9 mm question

[Wrencher2008]

I have been reloading .223 for awhile and have a good grasp on doing it. I recently started to reload for 9mm. I was loading up some today and when I measured OAL it seemed (to me) that the bullet was not pushed in casing a whole lot (less than1/8").My question is, I know the OAL but is there a spec for the amount of bullet in the casing ?? Different Round Nose bullets are not the same length to begin with.Does the tapered crimp hold the bullet or the length of bullet in case ??? I went with a lower OAL and now I am second guessing my choice.Any help is appreciated.

 

[hoochie]

As long as you are within the specs, it should be fine. Too short, or too far into the case will cause high pressures. Too long, it wont feed.
The taper crimp holds the bullet in place and prevents it from sliding backwards into the case, and creates consistency in pressure as well as helping it feed reliably.

 

[caperbound]

For my 9mm, even if I use the min OAL the action won't cycle right. I've had to go shorter but also reduced my charge accordingly. If you can remove the pistols barrell you can figure out the max OAL for your pistol and work from there.