Here are some pics. The first one is of rounds I've loaded. The one on the left is 230gr, middle 200gr and then the 185gr that is the issue. The next one is the 230gr in the barrel, then the 200gr in the barrel and last the 185gr in the barrel. They turned out a little fuzzy, but maybe you can see them. Although the overall length is about the same on all, it is the length from the bottom of the case to where the taper on the bullet that is the problem. I can seat the bullets deeper to overcome this, but should I be worried about pressure in the case from doing that? Thanks.
The case has probably bulged as posted above. This is most common in higher pressure rounds like the .40 S&W. Redding makes a push through die to correct this, but so far only for the .40. Chamber checkers are available through several companies such as Sinclair or Dillon that work better than using your barrel. I ensures that the round is to factory specs--not that it just happens to chamber in a particular gun.
Eric at OPS is real knowledgeable on loading for the .45 Take your stuff by there and he could probably offer some good insight if you still have questions.
The latter measurement is the important one in seating cases. It is a common mistake to take an overall length for one bullet and slavishly apply it to another bullet, because of this exact problem. The length from the base to the ogive must not be too long to fit into the chamber.
Strongly suggest getting a drop-in cartridge gage to make your cartridges within SAAMI specs.
As to pressure, yes, you need to consider it, but I can't guess without very specific information whether you will still be safe. Generally loading data is for a specific bullet, specific powder, specific amount, and a minimum OAL. Change any of these and the pressure changes.
"Glocked" cases are rare in .45 ACP, which operates at about half the pressure of a .40.
In general a semi- wad cutter as your 185 is should be loaded so that the shoulder of the bullet (where the bullet goes from full diameter to the step down for the nose) is only about a 1/16" out of the case. yours are loaded out too long from the picture. Seating them deeper wont hurt a thing.
Thanks for the help. I know what I need to do now.
