Keyholing .45 ACP

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Norinco45

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I am curious to know what is going on with my last batch of reloads.

I bought a box of 500 Speer 200g lead semi wadcutter bullets and have noticed a number of tumbling bullet profiles punched out of my targets. To confirm this, I used some thin cardboard targets and got some perfect edgewise profiles of the bullets at just 7 yards!!!! YOIKS!!:runaway:

My loads are a modest 5.1g of W231 out of a Norinco 1911 government. I have fired a number of other types of bullets out of it and never noted this problem.

I previously used Exel 200g lead SWC with success. The Speer bullets are .040 in. shorter overall but have a longer surface at .452 in. diameter which would bear on the barrel wall. The Speer bullets are harder and coated with a dry lube as compared to the softer lead and waxy lube on the Exel. The Speer bullets also seem to lead the barrel faster.

Two questions for all you experts:
1- What is going on here? Can it be fixed?

2- Is it safe to fire the rest of the box of Speer?

Thank you all.
 
according to my speer manual , that's right on the lower end of the scale- it has been my experience that keyholing is due to a lack of velocity, esp in the 9mm- try stepping it up a little - i'm away up at 6, but mine's a colt and plains 200 grain lwsc-
 
t-star said:
according to my speer manual , that's right on the lower end of the scale- it has been my experience that keyholing is due to a lack of velocity, esp in the 9mm- try stepping it up a little - i'm away up at 6, but mine's a colt and plains 200 grain lwsc-
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In addition, something else to check, slug the barrel and check the size and compare to the measured diameter of the bullets. Velocity could definately be the problem but the barrel diameter may be a contributing factor as well.
 
A bullet that is too small(narrow) can cause keyholing, harder cast bullets would be worst as they will not "slug up" to fit the bore, and will lead more, I would suggest you slug the bore and/or go with softer cast bullets.
 
t-star said:
according to my speer manual , that's right on the lower end of the scale- it has been my experience that keyholing is due to a lack of velocity, esp in the 9mm- try stepping it up a little - i'm away up at 6, but mine's a colt and plains 200 grain lwsc-
Click to expand...

I think T-star hit it. Most purchased bullets are too damn hard. You have to swat them to get the base to upset enough to fill the rifleing. Load 'em a bit hotter and see what happens. Oh, and check your barrel, if your severly leaded up (not likely at that load) that will prevent them from stabilizing as well.

:redface: re-read your post, the bullets will be safe to shoot but keep an eye on the leading, they may shoot better/ not lead as much at a higher pressure level. Sounds like they're skidding on the rifleing and that leads fast. Not a big fan of dry lubes myself, but I'm not an expert either.
 
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t-star said:
according to my speer manual , that's right on the lower end of the scale- it has been my experience that keyholing is due to a lack of velocity, esp in the 9mm- try stepping it up a little - i'm away up at 6, but mine's a colt and plains 200 grain lwsc-
Click to expand...

More like undersize bullets than lack of velocity.

Check your crimp, it may be too much also.

FWIW. Speer lead bullets are way softer than Excel. Excel shoot great in my 45.
 
For what it is worth from someone who has loaded many a .45acp over almost half a century....

I have used many shapes, styles and weights of lead bullets in my many .45s.
The only time I experienced keyholing or large groups was when I tried "store bought" soft lead bullets....

By the way I use 5.1 to 5.4grs of 231 for all my .45acp loads.... So I doubt it's your load....

Until recently I was a lead bullet fan, but always hard cast, using an alloy close to linotype.... The lube you use is VERY important as well....I have used this alloy in everything from .32acp to .44 mag with very little leading.... Running some .44 loads at around 1,400fps.

1) slug the barrel, it should be .451 in which case if you use soft lead bullets such Speer which you say are .452 you WILL get leading, big time.

2) clean your barrel, really clean it, remove any trace of lead. Those reverse electrolis units work great, no work involved....

3) try your experiment again with either hard cast or jacketed bullets, unless there is something very wrong with your barrel I'll bet the problem is gone.

I agree with T-Star, the 9mm is a serious offender with cast bullets, it needs velocity, as well as a "perfect bore" any pitting or frosting will seriously enlarge your groups....low loads don't seem to be either accurate or clean....

John
 
Also - make sure your target paper is tight to the backboard. Thin paper flexing in a breeze will give the impression of keyholing when it gets slapped by a bullet because the paper twists under the bullet as the bullet goes through it. Been there, done that. Looking at the target, my first response was "WTF?" Then I restapled the target down and lo, my keyholing stopped... ;)
 
I would check the bullets. My bet is they are .451 which would be to small for accuracy in a 1911 barrel. Lead bullets should be at least 1,000th over bore diameter to function properly. 5.1 gr of 231 is a very good load for accuracy and one lots of folks shoot it. Best bet is to cast your own from wheelweights but then I am a long time caster.

Take Care

Bob
 
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