Huge discrepancy on .45 ACP OAL

[Ex]

Just switching from Unique on my .45s to Long Shot. Reviewing the specs at the powder makers site, Aliant says 1.27 OAL and Hodgdon says 1.20. Using 230 gn Berrys RN

This seems to be a pretty big difference. Would appreciate any input/foresight/hindsight/advice/comments on this.

Thanks in advance!

 

[rcmodel]

Just the length they tested at.

Neither Alliant or Hodgdon list any data for Berry bullets though.

Alliant is with a Speer RN lead bullet.
And Hodgdon is for an unknown RN lead bullet.
Are they both the exact same shape??

Bullet ogive shape can make a critical difference on OAL needed to miss hitting the rifling leade.

You use the barrel out of your gun to determine that.

OAL for a mil-spec 230 grain FMJ-RN bullet profile is 1.266" - 1.271".
A shorter more rounded lead bullet would necessarily be less.

rc

 

[gamestalker]

Use the barrel and pluck test and then go with the length that clears the lands, fits the magazine, and cycles. There is no etched in stone OAL because as RC said, those are test barrels and different bullets / manufacturer, and, every barrel is different.
GS

 

[Ex]

Great answer guys! Exactly what I needed to know as always!

Again thank you.

 

[Walkalong]

Hodgdon says 1.20.

Is it the Hornady TrFP 230 Gr bullet? If so, that is right. 230 Gr RN should be loaded in the neighborhood of 1.260 to 1.270.

 

[Ex]

Did a batch of 200 today. Oal on all of them is running 1.264 to 1.267.

This'll be the first batch of .45s I've run with Longshot.

Can't wait!