Hello. I am new to reloading and have a few questions. I am loading .45 ACP with the Hornady Classic Kit and manual. I am shooting them in an XD45. My first load was the starting load in the Hornady manual for 230gr FMJ with HS6 powder, overall length of 1.230" and no crimp. The result was every round stove piped. My second try I increased the powder to the step below the max load. These worked, but felt a little lighter than similar factory loads. Also, instead of ejecting out the side every round went straight back over my head or in my face. I noticed powder burns on one side of the cases.
Is this under loaded? Should I try a different powder that I can load higher?
I also tried a mid load with the Hornady 185gr. JHP XTP set at 1.225". This load also ejected over my head and in my face. Several of these had problems feeding. Even loading them individually they had problems chambering. They would hang up just before the slide was all the way forward.
I suspect this one is also underloaded, but should I be playing with the overall length to get them to feed better?
The manual lists a maximum overall length. Then it lists an overall length for each bullet type, which I take to be the recommended length for that load. Every similar factory load I look at is quite a bit longer than my loads.
Do I have to use the flaring die? I seem to be able to seat bullets just fine without it. When I use it I just barely have it touching the case, otherwise it will ruin it.
Also, there is an extra seating stem in the 3-die set with a flat bottom. The instructions don't say what it is for.
I apologize for all the questions, but have been unable to find any answers in my manual.
Is this under loaded? Should I try a different powder that I can load higher?
I also tried a mid load with the Hornady 185gr. JHP XTP set at 1.225". This load also ejected over my head and in my face. Several of these had problems feeding. Even loading them individually they had problems chambering. They would hang up just before the slide was all the way forward.
I suspect this one is also underloaded, but should I be playing with the overall length to get them to feed better?
The manual lists a maximum overall length. Then it lists an overall length for each bullet type, which I take to be the recommended length for that load. Every similar factory load I look at is quite a bit longer than my loads.
Do I have to use the flaring die? I seem to be able to seat bullets just fine without it. When I use it I just barely have it touching the case, otherwise it will ruin it.
Also, there is an extra seating stem in the 3-die set with a flat bottom. The instructions don't say what it is for.
I apologize for all the questions, but have been unable to find any answers in my manual.