Update on Case Length, your questions answered

[joeyj]

1. I use Berrys plated, 9mm, round nose, 115 grain bullets.
2. I use Bullseye power. I use a dipper and weigh each charge to 4.2 grains, give or take .2 of a grain. ( I"m just a plinker )
3. The book says 29.69 should be the max length.
From the above data, could I go down to approx 28.50 and still be safe ?

[DucatiRon]

Most people don't load in metric readings over here. But after some quick conversions yes you will be safe as long as the gun functions.

[theunrulychef]

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...1&cartridge=23

Alliant's data gives a recipe of 5.1 max for a 115 grain copper plated round nose with a minimum COAL of 1.135", which is 28.829 mm. I would try that COAL length with a magazine or 2 first before going shorter.

[ianb1116]

Please use the same thread you started to answer our questions. Keeps things less messy.

[noylj]

May not be helpful sounding, but read a manual.
29.69mm is MAX COL. 25.40mm is MIN COL. These are industry specifications and are not absolutes for handloaders.
Here is my explanation for COL:
Per Ramshot:
"SPECIAL NOTE ON CARTRIDGE OVERALL LENGTH “COL”
It is important to note that the SAAMI “COL” values are for the firearms and ammunition manufacturers industry and must be seen as a guideline only.
The individual reloader is free to adjust this dimension to suit their particular firearm-component-weapon combination.
This parameter is determined by various dimensions such as
1) magazine length (space),
2) freebore-lead dimensions of the barrel,
3) ogive or profile of the projectile and
4) position of cannelure or crimp groove.
• Always begin loading at the minimum "Start Load".
• Increase in 2% increments towards the Maximum Load.
• Watch for signs of excessive pressure.
• Never exceed the Maximum Load."

Your COL (cartridge OAL) is determined by your barrel (chamber and throat dimensions) and your gun (feed ramp) and your magazine (COL that fits magazine and when the magazine lips release the round for feeding) and the PARTICULAR bullet you are using. What worked in a pressure barrel or the lab's gun or in my gun has very little to do with what will work best in your gun.
Take the barrel out of the gun. Create two inert dummy rounds (no powder or primer) at max COL and remove enough case mouth flare for rounds to chamber (you can achieve this by using a sized case—expand-and-flare it, and remove the flare just until the case "plunks" in the barrel).
Drop the inert rounds in and decrease the COL until they chamber completely. This will be your "max" effective COL. I prefer to have the case head flush with the barrel hood. After this, place the inert rounds in the magazine and be sure they fit the magazine and feed and chamber.
You can also do this for any chambering problems you have. Remove the barrel and drop rounds in until you find one that won't chamber. Take that round and "paint" the bullet and case black with Magic Marker or other marker. Drop round in barrel (or gage) and rotate it back-and-forth.
Remove and inspect the round:
1) scratches on bullet--COL is too long
2) scratches on edge of the case mouth--insufficient crimp
3) scratches just below the case mouth--too much crimp, you're crushing the case
4) scratches on case at base of bullet--bullet seated crooked due to insufficient case expansion (not case mouth flare) or improper seating stem fit
5) scratches on case just above extractor groove--case bulge not removed during sizing. May need a bulge buster.