First time loading my own, what COL?

[357shooter]

Hi,

The question is about 45acp cast with Lee 452-200-swc with HP-38. Hodgdon list 1.225 for LSWC, I recall seeing a picture and this bullet has a longer cone (term?) than others.

This is in a autoloader not a revolver, FYI.

Any recommendations? Right now I plan to start with 1.225 and see how they feed.

Thanks

[trk]

With a 1911, I load as long as I can. The longest bullet that will chamber so the base is level with the end of the barrel. Then I check to see if the rounds cycle freely through the magazine. That puts the bullet as close to the rifling as I can get it.

There are other aproaches to life.

[JIMinPHX]

I usually load .45 lswc cartridges with the shoulder of the boolit flush with the case mouth. Some guys recommend having them stick out a little bit. Opinions on that subject vary. Just make sure that you use a powder charge that is listed in a book for a COAL as long or shorter than you are using. Going below book lengths with a given powder charge can raise pressures.

[jsizemore]

Take the barrel out of the gun and let the chamber tell you what it likes. Make sure it's not sticking out past the hood without have to force it in the chamber.

[flinchnjerk]

1.265 works in all my 1911s.

[357shooter]

Thanks guys. That gives me a comfort zone/range to try.

[RobS]

Work with what you intended, but keep your powder charge at the minimum end at first and work your loads up so you don't have to worry about a KABOOOM.

[MtGun44]

THE way to see what YOUR gun wants is to pull out the bbl then hold it muzzle down.
Drop a loaded round (actually a test round is best, no primer or powder- otherwise all the
same as you plan on loading) into the chamber. It should ideally drop flush, but about
1 lb finger push is OK. If it takes more pressure, look for the full diam shoulder to be
interfering with the rifling, it will make marks if you push it hard. You want no marks,
or very slight at most.

The biggest problem with new handloaders in 1911s in .45 ACP is failure to taper crimp.
Use a taper crimp die, set so that half the brass thickness at the mouth is pushed into
the lead, use magnification to see this. I use 1.25 for H&G 68, but the Lee is a bit different.
Try for about .010 to .020 of the full diam shoulder out of the case, then TC and use the
barrel drop test.

Bill

[bohokii]

thought it was an acronym for cartridge overall length

[TAWILDCATT]

I load LSWC 200 gr.I leave 1/32 out and roll crimp in the front band.my load of 3.6 700X works to 50 yds for compitition target shooting.I never did find out the OAL length.and I have used that load for 30 yrs.to much is made of the OAL.set it to feed.and go from there.this measuring is a fairly new thing.I dont know of any one who had measuring tools in the past.

[357shooter]

Thanks, the moulds (Lee 452-200-swc) don't have a crimp groove to use but the 1/32 you mentioned is close to the .020 mentioned above. I'm going to try the .020 and test with a test-round tonight. Then work up some loads and go from there.

[mroliver77]

Also once you get a dummy round set to the oal you need, mark it with permanent marker and file for future use to set up your seater die.
Jay

[leadman]

I have found with that bullet it feeds better if set slightly beyond the end of the case, as you are planning on doing.