[shane45-1911]

When you guys measure your OAL, what tolerance do you hold? I first started reloading a few years ago, and was content when I could keep +/- .002" after seating the bullet.

My favourite load right now has an optimum length of 1.225", but I just can't put it in the little compartmental plastic box if it measures 1.227" after seating. I will adjust my seating die depth slightly and re-seat again until I hit 1.225" if I have a long one. Then I am content.

I will TOLERATE 1.2255, but if it hits 1.226, back thru the die it goes for another hit!

I know that +/- .002" doesn't affect anything (especially in a handgun), but it bugs me when they are not right on the money!

Granted, I don't measure every round (usually every 15 - 20), but God forbid if the one I grab for inspection has its nose stickin' out too far!

Do you think I need psychiatric help?

[This message has been edited by shane45-1911 (edited 07-29-2001).]

 

[fremont]

Save your money on the headshrink.....

I do, however, think you're holding yourself to too tight of a standand. I load 200gr SWC mainly, and, if I'm in the 1.247"-1.253" range, I'm a happy guy. That's usually doable, even with range brass that I just can't seem to help myself from picking up.

The 1911--in relative terms--is an extremely forgiving gun. Most guns that are somewhat tuned (i.e., the owner has had it for awhile and worked the bugs out) will feed anything.

 

[Ken Neal]

My standard is 1.250 and if I can get it within .02 then I'm good to go. That does not mean that I check each and every one I load, but a random check will tell me what I need to know.

 

[Walking Point]

I'm usually anal with my loading, but my first .45 SWC round gets checked, then all others are on their own. Without the die coming loose, it's pretty hard for a bullet to not get seated completely.

I say it's best to do whatever makes you happy and gives you a confident feeling.

We won't get into the oddball things I do for highpower competition, as I do everything but hang talismans all over me and the rifle.

 

[Gargoyle]

Originally posted by Ken Neal:
My standard is 1.250 and if I can get it within .02 then I'm good to go. That does not mean that I check each and every one I load, but a random check will tell me what I need to know.

Same here.

 

[scarman]

I'm happy with 1.250 to 1.260. I check about every 10th round. If I find one that is a little out of my range, I mark the primer with a pen. If I ever have a FTF, I check and see if the round was a marked round. Either way I pull the round and measure it when I get back home.

 

[Chico]

Hardball is more forgiving. For it, .002 is my preferred variance, too. A lot depends on its usage. For regular practice, a spread of .004 with miscellaneous brass is OK.
The next two levels are, used to new Starline brass. These two levels span weekly matches to major matches: +/- .002 being my standard.
If you are shooting semi-wadcutters, then keeping the standard deviation to a minimum is required more than standard round noses.
Bottom line - whatever it takes for you to be fully confident when you step up to the line.

 

[Joe D]

I load to 1.260" +- .005". I check every 500 or so rounds. The OAL never seems to change. These are not 1/8" benchrest rifles.

 

[high_caliber]

Message removed

[This message has been edited by high_caliber (edited 07-30-2001).]

 

[Ralph]

One thing you have to take into consideration,is that cast bullets will vary slightly in legnth as well as weight so, if one is on and another is off by.002-3 I wouldn't worry about it,as was posted the .45acp is very forgiving and if some of you loads are sticking out a couple thousanths farther than the others, so what! you'll never see the diffrence on a paper target

 

[cecILL]

Never have measured, just compared to factory loads. Just load 'em up and throw 'em in a box. All sorts of mixed brass. Absolutely no problems. Very dependable, inherently inaccurate.

 

[southpaw]

You measure them? If they work thats fine with me.

 

[TiroFijo]

I tolerate a +/- .002" variation in OAL, but I get frustrated if more than 10% of my rounds are off by more than .001" (checked randomly) so I guess I'm anal too, but my reloads are very accurate and I never have ammo related failures.

 

[Edward429451]

I never even had a set of calipers until a few years ago. My first stab at reloading was all 44's and 45's, the 44's usually have a crimping groove to go by, and I used to set my 45's by, "if they wikk fit in my 1911 mag! If it'll fit in the mag, my Colt will gobble em' up! Then I got a G21 and its more persnickity about its reloads, so I broke down and bought the calipers. I use 1.220 as a depth, but the Glock requires 1.190 for a particular lead TC bullet that I like to use.

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"Always place your clothes and weapons where you can find them in the dark"
Lazarus Long

 

[Billy Ray]

Originally posted by southpaw:
You measure them? If they work thats fine with me.

You and me both. I go through about 500 rounds each week. I'd never have time to shoot if I measured my rounds. If they chamber, all is well--haven't needed to adjust the dies in months.

Billy Ray

 

[gyp_c]

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>>>>>>>>>>g2<<<<<<<<<<

I Like The Shade Too!

 

[shane45-1911]

Originally posted by gyp_c:

Yes, I already KNOW that you think I'm anal !!!

 

[Silver Surfer]

If you have to ask, its to late

 

[markmcj]

Originally posted by Silver Surfer:
If you have to ask, its to late

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!