Uberti Lightning Rifle Misfires

jolasa

New member
Misfires in Uberti Lightning 45 Colt.

I use factory 45 Colt ammo, OAL = 1.600" (which means overall measured length of the cartridge is 1.600 inches - this is the recommended length in the 49th edition of the Lyman Reloading Handbook). Ammo is flat-nosed bullet.

I had a misfire, so pulled the slide back, and the cartridge would NOT eject because the bullet was still in the brass case, and the length was too long to be ejected - the bullet tip would not clear the front of the opening with the slide back.

It took me 1/2 hour to whittle away some lead at the front of the lead bullet in the live cartridge so that it would clear the opening and eject - scary stuff chipping away at the bullet of a misfired cartridge.

What does one do with a misfire situation. Should I buy cartridges that are shorter so that misfires will eject?

What is a good cartridge O.A.L. to avoid this situation?

lightning.jpg
 
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1.600" is not the recommended OAL, it is the SAAMI maximum OAL. If the new factory ammo you are buying will not cycle through your rifle, it may have to do with the OAL or the bullet profile (LSWC vs LRN). Load or buy cartridges that fit and will cycle through your rifle.
 
Thanks for clarifying that OAL is SAAMI max, but not the best OAL for a particular rifle.

Anybody know the best cartridge nose shape and OAL for my Lightning?
 
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