New to reloading for handguns...,loading 45 ACP 185 gr Xtreme flat points over N320...VV’s data recommends COAL of 1.118”....SAAMI says minimum 1.190”....Xtreme hasn’t called me back yet and VV is not sure....maybe the difference lies with CIP vs SAAMI? Stick with SAAMI? I had already set my dies up with dummy rounds at 1.118” when I realized the SAAMI numbers....shooting Kimber 1911...thanks
45 ACP and COAL....
- Thread starter Jody Simcox
- Start date
Based on bullet shape/length you often end up below SAAMI specs in both rifle and pistol. FP bullets are usually a case in point. The issue really is the amount of seated taking up your case capacity and its effect on pressures. The good thing is the 45 ACP is very forgiving i loaded with a sane amount of powder.
I have often found that a guy can load them out longer but then you are dealing with feeding geometry that may or may not cause feeding issues. Ramp shape on your pistol and its specs can be a big a factor as anything else. If you start loading long be sure to do a plunk test to make sure you are not overly long. The 45 headspaces on the case mouth so if your cases are proud in the chamber you know you are too long.
Grreg
I have often found that a guy can load them out longer but then you are dealing with feeding geometry that may or may not cause feeding issues. Ramp shape on your pistol and its specs can be a big a factor as anything else. If you start loading long be sure to do a plunk test to make sure you are not overly long. The 45 headspaces on the case mouth so if your cases are proud in the chamber you know you are too long.
Grreg
Bullets are certainly seated awfully deep at the 1.118” COAL...I’m loading at the lower end of the recommended parameters (even working my way below minimum) looking for a soft shooting/low-recoil target load....
Base your seating depth on two things.
1. The remaining powder space after the bulletin is seated, and
2. Operational checks like feeding from the magazine and the “plunk test”. The plunk test should also cover the bullet not contacting the rifling when chambered.
The first deals with internal ballistics and peak pressures. Some bullet designs are long (38 wadcutter) and seating deep has been known to increase pressures. In the case of the 45 it isn’t so much but bullet designs are a bit variable so it pays to be cautious.
1. The remaining powder space after the bulletin is seated, and
2. Operational checks like feeding from the magazine and the “plunk test”. The plunk test should also cover the bullet not contacting the rifling when chambered.
The first deals with internal ballistics and peak pressures. Some bullet designs are long (38 wadcutter) and seating deep has been known to increase pressures. In the case of the 45 it isn’t so much but bullet designs are a bit variable so it pays to be cautious.
I really just load to the longest I can that allows for feeding and bullet jump. I look to have some of the shank above the case mouth and loading down very short often does suck up case space badly so I stretch it out. One thing that comes into published COL is that the company is not using the exact bullet that you want to use. I would probably load that one a 1.200 based on some internet data on what guys are using and if it plunks well and still leaving enough shank in the case. Too bad that Xtreme doesn't list that pill in their loading manual they have online.
Greg
Greg
I agree...didn’t see that bullet, either
I don't have any of those bullets in hand or I'd do some comparison for you. I do like the Xtreme stuff and have shot a bunch of their 9's. My favorite bullet in the 45 for SD is the Sierra 185 JHP. For target work I shoot the 200 gr SWCL almost exclusively.
I shoot a bunch of the Berrys in 9 MM but I have not tried any 45 offerings there.
Greg
I shoot a bunch of the Berrys in 9 MM but I have not tried any 45 offerings there.
Greg
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