2) I checked a random sample of bullets - 0.451" - exactly as advertised.
3) I have 231, N330 and N340.
4) I have had good luck with 231 - 5.3 gr at 1.265 OAL with 0.470 crimp. I read some good comments here about using Clays for 45ACP, so I thought I'd give it a try...
I loaded some rounds yesterday with 4.0 gr of Clays at 1.245 OAL and backed off the crimp to 0.471. I'll try a few of those next time I get to the range and see what kind of results I get. Worst case, I'll go back to 231 - which has worked well in all my guns.
Thanks again for the great suggestions!
Tom
It is my opinion that you need to take about three steps back and stop. Let's start by finding out what the groove diameter is for this particular barrel. Slug it and measure the largest diameter that you can attain - that is the groove diameter. Now, in order for cast bullets to fit properly, they MUST be at least 0.001" larger than the groove diameter. So add 0.001" to the groove diameter and that is the sized diameter that your cast bullets MUST be in order to fit properly. Key-holing is a result of cast bullets being too small for the intended bore, or reducing their diameter even further by running the cartridges through a factory crimp die.
