What does a 45 ACP round really look like?

[Maverickx50]

I’ve been searching for the “real” actual dimensions and tolerances for a 45 ACP FMJ bullet and casing. Everything I’ve found on the net either leaves off some dimensions, lacks the appropriate dimension tolerances, or is in conflict with other information I’ve already found. I’m starting to think that (1) the manufactures do not want to share this information or (2) no two rounds by different manufactures are actually the same. Which might explain a lot of other ongoing issues we have all seen or heard about. In any case if you know where the “Real” definitive information can be found I would appreciate it. I’ve even done a search in the patent history with little success.

Thanks;

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[ispcapt]

I’ve been searching for the “real” actual dimensions and tolerances for a 45 ACP FMJ bullet and casing. Everything I’ve found on the net either leaves off some dimensions, lacks the appropriate dimension tolerances, or is in conflict with other information I’ve already found.

It's no big secret. Any quality reloading manual will have the dimensions listed. This one happens to be from the Hornady manual since it was the closest at hand.

[Maverickx50]

Good except without the tolerances I need and nobody could repeat the crimp relief at the extractor end of the cartridge with out some dimensions there as well.

I’m a design engineer by trade so guess I’m just a bit anal about getting it right. Close don’t count.

Thanks for trying tho I do appreciate your efforts.

[msgt/ret]

This site may have additional info to include extractor groove.

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/histor...ge_History.htm

[QKShooter]

This one might not be a huge help but, it's kinda neat so I'll put it here anyway.

[AMH]

Just get a micrometer and a round, measure it yourself. Being an engineer I am sure you have one.

[ispcapt]

Good except without the tolerances I need and nobody could repeat the crimp relief at the extractor end of the cartridge with out some dimensions there as well.

Just what exactly what kind of info are you needing and in what regard?
"Crimp relief at the extractor end..."? You'll have to clarify what you are talking about. Crimp is not at the extractor end. Crimp is at the mouth. In a .45 ACP it is usually a tapered crimp because the case headspaces on the mouth. A rolled crimp works OK in a revolver but a heavy rolled crimp removes the edge of the mouth so the case can't headspace properly. That's why there's the listing for the max case length and trim length.