:? My real question is:
for the shorter FA97 cylinder, any personal experience or advice regarding cast or jacketed bullets (or molds) with a crimp groove located far enough toward the tip of the bullet to permit a secure crimp at groove, rather than attempting to taper crimp up on the ogive? Also, any load data reference for the smaller powder space with this shorter COL? (quoted from previous post: 3-1/2" FA97 finally!)
There must be another FA97 45 Colt owner/handloader out there! Ive been shooting/loading this caliber for 30+ years and currently have 4 other 45 Colts and have dies, some molds, plenty of brass just need to purchase appropriate bullets/molds and work up loads for the shorter COL of this new handgun.
My understanding is that Ruger Blackhawk loads are well within the design limit of this little 5-shot, and that with 280-320 grain bullets above moderate velocity, recoil might be more of a limiting factor! Im thinking more in terms of 250-275gr @ 1,000fps, with a secure crimp (to assure no cyl. lockup problems and also to function & feed in my Rossi 45 carbine).
If this little FA97 is pretty much what Im expecting, itll replace my Taurus 450SS as my 24/7 CCW for all but those sweltering summer days. Graybeard and other posters have left me feeling lucky that my Taurus functions well
so far, I do like the ribbed rubber grips but they do make it difficult to conceal, with that ported barrel I also cant use birdshot loads, factory service seems to be a real issue think its time sell that one!
Thanks guys, will share my results down the road a bit, Joe
