Steve
.30 Stingray
Posts: 211
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Post by Steve on Sept 11, 2010 7:16:54 GMT -5
What is the COL and crimp to nose length that can be loaded for the shorter cylinder of the FA 97 in 45 Colt? I am looking to develop a load using a true "Keith" bullet. Second question is does anyone know of a source for good "Keith" bullets that are true to the original design and can be loaded for the Model 97? Thank you for your help.
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Fowler
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 3,559
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Post by Fowler on Sept 11, 2010 11:28:36 GMT -5
You have to stick to 1.600" OAL loads. Generally speaking with Keiths you have to crimp over the front shoulder band but it does not seem to effect the accuracy much. Otherwise if you insist on crimping in the crimp grooves WFN and LFN bullets are a lot easier to work with...
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Post by paul105 on Sept 11, 2010 15:05:32 GMT -5
Fowler pretty much nailed it in three sentences. Your overall length will be limited to 1.600". I can use the RCBS 300gr SWCGC in my FA97 .45 Colt and still crimp in the crimp grove, but the bullet nose is just about flush with the face of the cyl. Montana bullet works quotes the nose to crimp at .350 for this bullet. I actually crimp this bullet over the front drive band to give some margin for error in case of crimp jump. You need to reduce powder charge to account for the reduced case capacity due to the deeper bullet seating. I also use the 270gr RCBS SAA (SWC) by crimping over the front drive band. Montana Bullet Works list the nose to crimp at .375 for this bullet. It cannot be crimped in the crimp grove and still be within OAL specs. Recently, I've been using a 265gr Keith from www.blackriverbullet.com/ . Joe just started offering his bullets for sale again, and is quoting 2 week plus delivery. I've been running this bullet at standard .45 colt pressures and have been taper crimping the bullet on the forward drive band -- works just fine. When using longer bullets, you have a couple of options. One you can crimp over the front drive band on SWCs. Or, you can trim your cases to accommodate other crimp location requirements. There are also some bullets with dual crimp groves that will work when crimped in the crimp grove. I love my 4 1/4" 97 in .45 Colt. Couldn't be happier with the gun or caliber. Cylinder length limitations can be overcome without much problem. Here are some sources for "real" keith bullets .45 Colt bullets -- there are others who offer "the Keith" in. Blackriver Bullets (mentioned above) www.blackriverbullet.com/Mt Baldy Bullets www.mtbaldybullets.com/Here are some other sources for decent square base semi wadcutters (RCBS 270 SAA, etc.): Montana Bullet Works www.montanabulletworks.com/Leadheads www.proshootpro.com/If you want to use Keith type bullets and seat them in the crimp grove, you might want to consider getting the M97 in .44 Special. Hope some of that helps. Paul |
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Post by brionic on Sept 11, 2010 19:54:07 GMT -5
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Post by paul105 on Sept 11, 2010 20:24:51 GMT -5
Ment to mention Dry Creek Bullets but got sidetracked. Here's Lynn's current contact info:
lah at suddenlink dot net
304 894 2215
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Post by 2 Dogs on Sept 11, 2010 22:36:24 GMT -5
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Post by naphtali on Sept 12, 2010 10:37:34 GMT -5
You have to stick to 1.600" OAL loads. Generally speaking with Keiths you have to crimp over the front shoulder band but it does not seem to effect the accuracy much. Otherwise if you insist on crimping in the crimp grooves WFN and LFN bullets are a lot easier to work with... While not precisely a "Keith" bullet, here is loading data for 97s that require nothing special in the way of crimping - that is, use the standard crimp groove, and overall length is fine. - Saeco 300-grain SWCGC #454 air dropped WW +2, 21.92-grains H110, CCI 350, W-W brass. This is a heavy load that is not maximum. . . . It's in that neighborhood, though. - Saeco 300-grain SWCGC #454 air dropped WW +2 (without gas check), 6.85-grains TiteGroup, CCI 350, W-W brass. Very pleasant load. Hope this helps. |
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