Hi all, I recently did a quick inspection of my self defense ammo (.45 Federal Premium 165 gr Hydra-Shok JHP) and found that several of the bullets seemed to be recessed into the cases. They weren't like that when I loaded them and they haven't been dropped. Has anyone seem this before? A normal cartridge is on the left in the picture for comparison.
What's wrong with my ammo?
- Thread starter TheMayor
- Start date
comn-cents
New member
+1^
Don't shoot that.
You probably wouldn't, but as I understand it the bullet setback decreases case volume and as a result increases pressure, potentially to unsafe levels.
Recommended method for avoiding this is to unload your mag when you unload your pistol, and move the chambered round to the bottom of the stack in the mag. That way, you rotate the full magazine through chambering/unchambering, instead of always impacting the top round.
You probably wouldn't, but as I understand it the bullet setback decreases case volume and as a result increases pressure, potentially to unsafe levels.
Recommended method for avoiding this is to unload your mag when you unload your pistol, and move the chambered round to the bottom of the stack in the mag. That way, you rotate the full magazine through chambering/unchambering, instead of always impacting the top round.
When you load a round with the full force of the slide, and later remove it from the chamber, inspect it and put it at the bottom of the mag. so it doesn't get wacked on the feed ramp again. Not only does the bullet loosen, but the nose gets dinged up, which doesn't facilitate reliable feeding.
When loading, I cushion the slide to prevent bullet set back as well as deformation. That's "administrative" loading only--- not during practice, training or serious social situations.
Some guns aren't so hard on ammo during chambering and you may get away with it numerous times, but not even the best factory ammo is designed to withstand multiple chamberings like that thru all guns.
When loading, I cushion the slide to prevent bullet set back as well as deformation. That's "administrative" loading only--- not during practice, training or serious social situations.
Some guns aren't so hard on ammo during chambering and you may get away with it numerous times, but not even the best factory ammo is designed to withstand multiple chamberings like that thru all guns.
azredhawk44
Moderator
One other thing:
165gr is a very light and very short bullet.
It has to be .451 diameter, so to lighten the bullet it HAS to be short.
What's this got to do with bullet setback? Less friction on the bullet when in the case. Easier for setback to happen.
Heavier ammo will experience less set-back since there is more surface friction inside the case.
165gr is a very light and very short bullet.
It has to be .451 diameter, so to lighten the bullet it HAS to be short.
What's this got to do with bullet setback? Less friction on the bullet when in the case. Easier for setback to happen.
Heavier ammo will experience less set-back since there is more surface friction inside the case.
Yes, I have had that much using my 1911 and Blazer Brass. Didn't shoot the ones that had that much set-back
This does not solve your problem, but I find set-back happens more with my 1911 than with my other .45's that have a ramped barrel. Just something you have to watch more with a 1911.
Thanks for the great info!
I didn't see this happen until I started carrying my 1911. I live on an Air Force base so I have to unload every time I enter the base and reload when I exit. It looks like that's the culprit. I go with the cushioning of the slide and rotating the rounds to correct.
Thanks All!
I didn't see this happen until I started carrying my 1911. I live on an Air Force base so I have to unload every time I enter the base and reload when I exit. It looks like that's the culprit. I go with the cushioning of the slide and rotating the rounds to correct.
Thanks All!
Here is one way to prevent bullet setback in an auto pistol, a case cannelure. Some ammo is or has been made with this feature. You can also buy hand tools to apply this sort of thing to the cases. It sort of irons itself out when the round is fired, therefore is apparently good for one loading. This one was put on the case by a manufactures tool that is for sale to handloaders. I am suprised we do not see more of this.
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comn-cents
New member
Isn't that what is in the pictures of MrMayor's ammo? Just not as heavy a crimp
Niantician
New member
I've noticed, and posted about this problem before. The simple answer is to use 230gr.
Niantician
New member
Azredhawk44 had a good answer.
Do you have any extra mags? If so, you can keep one loaded with premium ammo for defense and put it in the gun after loading the first round from a different magazine. The first round could be a cheaper JHP, like WWB or even FMJ. You wouldn't be giving up that much and your follow up shots, if needed, would be the premium rounds.
This way you are not constantly subjecting your premium ammo to the cycling.
This way you are not constantly subjecting your premium ammo to the cycling.