OAL With Lead - The Firearms Forum

steve4102 · 11-17-2011, 06:55 PM

Whats the proper OAL for a straight walled pistol round using a specific bullet. Duno, and neither does your manual. It's up to all of us to find the best OAL that feeds and functions in our handguns while staying safe. All handgun chambers and feed ramps are different and each one deserves it's own OAL.

This is where I start.

If it feeds and functions then I am done. If not I can only reduce OAL as going longer is not an option. Once I find the OAL that feeds and functions, I'm done, regardless of what any manual says.

What do you guys do to find the best OAL for your Semi-Auto handguns?

Oneida Steve · 11-17-2011, 08:35 PM

Steve, I like to copy the OAL of a factory round when I'm setting up the dies for a new caliber. I have a set of chamber gauges for the pistol calibers I reload, so if the new round drops smoothly into the gauge then I figure I'm all set.

JLA · 11-17-2011, 10:13 PM

Thats the most important part. I pull the barrels from my handguns when I tinker with new bullets so i can use them as a cartridge guage. Afterall that IS the standard by which my ammo has to be judged because its going to be getting chambered quickly under spring tension next time around and i dont like malfunctions. It makes for an aggravating range session..

11-17-2011, 06:55 PM	#1
steve4102 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota Contributor Posts: 2,760	OAL With Lead Whats the proper OAL for a straight walled pistol round using a specific bullet. Duno, and neither does your manual. It's up to all of us to find the best OAL that feeds and functions in our handguns while staying safe. All handgun chambers and feed ramps are different and each one deserves it's own OAL. This is where I start. If it feeds and functions then I am done. If not I can only reduce OAL as going longer is not an option. Once I find the OAL that feeds and functions, I'm done, regardless of what any manual says. What do you guys do to find the best OAL for your Semi-Auto handguns? -->

11-17-2011, 08:35 PM	#2
Oneida Steve Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,029	Re: OAL With Lead Steve, I like to copy the OAL of a factory round when I'm setting up the dies for a new caliber. I have a set of chamber gauges for the pistol calibers I reload, so if the new round drops smoothly into the gauge then I figure I'm all set.

11-17-2011, 10:13 PM	#3
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,398	Re: OAL With Lead Thats the most important part. I pull the barrels from my handguns when I tinker with new bullets so i can use them as a cartridge guage. Afterall that IS the standard by which my ammo has to be judged because its going to be getting chambered quickly under spring tension next time around and i dont like malfunctions. It makes for an aggravating range session.. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!