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Old 07-16-2010, 09:31 AM
merbeau merbeau is offline
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I am starting to load the Oregon trail laser cast 180 gr. semiwadcutter for my S&W 745 using Ramshot competition powder and Winchester cases and primers.

I noticed that the Ramshot manual suggest 1.250 as the OAL but in other manuals 1.257, 1.260 and 1.267 are suggested for either the laser cast or what is described as a lead semiwadcutter.

Does the OAL have an impact on accuracy like a rifle? Anyone have any experience with this?
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Old 07-16-2010, 09:41 AM
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505Gibbs 505Gibbs is offline
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Originally Posted by merbeau View Post
I am starting to load the Oregon trail laser cast 180 gr. semiwadcutter for my S&W 745 using Ramshot competition powder and Winchester cases and primers.

I noticed that the Ramshot manual suggest 1.250 as the OAL but in other manuals 1.257, 1.260 and 1.267 are suggested for either the laser cast or what is described as a lead semiwadcutter.

Does the OAL have an impact on accuracy like a rifle? Anyone have any experience with this?
I happen to have an Oregon Trail reloading manual[no longer available] and their OAL for this bullet regardless of the powders they used was 1.250! As you're probably aware the OAL can have a significant affect on the resulting load pressure of a cartridge.
I suppose it could have some affect but I doubt that its anything like it can have in a rifle. I don't think pistols are made that have extended throats like some rifles and the amount of bullet jump affects accuracy.
Just my $0.02!
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Old 07-16-2010, 12:40 PM
handgunner356 handgunner356 is offline
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I would think once you push out over 1.250" you might run into feed problems in the mag tube itself. The only other problem I've run across loading long is the bullet engages the rifling too soon and doesn't allow the slide to go fully into battery.
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Old 07-16-2010, 01:52 PM
merbeau merbeau is offline
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Ok thank you guys.
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Old 07-16-2010, 02:27 PM
Dale53 Dale53 is offline
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The proper way to determine overall length of a 1911 platform .45 ACP cartridge is to remove the barrel from the pistol and use the barrel for a gauge.

When the overall length is correct, when you drop a loaded round into the chamber with the barrel held vertical (chamber up) the base of the cartridge should be flush with the barrel hood. A few thousandths shorter (like .005") is better than too long. If too long, the slide won't close. When using cast bullets, I want mine to be absolutely flush so that the cartridge headspaces on the bullet for consistent ignition.

When using a jacketed bullet, slightly long length (even just a few thousandths will keep the slide from closing completely). The softer lead bullets will allow the slide to close when nearly shut but the MUCH harder jacketed bullets will not. So, when using jacketed bullets you must have a few thousandths more clearance (a slightly shorter overall length).

Dale53
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Old 07-17-2010, 07:55 AM
merbeau merbeau is offline
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Dale thank you for the tip. I do have one question. If cartridge is completely flush with the barrel hood, then the bullet is contacting the rifling which could cause an increase in pressure, correct? I would excpect having it a few thousands shorter like you said would be best.
Or is this not important for cast type bullets.
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Old 07-17-2010, 12:18 PM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
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Originally Posted by merbeau View Post
Dale thank you for the tip. I do have one question. If cartridge is completely flush with the barrel hood, then the bullet is contacting the rifling which could cause an increase in pressure, correct? I would excpect having it a few thousands shorter like you said would be best.
Or is this not important for cast type bullets.
It would depend on your firearm BUT the cartridge SHOULD seat on the case not the bullet.

I know folks do it and yes, it will work. In a 1911 with modern metal in it, pressure isn't going to be in the dangerous area until something serious takes place, like a double or triple charge of powder.

Take an empty, sized and crimped case and put it in your chamber. It should seat as Dale has explained. Do you have a Wilson case gage? That is a useful tool too.


FWIW
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Old 07-17-2010, 06:16 PM
merbeau merbeau is offline
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I do not have a Wilson case gage. Probably would be a good investment.
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Old 07-17-2010, 07:16 PM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
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You can use your barrel. Run a case all the way through your reloading process only don't prime it, put powder in it or put a bullet on it.

Put it in the barrel and see where it ends up. If it doesn't seat the same way with a bullet in it, you most likely are seating on the last driving band of the bullet. A little shorter OAL will fix that. Just make sure you aren't running a full power load when you seat deeper. If you are, reduce your load by .1gr for every .020".

Hope this helps.
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Old 07-18-2010, 06:05 PM
merbeau merbeau is offline
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This really helps. I only shoot semiwadcutters at reduced velocities. Thanks Smith Crazy.
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Old 07-19-2010, 07:48 AM
TSQUARED TSQUARED is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by merbeau View Post
I am starting to load the Oregon trail laser cast 180 gr. semiwadcutter for my S&W 745 using Ramshot competition powder and Winchester cases and primers.

I noticed that the Ramshot manual suggest 1.250 as the OAL but in other manuals 1.257, 1.260 and 1.267 are suggested for either the laser cast or what is described as a lead semiwadcutter.

Does the OAL have an impact on accuracy like a rifle? Anyone have any experience with this?
I have used either 185 or 200 gr. LSWC's. The OAl is not as critical as the base to shoulder of bullet. I opt for base to bullet shoulder of 0.935".
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