9mm 1911 OAL

[Red Ryder]

I have read " load as long as possible for more reliable feeding" countless times here on this forum. In my reality though, 1.130 or less seems to be the most reliable out of my Dawson and Tripp mags. Load any longer, and the nose of the bullet drags on the mag, slowing everything down, causing FTF issues. Anyone else found this to be true?

[EdwardBlake]

I reload my 147 FP to 1.12 COL. Any longer and I have issues. My 115 RP were around 1.14.

[EkuJustice]

Load what works in your mags and gun. There is no best oal

[echotango]

I used to load to 1.170. I'm now at 1.155. The nose was too close to the mag. Not much diff, but enough.

Edited April 10, 2015 by echotango

[Red Ryder]

Are folks removing the spacer inside the mag to load so long?

[motosapiens]

1.16 easily fits in front of the spacer for me. (xtreme rn). 1.175 starts to drag.

[Red Ryder]

I think the visible rounds at the top of the mag at an increased slant falsely allowing for a longer OAL. The rounds down further are more horizontal requiring a shorter OAL?

[amish_rabbi]

1.16 is no problem in my tripp mags with spacers

[motosapiens]

I think the visible rounds at the top of the mag at an increased slant falsely allowing for a longer OAL. The rounds down further are more horizontal requiring a shorter OAL?

I think 9mm is tapered the other direction, so the upper rounds should be more horizontal than the lower ones. But you make a good point, you can't just load 3 rounds in a mag and declare your OAL good to go. It needs to be tested with full mags.

[echotango]

I use spacers with rnds up to 1.175

[Red Ryder]

Do I need a shok buff with an 8 lb recoil spring shooting 9 minor 130PF and exactly where do I install it?