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

 
I've only ever loaded 230gr RN, and my OAL has been 1.250" for years.

I would try shorter OAL. Just make sure you drop powder charge a bit if these are max. If midrange, no big deal shortening 0.050" or so.

I load a "ton" of plated 185gr FP bullets @ 1.175in, and they feed for me in my 1911s.

I called Rainier today and the gentleman told me that I am loading them too long. 1.185” to 1.200” should allow them to feed.

Raniers reply makes sense to me. 1.225” does seem long for that bullet.

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.

Make sure you have suficant crimp/case tension.


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.

Wow, some of you guys are loading some short OALs. I use mostly 185s at 1.25" and have no problems at all.

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.

Like this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_W2LyTQVrs