Reloading 45 acp-200 RNFP lead bullets I’ve got more questions

coyoteking

coyoteking

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Reloading 45 acp-200 RNFP lead bullets I’ve got more questions

These bullets are .453 diameter.

All the reloading info I find on the internet for 45 acp are for .451 and .452 bullets.

Are these .453 lead cast bullets safe to load in my 45 ACP? Should I load to .452 specs or use a lighter load?

I’m a greenhorn when it comes to pistol loads.
 
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Im loading a dummy round and doing the plunk test. In order for it to drop in the chamber I have to seat the bullet for an oal of 1.185”. Ive read that seating a bullet too deep could cause pressure to spike. The manuals recommend a minimum length of 1.195”. Will 1.185 be problematic?

It’s seated to the crimp cannelure. I’m seating with a Lee die. Is a crimp necessary with these bullets?
 
If there is a cannelure then the bullet is supposed to be crimped. As far as seat depth, seat them to the recommended depth that the bullet manufacturer indicates.

My 2 cents
Corey
 
coyoteking said:
Im loading a dummy round and doing the plunk test. In order for it to drop in the chamber I have to seat the bullet for an oal of 1.185”. Ive read that seating a bullet too deep could cause pressure to spike. The manuals recommend a minimum length of 1.195”. Will 1.185 be problematic?

It’s seated to the crimp cannelure. I’m seating with a Lee die. Is a crimp necessary with these bullets?
Click to expand...

If the ammo just passes the plunk test and you're right at the cannelure then you kind of struck gold.

Don't worry about 0.01'' of OAL. Different brands of brass will have more difference in their volume then the 0.01'' makes. It makes 1-2% difference in pressure between 1.185'' and 1.195''. The variation of powder quantity will be larger than that if you use a powder thrower.
 
VinnyQC said:
If the ammo just passes the plunk test and you're right at the cannelure then you kind of struck gold.

Don't worry about 0.01'' of OAL. Different brands of brass will have more difference in their volume then the 0.01'' makes. It makes 1-2% difference in pressure between 1.185'' and 1.195''. The variation of powder quantity will be larger than that if you use a powder thrower.
Click to expand...

This. Yes, the thickness of brass varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and even by lot number form a single manufacturer. I use lead 200 gr. SWC in my .45 ACP that are also a bit on the "fat" side. Most accurate bullet in my gun.
 
coyoteking said:
Im loading a dummy round and doing the plunk test. In order for it to drop in the chamber I have to seat the bullet for an oal of 1.185”. Ive read that seating a bullet too deep could cause pressure to spike. The manuals recommend a minimum length of 1.195”. Will 1.185 be problematic?

It’s seated to the crimp cannelure. I’m seating with a Lee die. Is a crimp necessary with these bullets?
Click to expand...

.45 ACP will need to be crimped, the die will "taper crimp" the case which removes the bell/flare, which needs to be done so the loaded cartridge feeds properly.
If the bullet has a cannelure it wasn't intended for the .45 ACP (but that dosen't mean you can't use it), the cannelure is used with a roll crimp. Auto pistols headspace off the mouth of the case so it needs to remain full length and not rolled. Pistol cartridges like .44 Magnum, .38 Special and so on headspace off the cartridge rim so will use a bullet with a cannelure and roll crimp.

Dan
 
These bullets were designed for revolvers, but they also work great in .45 Auto in my experience. Seating to the crimp groove should be a good starting point; adjust as needed to ensure rounds drop freely into the chamber and taper crimp as normal.

.453" sized bullets are fine as long as the loaded rounds fit the chamber. My Baer 1911 works fine with these slightly oversize bullets.

Don't worry about the OAL given by your manual unless you are using the exact same bullet. Seat bullets to fit your gun and work up the powder chrage.
 
CoreyMac said:
If there is a cannelure then the bullet is supposed to be crimped. As far as seat depth, seat them to the recommended depth that the bullet manufacturer indicates.

My 2 cents
Corey
Click to expand...

2 cents more if it has a cannelure it is made for a .45 colt. .45 acp headspaces on the front of the brass
 
I didn’t know that lead bullits had a cannelure?

Anyway, I just loaded some 225 g LRN, .452 after sizing.
I used a tapercrimp ,that’s in my RCBS sizing die.
You’ll sometimes get a little more or less crimp because the brass may be slightly different lengths.
These fired great in my Springfield 1911.
I’ve also loaded Campro plated with cannelure and just ignored the the cannelure while seating and crimping.
No issues there either.

I like a good crimp.
If you can , check out some factory lead ammo, you’ll see that they have an aggressive crimp.

Oh , if your running lead bullits, get some powder coating , it’s the cats azz.
 
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