OAL for Missouri 45 ACP, 230 LRN?

[Rule3]

I have been using a lot of Missouri bullets.

When loading the 45 acp, 230gr LRN I have been using a OAL of 1.250. This leaves just a tiny bit of the driving band exposed. Maybe 1mm or so. I use a Lee FCD and a light taper crimp. For general target/plinking loads, 5grs Hp38/W-231.

Just wondering if I should seat just a little lower up to the edge of the driving band? I have not had any feeding problems but as mentioned just a random thought.

Thanks

 

[ljnowell]

I leave just a little of it showing also, or at least I used too. The damned lone wolf barrels wont allow it.

 

[Walkalong]

Whatever works in your gun is just fine. It may like a little longer or a little shorter for accuracy, or it may not matter.

 

[Duce1]

I was holding mine at 1.265 O.A.L but that worked well for me !

 

[Walkalong]

1.260 to 1.265 is usually what I shoot 230 RN bullets at.

 

[ambidextrous1]

I use 1.240, to ensure that the ammunition will function reliably in my Para-Ord P-14 magazines, so for me, COL is a magazine-driven parameter.

 

[LiveLife]

I use 1.25" OAL and round falls freely into my chamber with a "clink" for all of my 45 pistols.

But check with your barrel/chamber to make sure you have enough clearance with start of rifling.

 

[Rule3]

Guess I should just leave well enough alone I have several 45's so I like to just stick with one load that works well in all. Unlike my CZ and High Power 9mm that like much shorter OAL with RN lead bullets.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use an OAL of 1.260" with most LRN bullets and that works fine for me. Granted, I have only one 1911 which is a Springfield 1911A1 to worry about proper feed. Hey, if it ain't broken don't fix it!

BTW, my goto .45 Auto load is 5.5gr W231/HP-38 under both LRN and FMJ 230gr bullets.

 

[moxie]

I use 1.238" for LRN. They are a bit stubbier than FMJs, which I load to 1.260. A 5.0-5.2 gr. Unique load under a 230 LRN seems to work well with good accuracy.

 

[Rule3]

I was looking in Speer#14 and they load it at 1.270 with 5.1 to 5.6 grs Hp 38/231 so I think I will bump mine up to 5.5 grs and seat them a little longer rather than shorter. I'll drop it in a few barrels to check for fit.

 

[Walkalong]

1.270 caused me problems in a couple of mags, so I stay under it. YMMV

5.5 Grs W-231/HP-38 is a classic load. It must be good, as several folks here came up with it over the years independently of each other.

5.5 Grs W-231 & most any lead or plated bullet in the 200 to 230 Gr range will pretty much shoot well. (5.0 for something lighter) Many people shoot something in between.

 

[Tilos]

Walkalong said, "Whatever works in your gun is just fine."

Yet another way to say it.
I commend you on your patience.

You should include a link to your picture thread, along with your often explanation of OAL.

Anyone new to reloading could save a lot of time by instead of searching...just click on Walkalongs profile were you will find a list of ALL his posts and just read them.

Tilos

 

[LiveLife]

Anyone new to reloading could save a lot of time by instead of searching...just click on Walkalongs profile were you will find a list of ALL his posts and just read them.

+++++1

 

[Walkalong]

Careful now. Ya'll are gonna make my head swell up.

Link

 

[Rule3]

Now that Sir is a very fine link and post!
Great pics and very well explained.

I do not see it as a sticky up top?? or am I missing it?

 

[LiveLife]

Keep up the great work!

 

[Tilos]

My Nunya manual says; 32.0040mm +/- 3 nanometers

Quotes:
I was holding mine at 1.265 O.A.L but that worked well for me !

I leave just a little of it showing also, or at least I used too. The damned lone wolf barrels wont allow it.

I was looking in Speer#14 and they load it at 1.270

I use 1.238" for LRN. They are a bit stubbier than FMJs, which I load to 1.260.

I use an OAL of 1.260" with most LRN bullets and that works fine for me.
End Quotes

Whatever works
Tilos

 

[Walkalong]

More than one way to skin a cat...ain't there.

 

[Maj Dad]

I like that silly-little-millimeter more showing on my 45 auto 200 swc's; they seem to feed better than when I flush seat them. I use 200 gr swcs from RCBS and occasional buys from MBC & Ga Arms Co (excellent bullets that have doubled in price in the past couple of years, regretably along with everything else from everyone else) and they all seem to feed flawlessly in my Combat Commander with the ~1mm exposed.