my Lee flare and powder die is set to just about the max flare I can get out of it ... The instructions say to "Screw the die in until it touches the shell holder, then back it out 1 full turn and tighten the lock ring for a normal flare.
Screwing the die inward increases the flare".

Well, mine is not backed out 1 full turn ... Mine is only backed out 1/3 of a turn which should give quite a bit of flare, but obviously it still don't give me very much.

Ron,

 

[Slamfire]

You using a taper crimp die? A real taper crimp, not the Lee sort of a taper crimp?

Everything else looks good.

 

[Flt Simulation]

SlamFire ... I am using the Lee Factory Crimp Die (FCD). It's a taper crimp die and the last used in the 4-die set.

The Bullet Seating Die (3rd die used) can also be used to crimp, but I have it adjusted so it makes no crimp (just seats the bullet to desired length).

BTW ... I adjusted the Flare and Powder Die to the very maximum flare it will give ... The best I could get out of it was a .472" flare which I think is now pretty good (no scraping of lead now when seating the lead bullet).

Ron,

 

[floydster]

Ron, .472" flare should be good, that's about where I run mine, works good with cast bullets sized to .452".
My crimp is .470".

Smokeyloads

 

[brickeyee]

Get a Lyman M-die to flare.

It has an undersized 'nose' in front of the flare to center up the case better and produces a better flare for lead bullets than anything else.

 

[Flt Simulation]

Thank's everyone for your input.

brickeyee ... I will look into the Lyman M-die.

BTW ... I am using the Lee 4-Hole Classic Turret press (auto indexing) ... I guess that Lyman die will fit my press?

Ron,
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Here is what my turret looks like:

 

[rcmodel]

Yes it will.

You might have to use a Lee lock-ring to get clearance though.
The Lyman comes with a hex-nut.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloadi...ndgun-dies/lyman-pistol-m-dies-prod42811.aspx

rc

 

[918v]

Well, mine is not backed out 1 full turn ... Mine is only backed out 1/3 of a turn which should give quite a bit of flare, but obviously it still don't give me very much.

So turn the die in a little more. With some of these flare dies, the amount of bell increases exponentially the closer you get to max.

 

[rcmodel]

It appears to me the Lee .45 powder through expander/bell would increase exponentially x 1,000 the closer you got.

Who fingered that thing out anyway??



rc

 

[Flt Simulation]

rcmodel ... As I stated before, that Lee Powder Through Expander die is initially set by screwing it out 1 full turn from where it touches the shell holder ... mine is set within only a couple of thousands of an inch from the shell holder now (can't really go any more), but it's still barely giving a bell of .472"

Oh well .... I now am getting enough bell with it set to maximum.