I`m getting ready to reload some 45`s. I`ve poured some 230gr RCBS bullets, and now I`m ready to reload some cartridges; but the bullets have no crimp grove. Where do you set the O.A.L at? do you go all the way up to the shoulder? They will be going in a s&w 1911 that I will be getting in a few days.

Generally set the OAL to something close to 1.265",,,thats usually just enough for a small amount of the bearing area of this bullet to be outside of the case (something like 1/10 inch).

This turns out to be a little shorter than FMJ's or the Lyman #452374 can be seated out...but in some barrels, that full diameter section of the RCBS bullet can give trouble is too much is outside the case.

As for crimp...generally taper crimp so no need for a crimp groove. Usually set the taper crimp by running a factory loaded round in and snuggling the die down tight against it...then add 1/4turn and lock it down.

Thats what I did ribbonstone; I did use a factory cartridge and adj the crimp that way, and I set the oal length @ 1.270 to start but it has about 1/4" of that front band still showing. I may have to push them boolits down a little further.

Why not try a few rounds first to check for accuracy and feed problems before seating the bullets deeper? They may work just fine as is. Depending on how much deeper you seat them, you may encounter feed problems and higher pressure. I believe RCBS has taken oal into account when they designed the bullet.

I think your right Marshall. I will shoot them. I think I`m in the ball park.