Ream my 1911 chamber

[Sgt.K]

Advanced google-fu has failed me.

Background:
Bought my first Taurus 1911 (back off, it served me well) 10 years ago. Started reloading shortly after with a Lee Pro 1000 (no complaints). Loaded mostly Acme Bullet Poly Coated .452 round nose, OAL set to match Remington factory rounds I had on hand - by eyeball. Never actually measured OAL. Reloads always chambered reliably.

Bought 2nd Taurus 1911 for carry and designated #1 for competition use. #2 functioned perfectly with carry ammo and other factory loads, but reloads failed the plunk test. After some research I wound up taking 1/32" out of my OAL and the reloads passed muster.

Sent #1 back to Taurus for (free) work, they discovered damage and replaced pistol. #3 will not chamber shorter reloads. I don't think I want to shorten them any more. Is it a big deal to get the chamber reamed out? Is that the route y'all would go? I'd pay someone to do it rather than paying for the tools at this point in life - anyone in DelCo?

Thanks.

[markshere2]

I had a similar issue with my Ruger .45 pistols.

Handload cast Boolit Rounds would chamber fine in my 1911s, and my Hi-Points, but the Rugers would not chamber my handloads.

I got a Lee Factory Crimp die and my troubles went away.

[Story]

Advanced google-fu has failed me. I'd pay someone to do it rather than paying for the tools at this point in life - anyone in DelCo? Thanks.

Summon @CDI for 1911 issues. He's not far off from you.
https://forum.pafoa.org/member.php?u=23493

[Noah_Zark]

Summon @CDI for 1911 issues.
https://forum.pafoa.org/member.php?u=23493

Yep. Contact member cdi. He's a 1911 wizard.

Noah

[Ronin]

Summon @CDI for 1911 issues. He's not far off from you.
https://forum.pafoa.org/member.php?u=23493

Yep. Contact member cdi. He's a 1911 wizard.

Noah

^^^This x1000^^^ He does excellent work.

[Delkal]

First you need to figure out if the cartridge is hanging up on the bullet being seated too long or on the case because you didn't crimp the bullet enough. Take your barrel off then blacken the bullet of your reload with a black dry erase marker and put it in the chamber. If it doesn't plunk give it a push till it does. Then carefully remove the round and see if there are marks on the bullet where it touched the lands. If there are marks keep seating the bullet deeper till it doesn't touch (use an unloaded case) and measure it.

The OAL is probably the most misunderstood variable when it comes to reloading. It is just a recommendation and you cant use an OAL recommendation if you use a different bullet. Even if they are both a round nose since the ogive is always different. For accuracy you don't want a big bullet jump before it engages the rifling but this can also increase pressure. So manufacturers started putting the lead out farther and farther on the advice of lawyers. I believe your chamber is in spec and I would not ream it out till you make sure there is a problem.