problem loading .45

brantleyallen · July 6, 2009, 03:51 PM

Specs:
Winchester brass - fired once
Oregon Trail Laser Cast .452 230g RN
COL. 1.25"
RCBS press and dies

I'm consistently getting a ridge/bulge on one side and it's smooth on the other, every time.

What could be causing this? Should I be using .451 bullets? Could something be wrong with the die?

If needed, I can supply a phote of the problem.

Brantley

Sevens · July 6, 2009, 04:25 PM

Yeah, that's odd. I doubt I can help much, but just to get the ball rolling, provide some more info for other folks to help.
How long have you been reloading?
Have you reloaded other calibers?
Have you successfully loaded different brands or types of bullets in .45 Auto, or is it just with these particular bullets?

I'd first wonder if you are sizing them all the way. I'd then wonder if you are flaring the case mouth enough... or too much?

Can you see if there's an alignment problem with your press ram as it relates to the die-- with a die removed, does the ram look completely centered under the hole?

Could this be something as simple as a defective shell holder, or a shell holder not being firmly place all the way in to the ram?

**Unclenick** · July 6, 2009, 04:36 PM

The bulge is normal because the .45 ACP is actually a very slightly tapered case. When you run it through a sizing ring it becomes a straight case. In order to hang onto the bullet it has to be smaller than the bullet, so you do see the bullet base mirrored in the surface. If the mirroring is uneven, it is because the bullet started in our-of-square (also common). The Lyman M expander die cures that, as will using a Redding or a Hornady expander. They all use a step form that gets the bullet started in straight.

Ultimate test of correct finished round diameter is if it chambers in your gun properly?

1.270" is more normal hardball COL, and unless you have a specific recommendation from Oregon Trail to use the shorter one, be aware that it raises pressure. You didn't state what load you're using, so I don't know that it's a particular issue for you, but I am just tossing the warning out there if you are loading near maximum?

brantleyallen · July 6, 2009, 11:10 PM

Solved.

Unclenick, those diagrams helped bunches. Mainly, the one about seating in the barrel. I never would have thought about that. Where did you get those diagrams.

It was mostly crimping that was the problem. I can't seem to get more than 1.25" COL before it stops seating properly in the barrel. This is certainly better.

I'm using 5g HP38. Mainly, because that's all I could find. Hodgon suggests a COL of 1.2. That's seemed a little short to me, that's why I moved it out a little.

Hi, Sevens. You had helped me out a few months ago when I was starting to reload and was working on .270. Thanks, BTW. I got .29" patterns at 100 yards with that.

Once again, The Firing Line Forums had the answer!! You guys rock!

brantleyallen · July 6, 2009, 11:15 PM

I wanted to give you all the details:

EAA Witness Elite Match .45
Winchester brass
Winchester Large Pistol Primer
230g Oregon Trail Laser Cut Bullet
5g Hodgon HP-38

Max on HP-38 is 5.3g with 230g bullet.

jamaica · July 6, 2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

I'm consistently getting a ridge/bulge on one side and it's smooth on the other, every time.

As noted, a bulge is going to happen, however I would expect it to be uniform around the case, not bulged on one side and not the other. Two things to check; are you belling the case enough that the bullet can start straight? Also check the fit of the seating punch to see that it fits the bullet properly so it centers the bullet tip. Aside from that, good advice to see if the rounds fit in the gun properly. You can take the barrel out of the gun to use it as a gauge.

July 6, 2009, 03:51 PM	#1
brantleyallen Member Join Date: April 8, 2009 Posts: 22	problem loading .45 Specs: Winchester brass - fired once Oregon Trail Laser Cast .452 230g RN COL. 1.25" RCBS press and dies I'm consistently getting a ridge/bulge on one side and it's smooth on the other, every time. What could be causing this? Should I be using .451 bullets? Could something be wrong with the die? If needed, I can supply a phote of the problem. Brantley

July 6, 2009, 04:25 PM	#2
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Yeah, that's odd. I doubt I can help much, but just to get the ball rolling, provide some more info for other folks to help. How long have you been reloading? Have you reloaded other calibers? Have you successfully loaded different brands or types of bullets in .45 Auto, or is it just with these particular bullets? I'd first wonder if you are sizing them all the way. I'd then wonder if you are flaring the case mouth enough... or too much? Can you see if there's an alignment problem with your press ram as it relates to the die-- with a die removed, does the ram look completely centered under the hole? Could this be something as simple as a defective shell holder, or a shell holder not being firmly place all the way in to the ram? __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

July 6, 2009, 04:36 PM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	The bulge is normal because the .45 ACP is actually a very slightly tapered case. When you run it through a sizing ring it becomes a straight case. In order to hang onto the bullet it has to be smaller than the bullet, so you do see the bullet base mirrored in the surface. If the mirroring is uneven, it is because the bullet started in our-of-square (also common). The Lyman M expander die cures that, as will using a Redding or a Hornady expander. They all use a step form that gets the bullet started in straight. Ultimate test of correct finished round diameter is if it chambers in your gun properly? 1.270" is more normal hardball COL, and unless you have a specific recommendation from Oregon Trail to use the shorter one, be aware that it raises pressure. You didn't state what load you're using, so I don't know that it's a particular issue for you, but I am just tossing the warning out there if you are loading near maximum? __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle Last edited by Unclenick; July 6, 2009 at 04:42 PM.

July 6, 2009, 11:10 PM	#4
brantleyallen Member Join Date: April 8, 2009 Posts: 22	Solved. Unclenick, those diagrams helped bunches. Mainly, the one about seating in the barrel. I never would have thought about that. Where did you get those diagrams. It was mostly crimping that was the problem. I can't seem to get more than 1.25" COL before it stops seating properly in the barrel. This is certainly better. I'm using 5g HP38. Mainly, because that's all I could find. Hodgon suggests a COL of 1.2. That's seemed a little short to me, that's why I moved it out a little. Hi, Sevens. You had helped me out a few months ago when I was starting to reload and was working on .270. Thanks, BTW. I got .29" patterns at 100 yards with that. Once again, The Firing Line Forums had the answer!! You guys rock!

July 6, 2009, 11:15 PM	#5
brantleyallen Member Join Date: April 8, 2009 Posts: 22	I wanted to give you all the details: EAA Witness Elite Match .45 Winchester brass Winchester Large Pistol Primer 230g Oregon Trail Laser Cut Bullet 5g Hodgon HP-38 Max on HP-38 is 5.3g with 230g bullet.