What is correct OAL for 45 ACP 230 gr RN plated??

Rule3 · Mar 3, 2009

I can not find anything listed for this?? It should be the same as for a true FMJ bullet. It is the most common 45 ACP round (FMJ) and the only thing I can find is Lyman listing the 1.275 which is the max spec. Hodgdon only lists for a FP or LRN. Alliant lists 1.26 which is as close to my factory rounds as I can find which are 1.265, 1.255, 1.260.
This is for a Berrys plated 230gr RN bullet.

It's like trying to find load info for a 9mm 115gr fmj . Where can these be found or why are they not listed. Just regular old factory hard ball ammo??
Thanks.

Rule3 · Mar 3, 2009

I can not find anything listed for this?? It should be the same as for a true FMJ bullet. It is the most common 45 ACP round (FMJ) and the only thing I can find is Lyman listing the 1.275 which is the max spec. Hodgdon only lists for a FP or LRN. Alliant lists 1.26 which is as close to my factory rounds as I can find which are 1.265, 1.255, 1.260.
This is for a Berrys plated 230gr RN bullet.

It's like trying to find load info for a 9mm 115gr fmj . Where can these be found or why are they not listed. Just regular old factory hard ball ammo??
Thanks.

sar4937 · Mar 3, 2009

I'm not someone you should take advice from. Most of the time you answer my questions. I shoot USPSA and IDPA with an H&K 45, it will digest 1.25 all day and night. My 1911 like them shorter, and my Sig 220 magazines have trouble before the gun does. So I load to 1.25 and use a Redding Competition seating die to adjust down as needed. If this is the wrong approach, please someone tell me. I measure every box of store bought ammo I buy, and it's all over the place for length.

Skip Sackett · Mar 3, 2009

From their website:

We, at Rainier Ballistics, recommend using lead bullet load data when loading our bullets. There is no need for adjustment when using lead bullet load data. Our bullets are jacketed using an electroplating process and are softer than traditionally jacketed bullets; hence the recommendation to use lead bullet load data. If you only have access to traditionally jacketed load data, we recommend reducing maximum charge by 10%. A roll or taper crimp may be used with our bullets; do not over crimp.

That would seem to suggest that you should find a bullet with a comparable profile and use the recipe from that for their bullets.

Maybe I am reading too much into it but that seems to be the common sense answer!

Rule3 · Mar 3, 2009

smithcrazy, I have always read that information as powder charge info, not necessarily OAL but I of course could be wrong.
As Sarg mentions, it is the same as what I have found, there is no consistant data for regular harball ammo. I realize that the bullets from different makers will vary a bit in shape but a 230 gr FMJ RN can't vary by that much. I have some loaded 230 gr LRN and those are at the 1.200 per Hodgdon data. It does not list a manufacturer or brand. Those are some short fat loads.

I think I will live life on the edge and load them at 1.260

Skip Sackett · Mar 4, 2009

powder charge info

Powder charge information means nothing without the rest of the recipe. It's a recipe, leave out one ingredient and it ceases to be that recipe.
OAL is one of the BIGGEST factors in that recipe.
Remember this; and all things have a point where the analogy falls short, longer OAL is usually better. Better accuracy, lower in pressure.
Now I made a qualifying statement, "usually". Too long, especially in rifles can be disastrous.
In handguns though, long enough to fit your chamber and cycle in an auto and you are good to go, for the most part.

As for bullet lengths changing by manufacturer, you need to make a comparison on your own. Take the Berry's plated and the Ranier plated 230gr bullets. Much different shape, much more in the case with the Ranier over the Berry's. More bullet in the nose than in the rump, so to speak.

Well, I'm rambling so...............

FWIW

Sgt Preston · Mar 4, 2009

Sgt Preston here. I have found that the length of the 45ACP round has a negative effect on consistent feeding & reliability if the round gets too long. I use 1.255 + or - .005 as my bible. I set up my Dillon dies on my Dillon 550 to 1.250. 95% of the finished rounds measure 1.250 - 1.255. I won't let anything past 1.260 go. 100% of mine ALL feed perfectly. Hope this helps. Sgt Preston USMC LLA

epj · Mar 4, 2009

I rarely load 230 grain, but the 1.250-1.255 range works well for the 200 grain LSWC. The H&G 68 design is supposed to have the same critical angles as the 230 FN bullet, so the same OAL "should" work. I, too, draw the line at 1.260.

arkypete · Mar 4, 2009

Being a believer in the KISS principal, the correct length is what fits in the chamber and will feed out of the magazine.

Jim

Rule3 · Mar 4, 2009

Originally posted by smith crazy:

Well, I'm rambling so...............

FWIW

Smith, I do not consider it rambling. You are absolutely correct and I appreciate your advice and experiance. I am sure you have forgotten more than I know

I mean that in a good way.

Sgt, As always very exact advice, and yes that helps, a lot. I will go with 1.250-5

epj, likewise.

ark, very true but I want them to fit all my 45's. I learned the hard way on my first atempt at LSWC for one of my 1911's. I loaded a bunch and did not try what you suggested and got to the range and OMG none of them chambered. I had them way to long. So yes, I will load some "dummys" and try them out. Thanks

Glad you all hang around this place!

Rule3 · Mar 5, 2009

Well, loaded them at 1.255 with 3.8 gr HP38 (231) and they ran without a hitch. Nice load to shoot and more accurate then I am.
Thanks for the help.

Homie · Mar 7, 2009

The OAL for Cartridge, Ball, caliber .45, M1911 is 1.275"-.02". A check of authentic GI ammo will show up within those specs.

The commonly used 1.250" OAL for SWCs will show the bullet hitting the feed ramp in the same location as Ball.

Good shooting.

Rule3 · Mar 7, 2009

Originally posted by Homie:
The OAL for Cartridge, Ball, caliber .45, M1911 is 1.275"-.02". A check of authentic GI ammo will show up within those specs.

The commonly used 1.250" OAL for SWCs will show the bullet hitting the feed ramp in the same location as Ball.

Good shooting.

Yes, that(1.275) is the Maximum OAL.
As Sgt Preston mentioned, some guns will just not chamber ammo that long.

What is correct OAL for 45 ACP 230 gr RN plated??

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