First try

[jrayborn]

Well thanks to all the info on this site I managed to smelt about 300 pounds of wheel weights and 100 pounds of soft lead, then got on a roll and cast my first boolits too. I used a Lee six banger TL452-230-2R and it took a long time (and some frustration) to realize the mold had to be good and hot to cast a decent boolit.

I cast them 1 part soft lead (flashing) and 2 parts WW. Bullets were very consistent 222 grains and .454-.455. I used a Lee sizer at .453 with Lee ALOX and loaded them to 1.235 OAL with 5.8 grains of Unique.

Overall I am very satisfied and really just want to let everyone know how much I appreciate the site. I have one question though. I usually run an OAL of 1.255 with every other round nose I load for the 1911. These loads had several instances where the pistol would not go into battery (the bullet would not transition completely into the chamber) and a good smack on the back of the slide popped most in. I suspect I just need to go back to the 1.255 OAL. Anyone dissagree? I am wicked pleased with how they shot, seemed to be more accurate than most anything else I have loaded. Just need them to ALL feed :)

Thanks everyone!

Jon

[Wayne Smith]

And another one bites the dust! Welcome to Cast Boolits and to one of the most addictive hobbies available.

Sorry, I don't shoot the .45ACP so someone else will have to come along to answer your question.

[Echo]

I have no experience with RN for the .45 - I only load the 452460 SWC, and it functions nicely in everything I have shot it in. I leave the front driving band about .030 proud to stop endplay.

[Wayne Smith]

I do know that you can use your barrel out of the gun to determine OAL. Simply take the barrel out of the gun, place a loaded round in, and if the base of the case protrodues above the barrel shroud you are too long.

The other option might be that the boolits are too fat.

[runfiverun]

if you have to knock it shut now why would making it longer help?
shorter maybe or even a bit more powder.

[243winxb]

The diameter is a little large. You might try .451" or more common .452" Some of the Lee designs just need to be seated deeper. The 228gr RN likes 1.200" or under. If the OAL is not the problem, try taper crimping more. http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n420/joe1944usa/OAL.jpg

[HeavyMetal]

Yep to long or to fat!

Try the barrel trick for OAL and if that doesn't require pressure to get the round deep enough to chamber your OK.

I think you be fat, but if your taper crimping you may have an "edge" at the case mouth giving the same results. Let us know what you figure out.

[O.S.O.K.]

Here's a good thread for you about the very same issue:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=60510

Keep at it, you'll get there!

[Doble Troble]

If you're having feeding problems you might think of sizing down a bit more.

I have a 1911 with one of those fancy fitted barrels. It hiccups occaisionally and requires a slap to go into battery with 200 gr SWC sized to 0.452, but not with the same bullet sized 0.451.