45 auto bullets

mikey454

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loaded about 150 rounds of 45 auto and noticed at the end that the bullets were .453 insted of .452. im hoping that this wont matter since they are lead cast and will probably squish. im also hoping that they will work because i bought a thousand of them. the loads were a starting load from the lee diagram that i got from the dies. bullets are 200gr rnfp and its for my norinco.
 
Don't slug your barrel Mike, that's only useful when shooting from older rifles and revolvers whose bore are known to vary somewhat in diameter. If you're shooting a modern .45ACP semi-auto pistol, you're only gonna waste your time.

You'll be fine, even if your bullets vary by plus or minus one thou. What bullets are they BTW?

I'll make another suggestion based on your post. It seems to me you're only starting to load this particular bullet/powder combination. If I'm right, then you might harshly regret having loaded 150 rounds before testing it...
 
Yeah, still a reputable manufacturer. I loaded a few thousand hard-cast Excel bullets some years back, I never measured but I'm sure there were some discrepancies there, as well. You won't notice the difference.

However, like I said, if I'm right and you're just starting your load development, you should always test your load before starting mass production.
 
Do this only at the range:
Try chambering your reloads. Load a magazine with one round. Load the magazine and rack the slide. If the slide closes completely, then that means the round is chambered. If the slide does not close completely, then that means that the round is probably oversized.

If you are at home:
Dismantle your 1911. Remove the barrel. Try dropping a reload into the chamber. If it falls completely and freely into the chamber, then the reloads should be fine.
 
Agreed, the bullet(cast or Jacketed) will expand the case, when bullet is seated, regardless of earlier sizing, if bullet is too wide; the loaded round will not chamber easily and you should get rid of them and try .452 or .451".
 
The OP said "bullets were .453 insted of .452", both of you guys are talking about the width of the loaded cartridge at the mouth. Maybe we should make sure we're all on the same page here.

That said I've had loaded rounds with cast bullets not dropping freely in the chamber, they still fired fine. OP shouldn't have any problems if he uses Lee's FCD.
 
When a lead bulleet gets hit in the ass with 20,000 psi, it will expand to fit the bore. if the slide will close and lock, you are good to go.

If the bullet is real over size it could prevent the gun from locking. That can be cured by seating the bulelts a few thou deeper.

But I assume you checked that the rounds would chamber before loading very many, right?
 
I learnt my lesson. Only load a few rounds while working on new bullets. 3-5rds would be good. 10 if you're daring. :)

I made 200rds of 9mm with two different loads. I got carried away since I was so amazed how fast my Dillon could go! The charge was too weak. It wouldn't even eject the brass. LOL!

Pulling 200rds is not fun at all.
 
.453 is a little on the big side for 45 ACP pressures will be increased I would be very careful fireing them.

Jacketed is .451, lead are normally sized to .452... how did you come upon the number .453 was it on the box or did you measure it?
 
i was worried about a pressure increase with the bigger bullet. if i use a light load will i be fine? i have lighter recoil springs coming. im using clays powder if that matters.
 
I would get the proper size for 45 acp I wouldnt use them. .451 if they are jacketed and .452 if they are lead... these .453 are for something else
 
If they give you trouble drop by my shop and I'll size them down for you to .452 or .451 whichever you prefer.

You can Pm me for directions to the shop if needed. We're in Nanaimo.

Marc
 
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