Crazy Horse
Member
I was going to post this on the handgun:autoloaders forum, but since I am reloading, I figured this would be the better forum. I have used 185 gr LRNFP bullets from RMR as well as 230 gr bullets from ACME with good results on my Shield 45. I am looking for the best type of bullet and heard multiple sources recommend the 200 gr LSWC on a 3.3 inch barrel. I purchased 500 bullets from Brazos (200 gr LSWC). I started with 4.6 gr and 5.0 gr of Bullseye and seated them to 1.200-the recommended seat height. They make perfect holes, feel excellent and give me excellent shot placement. The only issue is the last bullet always jams. I read on this sight a recommendation to seat the bullet higher to eliminate jams and ensure good cycling. I changed the diameter to 1.250 for both the 4.6 and 5.0 loads. I know the maximum seat height is 1.275 for the 45 acp, so I have more room to play with. I have performed the plunk test and cartridge sits perfectly as it should, but the last bullet still fails to load. I do have other options in bullets, but would like to get the LSWC bullet to work. The question I have is if any Shield 45 owners have successfully fired 45 LSWC with no jamming of the last bullet? If so, what COAL did you use? I have used 1.260 with other bullet types and can go higher, but would like to know if anyone has shot a 200gr LSWC successfully and reliable on a Shield 45acp (2.0) before continuing. Or am I wasting time and should just use 185gr RNFP or 230 grain RN bullets.
TIA
TIA