[tqu9047]

I have been loading 45 acp for awhile now. All of a sudden my loads are tumbling and key holing in the target.
I cast 230gr lead bullets and use Clays powder with a 3.8gr load.
What can I be doing wrong? Not all of the loads key hole but enough do to make me ask.

Thanks,

Tim

 

[JonM]

is your barrel leading up??

im not THAT familiar with loading unjacketed in handguns. i do know my rifle loads have to be lubed and lead bullets should be sized after casting.

have you weighed an entire batch?? maybe your getting small airpockets or something.

if the bullets are drastically undersized as in too small diameter they will keyhole regardless of construction.

 

[tqu9047]

They are all sized and lubed after casting. I don't weigh each one but the ones I did weigh are pretty close in weight.
Also, no lead in barrel.

Thanks

 

[hmh]

Does the load do it in other firearms?

 

[locutus]

You might try loading a box with unsized, hand lubricated bullets. If that solves the problem, you need a bullet sizing die one or two thousandths larger.

If that doesn't solve the problem I'd have a smith check my barrel.

 

[Rick1967]

Overcrimping can cause this problem as well.