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AR15.COM
4/1/2009 8:10:38 AM EDT
I have an old box of Blackhills .45 ACP 230 gr JHPs that I have been using for carry ammo for a long time now.  Because of this, I am nervous that the bullets may have pushed back over time due to repeated chamberings.  Anyone know the minimum overall length for these rounds?  Am I being too paranoid about my sidearm KBing.

another dumb question.  if the rounds are bad, would there be a way to salvage the bullets and brass to attempt to reload the rounds?
4/1/2009 8:16:01 AM EDT
[#1]
I believe 1.200" is absolute minimum, with 1.275" max.

Need some backup on that, tho.
4/1/2009 8:57:40 AM EDT
[#2]
Impossible to know without a lot more info.

Setback increases pressure.  A round that is safe - but pushing the limit - at 1.260" might be unsafe at 1.230".
4/1/2009 9:00:55 AM EDT
[#3]
Buy or borrow a kinetic bullet puller and break them down.  Personally, unless there is obvious visible setback I'd just shoot them and buy fresh carry ammo.
4/1/2009 9:12:33 AM EDT
[#4]
Strat, specifically, what needs to be known

I would just replace it, but I cant find any ammo of any kind right now.  I've got 230 ball loaded up right now
4/1/2009 9:14:55 AM EDT
[#5]
Too many variables. Call Blackhills or find an unchambered round.
4/2/2009 4:25:10 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Strat, specifically, what needs to be known

I would just replace it, but I cant find any ammo of any kind right now.  I've got 230 ball loaded up right now


You need to know what a factory won't tell you.

You'd have to know the operating pressure of the round at various OALs.  Once it exceeds SAAMI maximum, then you discard the round, or disassemble it.
4/2/2009 4:43:15 PM EDT
[#7]




Quoted:



Quoted:

Strat, specifically, what needs to be known



I would just replace it, but I cant find any ammo of any kind right now. I've got 230 ball loaded up right now




You need to know what a factory won't tell you.



You'd have to know the operating pressure of the round at various OALs. Once it exceeds SAAMI maximum, then you discard the round, or disassemble it.


I would get an RCBS bullet-pulling hammer and tap the bullets forward until they match original dimensions.



If you knock 'em too hard, they'll go outside the dimensions and you will have to reseat (or they may come out, lol). This can be a bitch if you don't have a die.

4/2/2009 4:55:31 PM EDT
[#8]
Your best bet is to measure another, known good, round of the same kind of ammo.  There are way too many variables to go with a generic OAL.