Trouble at the Range

[dmurphy68]

Bearcreek that is what i was worried about all i need is my gun to go boom. crack my barrel or worse hurt me or some one else. I recheck my reloads on my scales and compared them with a factory load.

I am checking against wwb ammo

factory loads
527.8 Grains
526.6
527.7

my loads
525.0 Grains
525.5
525.4

this is just 3 random rounds I picked

[Bearcreek]

so these are total finished product weights? You are pretty close in the ballpark, but it could be the powder you are using vs. powder WWB uses. For example you are using 5.0gr with 230gr projectile.. I think you are using Bullseye powder?.. I use 5.0 of Winchester 231 with a 200 gr RNFP cast projectile. So being within 1-2 gr. on total weight is no biggie in my book.. it is staying in spec with the powder manufacturer charges. I use a depth micrometer to measure chamber depth and make my ammo to that particular length. My OAL for .45ACP is 1.204-1.208". My 9mm is 1.103-1.109" All I have are XD's and this tolerance works in all guns of that caliber.

[Bearcreek]

Also just to reiterate the point of handloading-- look at your 3 random tolerances vs. factory ammo.... much tighter and more consistent-- thus 1 reason I went to handloading.

[Mercmar]

The loaded round weights don't mean jack! You probably just need to increase your load a little. .45ACP is a low-pressure round. You're not going to have any problems loading to max published charges.

[dmurphy68]

Thanks for all your replies I will finish off the 150 rounds I have and start again. I know it is a learning process and thank God for the internet.... were else can you get all the info you need and ask real ppl questions

thanks again
dmurphy68

[fredj338]

Are you taper crimping? You need a good taper crimp to aid in functioning. It also helps uniform ignition.

[Reno82]

Is your XD new? Is it broke in yet? When my XD was new everything was tight. Only shot factory ammo for about 500-1000 rounds. Then went to reload. Just my 2 cents.

[agalindo]

Originally Posted by fredj338

Recheck your powder scale &/or measure & make sure you are throwing the same weight charge each time. It sounds like you do not have enough pressure going to cycle the slide 100%, although 5gr of BE should be fine. Did you test fire the original 10rds from a full magazine? Is the pistol new, maybe a short break in period? Did you have some lube on the slide rails? Did you taper crimp enough? Lot's of things to go wrong here.

+1
If your using a powder measure weigh every other charge to make sure you throwing a consistent weight charge. How are you measuring your powder charge?

[agalindo]

Originally Posted by Mercmar

The loaded round weights don't mean jack! You probably just need to increase your load a little. .45ACP is a low-pressure round. You're not going to have any problems loading to max published charges.

+1
Comparing your loaded round weights against factory rounds is useless.

[bigun]

Make sure of your crimp. also chack how much you are flaring the case, if it is not fully crimped, "Taper not roll" you might have a lip on the case that is causing your problems.