The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - oal for .45--how critical?

**Bud Helms** · June 26, 2000, 08:44 PM

They're different alright. I don't know how much chamber dimensions vary between mfrs, but if you have your bullets out to the max, you'll probably find a limit. Be careful to not set your bullets too far back in the case. Pressure could rise. Also, if you change bullet shape, the max OAL changes too.

I use 1.250-1.260. Methinks you are looking for fly doo-doo in the pepper. A caliper to measure OAL in a pistol?

Surely you jest. Modern, premium, jacketed bullets are pretty consistent, but the slightest debris in your bullet seater plug can throw off a meticulous measurement. While reloading a dropped bullet gets a flattened nose. Is it worth a panic? The OAL just changed!! No, not hardly. Just back 'em up a few thousandths and shoot. A .45 isn't a bench rest rifle. If the bullet's even 20 or 30 thousandths short of max OAL, it just won't make a difference.

It's a pistol. More to the point, it's a 1911 pattern. That is not a criticism.

I wonder if Roscoe Benson is around this thread. I'd be interested in his opinion on how critical OAL is in a .45 ACP.

[This message has been edited by sensop (edited June 26, 2000).]

June 26, 2000, 08:44 PM	#3
Bud Helms Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 1999 Location: Middle Georgia, USA Posts: 13,198	They're different alright. I don't know how much chamber dimensions vary between mfrs, but if you have your bullets out to the max, you'll probably find a limit. Be careful to not set your bullets too far back in the case. Pressure could rise. Also, if you change bullet shape, the max OAL changes too. I use 1.250-1.260. Methinks you are looking for fly doo-doo in the pepper. A caliper to measure OAL in a pistol? Surely you jest. Modern, premium, jacketed bullets are pretty consistent, but the slightest debris in your bullet seater plug can throw off a meticulous measurement. While reloading a dropped bullet gets a flattened nose. Is it worth a panic? The OAL just changed!! No, not hardly. Just back 'em up a few thousandths and shoot. A .45 isn't a bench rest rifle. If the bullet's even 20 or 30 thousandths short of max OAL, it just won't make a difference. It's a pistol. More to the point, it's a 1911 pattern. That is not a criticism. I wonder if Roscoe Benson is around this thread. I'd be interested in his opinion on how critical OAL is in a .45 ACP. [This message has been edited by sensop (edited June 26, 2000).]