True Max OAL for 97's?

[pka45]

Hi all,

I was wondering what the true max OAL is for the 97's cylinder; looks like the cylinder is 1.625" or so; are the holes recessed for the case rims?  If so, I guess then that cylinder length is about the max, but if not, couldn't one get another +-.050" out of it?  So that would make a max nose-to-crimp of .400?

Looking for a little help from the owners of one of these fine guns, thanks,

Pete

[paul105]

The FA97 cylinders are recessed for case rims, encroaching on the 1.620 (my .45 Colt) cyl length.  So, the ability to use a specific nose to crimp length will be caliber dependent.  Your .400 nose to crimp will work (crimping in the crimp grove) with the .44 special, but not with cases measuring 1.280 (.357, .41Mag, .45 Colt).

Your overall length with 1.280" cases will be limited to 1.600' (maybe 1.610" IIRC).

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.

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 you cases to accomdate 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.  

Hope some of that helps.

Paul

  

[Ken ONeill]

All 97's have the chambers cut so that the cartridge rims are recessed. Paul posted a thorough answer as I was typing that first sentence.

[Boxhead]

All the above is good. That written, I have trimmed my 45 Colt brass to allow the 270 SAA bullet to work just fine and others can I suppose. The 270 SAA (actual at 283 grs) goes 1200 fps quite easily in my 5.5" M97.