.45acp seating depth

[joustin]

I have a quick question, I purchased some Hornady 230gr lead ball ammo. I tried using a factory 230gr to adjust seating depth but it looks too far out. Any ideas as to what the depth should be? The one that looks correct has an OAL of 1.243" an the one that looks off is 1.2765" Thanks for any help!

 

[LiveLife]

I load my lead RN 230 to 1.24" OAL. I measured my factory 230 FMJ loaded to 1.27" OAL.

This link may help: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=425322

 

[rg1]

Hornady 7th Manual says 1.245" for their 230 LRN #12308 in 45ACP.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It depends on the bullet profile. I usually use a COAL of between 1.250" and 1.270" depending on the bullet I'm using.

 

[Walkalong]

ArchAngelCD is right, it really depends on the profile, but for the RN bullets I load I use 1.260 to 1.265. I shoot for in between that and they usually fall between those O.A.L.'s.

 

[joustin]

Awesome thanks for the info, I saw the max OAL in my loading manual but it didn't look right. I will load to the Hornady recommendations. Thanks again!

 

[Clarence]

230 gr round nose - 1.260"

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Awesome thanks for the info, I saw the max OAL in my loading manual but it didn't look right. I will load to the Hornady recommendations. Thanks again!

It's a good idea to try and use the OAL that's listed in the load data you are using. The pressure the round develops is effected by the space in the case which is effected by how deeply you seat the bullet. This is especially important when you are loading up near the top end of the charge range where pressures can raise quickly if you seat the bullet too deep...

A good load manual (or 2 or 3) is important and so are a set of calipers. I highly recommend both, it will help a lot in your loading and safety too.