New loading 45 (case gauge question)

[bubba04]

Hey! I just started reloading. I am working on making sure I have the dies all set properly to get my round in spec. I am currently reloading with a 550 with dillion dies, 230 grain barrys bullets.

My overall length is 1.25X.

Now when adjusting my crimp I slowly adjusted my die until a bullet would slide easly into my dillion 45 cause gauge just like factory ammo. It seems the od of my crimp is approximately .471ish depending on how stead my hands are.

Am I setting this up correctly? The rounds hand cycle fine in my gun too.

thanks!

Edited October 13, 2012 by bubba04

[natgas]

I would say if they slide in/out of both your gauge and your barrel, you're good to go

[R1valdez]

Go to the range and shoot it, if it doesn't jam then your good.

[bubba04]

Thanks for the help guys.

I am not quite ready to take it out to the range yet, I am trying to figure out why my powder bar is not operating smooth on the down stroke.

I just took it apart and cleaned it and it helped a little, but it still a little jerky.

[Sarge]

I am not quite ready to take it out to the range yet, I am trying to figure out why my powder bar is not operating smooth on the down stroke.

I just took it apart and cleaned it and it helped a little, but it still a little jerky.

Loosen the two bolts that attach the measure to the die and let it free float while pulling the handle. It will move around quite a bit until it starts to settle in. There is a pretty small sweet spot for the smoothest operation. Once you find it then tighten it back down.

[bubba04]

Thanks Kevin, I will give that a try!

My load I am planning to use is:

230 grain plated bullet

4.5 to 4.6 grains of HP38

1.25 OAL

Edited October 14, 2012 by bubba04

[Seeker]

You did not mention what platform you are loading for. Some pistols have tighter chambers than others. You also did not mention is you wanted to meet a certain power factor or if you were looking for light recoil plinking rounds.

I found in a Kimber Super Match II 1911 5", a crimp of .470 gave optimum consistent feeding. 471,472 had interment Failure to feeds. The Glock 30 and 21 were a more forgiving. However the Glock 21 would not cycle with a PF less then 690.

Also, Chrono readings from WIN 231 (equivalent to HP38)

CED M2 Chronograph 9/06/2010 Early Morning Florida approx 85 degrees.

Berry's 230 CCI LPP 1.255" Crimp .470 5.2 grains of W231

737

750

737.6

752.1

741

High 752.1

Low 737

ES: 15.1

Ave: 743.5

SD 6.3

95% 9.9

power factor 171005

4.5 - 4.6 seems rather light.

Also it's very easy to squish the berrys plated bullets thus cutting the thin plating. To be honest, When I found that I could buy Zero FMJ's from Roze dist "cheaper then the Berry's I switched.

I hope this helps. I tried to format the tables but I guess there is something I;m missing. Hope it's readable.

Edited October 14, 2012 by Seeker

[Dirty Rod]

Agree that 4.6-4.8 seems to be light for 230gr @ 1.25+. I remember a recent thread where 4.8 would not reliably cycle the slide on a 5" 1911. I'd work up 4-5 round batches in .2 increments and see how the shoot. 5.0-5.3 is a pretty common load for 230gr RN for a lot of folks.

[bubba04]

Cool thanks guys. I am reloading for a 1911 and perhaps a glock 30 sf if I can swing the cash in the next few days.

This is the first time I have reloaded for, so I was just going to start on the low side of the tables and start working up. That said it looks like I should start a little higher.

At this time I am not reloading to make a power factor just to shoot. Though once I get a feel, I would like to work a load that feels similar to my carry rounds.

Thanks for the heads up at Roze, I will start stalking them for when they are back in stock.