I just ordered some Ranier copper plated 185 Gr flat point bullets for my .45 acp.
I usually load 230Gr fmj but wanted to try some lighter weight bullets for target use.
What would be a good OAL for the Ranier 185Gr.
Thanks in advance for any data you may have.

Email Rainier direct for the correct answer. I had to email Berry's and the reply to me seems shockingly deep seated but it's the answer straight from the source. Sorry to give an answer without an answer but everything else will just be what someone thinks and not the real deal.

I seat them to 1.135", which is what was recommended in the manual I was using. They feed and fire just fine. I was afraid they'd jam from being so short, but it hasn't been an issue. My ball ammo is loaded to 1.255", and they also work fine!

Thanks for the data. i currently load my 230 Gr fmj to 1.260, so we are close to the same OAL.

I did e-mail Rainier Ballistics and was advised by Shane Hall (reloading and test-firing specialist) that the OAL for the 185 Gr fp 45 cal is 1.200

Ron

I think all the plated bullets are just a bit shorter than the FMJ of the same style and thus the deeper seating. I had a feeling your answer would be the same.