COAL for Hornady 185gr XTP

[tommyherman]

Loading the Hornady 185gr XTP in 45ACP. according to the Manual the COAL is 1.213", however If I take it down to that length the crimp is just past the Ogive of the Bullet, also I am using the cheaper Hornady dies and the seating screw has to be bottomed out to reach that length. I can load to 1.240 and it looks and crimps great. It also loads and ejects fine from my 1911. If I get much longer than that it jams (in the 1911). Any feedback will be appreciated.

 

[buck460XVR]

OAL in given auto pistols data is generally a suggested length and is the tested length that had given them their data. Most of us use OALs that perform the best in our particular firearm. Lyman gives a OAL of 1.175 with the Hornady 185 grainer in .45 ACP. Because of the shortness of the bullet, I would assume one is at risk of reduced neck tension with a long OAL, resulting in bullet pull/push. But if that is the length that works the best in your 1911, the ammo performs well and you have no problem with neck tension and bullet pull, I say, go for it.