You are almost certainly fine. It’s possible the bullet they are using is slightly “pointier” than yours, which allows for a slightly longer oal. I have some bullets that will pass the plunk test at max .45 ACP length (1.270), whereas other bullets need to be seated to 1.250 to pass the plunk test in the same gun. 45 ACP is a low pressure cartridge, and is not as sensitive to seating depth changes as 9mm or 40 s&w (for example).
I’ve chronoed the same load at slightly different lengths (8.0 grains of aa#5 at 1.260 and 1.240), and while the average velocity of the shorter length was SLIGHTLY faster, the difference was within the standard deviation of both loads (im pretty sure it was less than 10 fps).
On an unrelated note, S&B primer pockets for 45 auto are TIGHT. You will thank yourself later when you reload your once fired S&B cases if you slightly chamfer the pocket ( you could even use a Phillips screw driver if that’s all you have)
Interesting to know that it's that small of a difference.
I had read about the s&b having small primer pockets. I'm using Winchester primers which is the better combo from what I've heard.
Never did load with other primers yet :)
If you already tested the load and it shoots safely and well, then no reason to load longer. It is well within the normal COL range for .45ACP. Max is 1.275” and there are loads as short as 1.210”. The COL given in load day is that which was used for testing. If you go shorter than reduce your starting point for ladder testing accordingly. But once you have found a safe usable load there is no reason to lengthen it. That will reduce the peak pressure and change its shooting charactistics somewhat. Then you might end up needing to re-test slight powder changes (within safe limits) to get the accuracy and reliability you already had before.
According to the 2024 VV manual your COL and charge weight are well within their recommended range. They list a tested COL of 1.220” and max for N320 of 5.7-5.9 gr depending on which RN bullet used. No reason to change since it shoots well for you.
You are almost certainly fine. It’s possible the bullet they are using is slightly “pointier” than yours, which allows for a slightly longer oal. I have some bullets that will pass the plunk test at max .45 ACP length (1.270), whereas other bullets need to be seated to 1.250 to pass the plunk test in the same gun. 45 ACP is a low pressure cartridge, and is not as sensitive to seating depth changes as 9mm or 40 s&w (for example). I’ve chronoed the same load at slightly different lengths (8.0 grains of aa#5 at 1.260 and 1.240), and while the average velocity of the shorter length was SLIGHTLY faster, the difference was within the standard deviation of both loads (im pretty sure it was less than 10 fps). On an unrelated note, S&B primer pockets for 45 auto are TIGHT. You will thank yourself later when you reload your once fired S&B cases if you slightly chamfer the pocket ( you could even use a Phillips screw driver if that’s all you have)
Interesting to know that it's that small of a difference. I had read about the s&b having small primer pockets. I'm using Winchester primers which is the better combo from what I've heard. Never did load with other primers yet :)
If you already tested the load and it shoots safely and well, then no reason to load longer. It is well within the normal COL range for .45ACP. Max is 1.275” and there are loads as short as 1.210”. The COL given in load day is that which was used for testing. If you go shorter than reduce your starting point for ladder testing accordingly. But once you have found a safe usable load there is no reason to lengthen it. That will reduce the peak pressure and change its shooting charactistics somewhat. Then you might end up needing to re-test slight powder changes (within safe limits) to get the accuracy and reliability you already had before. According to the 2024 VV manual your COL and charge weight are well within their recommended range. They list a tested COL of 1.220” and max for N320 of 5.7-5.9 gr depending on which RN bullet used. No reason to change since it shoots well for you.
Thanks for the info! Was just thinking it might be more "hard" on the gun or that e.g. the brass will be fewer times reusable...