I’ve reloaded some 45acp with Rainier 200 gr. HP’s out to 1.225” Maybe 1 out of 10 are stopping just before hitting the barrel ramp. I’m wondering if my OAL is a little long. Anyone else had any experience/problems with these?
Seems short to me,but I don't load those or 185's for that reason.That and less bearing surface in the barrel. Never could get them to stabilize in several different 1911's. Other possibilities are feed ramp,mag, short comings and worn out main spring. Thats the fun with a 1911
Posts: 22422 | Location: Georgia | Registered: February 19, 2007
In general, if the COL is too long, the round can jam against the feed ramp and, if too short, can jam up against the top of the barrel or barrel hood. You should always make one or two inert dummy rounds and check feeding and chambering at different COLs until they easily chamber and feed before you ever start to load. depending on the bullet profile, 200gn JHPs are loaded at COLs of 1.155-1.245". There is no ONE COL that is best, except for a particular bullet/gun combination.
The reason I stopped using platted bullets was because of undersized bullets causing malfunctions... due to the bullet seating itself deeper when hitting the feed ramp, sucking up enough "oomph" to cause a stoppage.
_____________________________________________________ Sliced bread, the greatest thing since the 1911.
I avoid problems like this by feeding my 1911 style pistols with mags that will feed empty cases. At that point it’s much less likely that minor changes in OAL will make the pistol choke.
