I have always let the length of the cylinder dictate the OL of my handloads but just got a new Taurus Thunderbolt and discovered that 1.600 is max 1.590 is even better. I want my 45 Colt loads to work in all of my guns, handgun and rifle; so here's the question. I want to shoot heavy HC lead bullets and if you take the OL of 1.590 and subtract the canalure to meplat distance of .380 you would trim brass to 1.210 or you pay no attention to the canalure and crimp on the ogive. My starline brass starts at 1.275 aprox batch length. I generaly trim to 1.270 to start with cases all the same length.Recomendations?

My Hornady manual lists 1.275" as the normal trim-to length. Another .065" is a LOT of trimming. It's your decision, since shooting them shorter won't be any different than shooting .38 Special in a .357 Mag., and they should function fine in all your firearms as long as the load isn't too hot. Alternatively, you could try loading a few with the load you want to use and setting your crimper to just remove the flare and then a bit more. A good bullet hold in the case (usually accomplished by a consistent crimp) is necessary for consistent ignition. But with your loads you might just be okay as long as the bullets don't "jump" and tie up your cylinder.

The problem isn't in my hand guns it's with the Thunderbolt. 14 round tube mag and anything over 1.595 won't go through the action. I figure if they will work in the rifle they will work in the hand gun.