Jump to content
Brian Enos's Forums... Maku mozo!

oal for STI 40 S&W


CaptJeff

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 61
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

How long (OAL) are people loading for STI Edge in 40 ?

Capt, it really depends on which bullet you're using. :surprise:

If you switch from one bullet to another, you might have

to change your OAL. Even if they're the same weight. :ph34r:

That's why The Plunk Test is very important.

If you are loading Major (PF165+) it's even more important,

and if you are using a heavy bullet with fast powder (Highly

recommended for Major) it's Even More Important.

If loading Major, it's also Very Important to know that you

cannot push the bullets into the cases manually (not all

the way, just enough to shorten the OAL). If you are

loading N320 and a 180 gr bullet at 1.18", and you can

push the bullet into 1.15", you might have a serious

problem. :ph34r:

Good luck and welcome to The Forum. :cheers:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I always measure to find the max OAL for a particular bullet in a particular pistol. (I shoot lost of different pistols and am trying different bullets)

1. With the pistol in battery, measure from the muzzle to the breech face with a caliper.

2. Remove the barrel and drop in a bullet of choice. (just the bullet) Hold the bullet lightly against the rifling using a pencil (eraser end) or dowel rod. Slide another pencil in from the muzzle until it touches the front of the bullet and place a mark on the mark pencil even with the muzzle end of the barrel.

3. Measure from the mark in the pencil to the end of the pencil that was in the barrel.

4. Subtract that measurement from the measurement in step 1 above and you have the max OAL with the bullet touching the rifling or throat.

I make a list of different pistols with different bullets so I can either load a "one size fits all" OAL or load for a specific pistol and bullet combination.

For example, I did a .45 cal 230g RN jacketed, and 230g RN plated, and a 230g RN lead bullet, and all have a different OAL in the same barrel.

Just because they look the same doesn't always mean that they are the same!

Edited by TDA
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Just bought a used Edge and ran about 100-1.135 Berry's 180's that I had used in my Glock 35. I did't have any problems and was wondering how often do most STI's have problems with shorter rounds. Should I just start loading a separate load for the STI or could I just have a gun that will run 1.135 reliably?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My Edge will run reliably with factory length rounds. I only load long so I have more variety in rounds. My 180gr JHP Montana Gold with VV-N320 powder shoots very consistent and soft loaded out to 1.200. It's just a matter of what works best for you and your gun.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now



×
×
  • Create New...