Need Help...

[xdm_shooter]

I was recently sent some replacement bullets from Berry's and they sent me Hollow Based bullets. These are 185gr .45 HBRN and 165gr .40 HBFP-TP. My question is since the base is hollow it would create a larger, lower pressure "chamber" for the powder. Does my current charge need to be changed? Also, since these are the same weight I am currently loading in solid base, do these hollow bases need to be seated at different depths?

Thanks guys!!

 

[rcmodel]

No.

The hollow base pressure reduction offsets the longer bearing surface pressure increase of the HB bullet.
So in theory, your old load should be safe with your new bullets.

Assuming of course, you weren't already running a Bleeding Foreskin maximum load.

If your old load was MAX or near max, best to back off and start over working back up again.

Your OAL seating depth would very likely need to stay the same to preserve the rifling leade clearance and proper feeding of your old bullet.

Again assuming your current load OAL is correct for your gun in the first place.

rc

 

[GCBurner]

As long as the bullet is the same weight, the powder charge is the same, and the overall length of the loaded round is the same, I don't think hollow base, or flat base in the bullet is going to make any measurable difference in chamber pressure or performance.
You might try loading up some of each and grouping them to experiment, to see if they shoot any different in your gun.

 

[xdm_shooter]

The loads that I am currently loading are not max...not close to max, running about the mid point of the scale. Have been seating both .45 and .40 to 1.260 and have had NO issues with anything. Good accuracy, no feeding or ejecting issues at all, no pressure signs on brass...all is well there.

Thanks guys, was not sure if there would be much difference than what I am using already. No quite as worried with the 1911 .45 but the .40 chamber I have heard is a bit more "unforgiving".

 

[rcmodel]

Most .40 S&W chambers are just as forgiving as all 1911 chambers.

It is the working pressure that is much different.
That, and early Glock .40 chambers with 1911 type feed ramp cuts that didn't support the case head so hot.

About any other gun in .40 S&W is as safe as any other gun in 9mm, which runs the same 35,000 PSI standard load pressure as .40 S&W, and 38,500 in +P.

The .45 ACP runs 21,000.

rc

 

[xdm_shooter]

Thanks for clearing that up rc...the pressure change is what I was concerned with using these new bullets. As the base is hollow it does create more air space inside the case, I was not sure as to the change in pressure with this added space but it would decrease the chamber pressure with more space inside the cartridge...so I guess I should be more concerned about my current load being too light? Or am I looking at this wrong?

 

[rcmodel]

Read post #2 again.

Note I said the decrease in air space from the HB is made up for by the longer bearing surface & more bore friction of the longer HB bullet.
My WAG from where I am setting and where your bullets are is that one cancels the other out.
Wouldn't be the first time I was wrong though!

Why don't you set one of the old solid base bullets next to a new HB bullet and see which you think rubs down the bore with more friction.

rc

 

[xdm_shooter]

My bad...misread that rc. And for the record, I did exactly what you said...placing them side by side, my guess is the HB bullet is going to have quite a bit more friction...lol

Thanks man! Sometimes I need a good crack over the head! lol