reloading 45 acp

ddsommers · April 8, 2009, 10:58 AM

The specification for the bullet give a max length. Does anyone know what the minimum length tolarance is? the heads of bullets are different shapes HP vs RND, dose this make a difference?

That'll Do · April 8, 2009, 11:01 AM

You'll likely get more answers in the reloading forum.

The minimum length of a cartridge is important, as going shorter than recommended can cause drastic spikes in pressure. And a lot of pressure in a small area equals a bomb.

Casimer · April 8, 2009, 11:31 AM

IIRC the SAAMI minimum for 45 ACP is 1.190”, the max is 1.275"

RickB · April 8, 2009, 11:35 AM

Most bullets can be loaded to 1.250" OAL and work most of the time. If the bullet has a distinct shoulder, like a semi-wadcutter, the length might have to be adjusted so the round will fully chamber before the shoulder contacts the rifling. With a roundnose, the length may have to be adjusted so the bullet doesn't contact the slide stop as it passes. You have to load all bullets so that any taper is outside the case mouth; the part inside the case must be cylindrical.

April 8, 2009, 10:58 AM	#1
ddsommers Junior Member Join Date: April 8, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 3	reloading 45 acp The specification for the bullet give a max length. Does anyone know what the minimum length tolarance is? the heads of bullets are different shapes HP vs RND, dose this make a difference?

April 8, 2009, 11:01 AM	#2
That'll Do Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 546	You'll likely get more answers in the reloading forum. The minimum length of a cartridge is important, as going shorter than recommended can cause drastic spikes in pressure. And a lot of pressure in a small area equals a bomb.

April 8, 2009, 11:31 AM	#3
Casimer Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2007 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,918	IIRC the SAAMI minimum for 45 ACP is 1.190”, the max is 1.275"

April 8, 2009, 11:35 AM	#4
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	Most bullets can be loaded to 1.250" OAL and work most of the time. If the bullet has a distinct shoulder, like a semi-wadcutter, the length might have to be adjusted so the round will fully chamber before the shoulder contacts the rifling. With a roundnose, the length may have to be adjusted so the bullet doesn't contact the slide stop as it passes. You have to load all bullets so that any taper is outside the case mouth; the part inside the case must be cylindrical.