Problem loading LSWC in .45 acp

rwsmith · #51 12-20-2016, 05:33 PM

Get a Lyman 49 or 50 (the latest) or their Cast Reloading Handbook. It has a lot info on lead loadings.

I used to buy Speer exclusively but the shortages forced me to branch out. The data and info in a book might not match exxactly what they have but you have to learn to compensate SAFELY. Most revolver cartridges aren't as picky as semis especially concerning Over All Length.

andyo5 · #52 12-20-2016, 07:02 PM

A good rule of thumb is that the shoulder should be at least 1/32" above the rim of the case. If the stated OAL gives you less than this, it is probably wrong.

dmy · #53 12-21-2016, 08:33 PM

Wow, I think the OP hit a nerve. Here's my $0.02. As you can see from several of the photos posted, there are several different profiles for the same "200 gr LSWC" projectile. Since they all theoretically weigh the same, they have to have subtle differences in their profile. Accordingly, the Speer manual may have the correct COAL for a Speer 200 gr LSWC, but it is not necessarily correct for the H&G #68 or any other 200 gr SWC manufactured or cast by others. I have seen many posts which recommend seating the SWC so that the projectile shoulder is above the case rim equal to the thickness of a thumbnail. This is not an exact measurement, but coupled with a plunk test, I think this should point you in the right direction. I have seen many people complain that their autos do not feed SWC profiles. Others swear by they feed reliably 100% of the time. Mine doesn't have any problem feeding SWCs, but the ramp on my barrel has been throated and polished. I would try tweaking the bullet seating first, because it doesn't cost money. If that doesn't work, you might want to play with the taper crimp a bit, but not too much as it also increases pressure. I agree with you that the SWC is, or at least can be, the most accurate projectile out of a .45 ACP. Good luck.

fredj338 · #54 12-21-2016, 08:44 PM

There must be more than a dozen diff 200gr SLWC profiles in common mold choices & another dozen in custom, molds. As always, OAL is bullet & barrel specific.

rwsmith · #55 12-22-2016, 01:24 AM

It's nowhere near time to blame the ramp when the ammunition isn't right. Don't do something you can't undo. I did have a problem with a Shield and when I sent it back to the factory they installed a new barrel. I most likely would have messed it up.

rwsmith · #56 12-22-2016, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nevada Ed

+1 on post #38;

The SWC design needs to fit the mag. and feed up the ramp.
A lot more problems than the old RN Ball ammo, in working right.

As for measurements on bullet cylinder (body) stick out, from the case,
you can use the height of a Dime for starters.

A lot of Pistols need the correct OAL and FPS to work.
I gave up trying them in my 9mm but the RN coated worked well.
Just that the WC makes a nice hole in targets that can be seen
and scored easier.

This does concern bullet seating depth and some of the problems you run into with different shaped bullets. I bought round nose bullets but the site didn't say that they were 'smallball'. If they are anything over 1.06" they catch in the rifling. The minimum AOL for a 9mm is only 1". When they are seated to the correct depth, they 'look' too short because the ogive is sunk in a little below the rim. I was really frustrated until I figured out what was going on.

A short time after I figured this out another poster put a picture of a correctly seated bullet and said, "Isn't this bullet too deep?" I could calmly tell him that, yeah, the seating was ok.

PS Part of the problem is getting ammo that will work in ALL of your 9mm guns. Different brands of full and medium size, compacts, and now even a carbine.