Inconsistent OAL using Dillon 650 to load .45

[chickenfried]

Loaded 20 rounds to test out at the range before I crank a bunch out. I was using once fired brass. The majority were within .003" of each other. The extreme range, longest compared to shortest OAL measurement varied by .005". Is this okay?

[domokun]

Did you check your brass with a case gauge or the COAL with some calipers?

[joelogic]

If the shell plate is snug and the die lock nuts are snug (Top and bottom), and you are doing a full and complete stroke each time, then I dont know. However I would guess that .003 is not a big deal.

[CSACANNONEER]

What bullets are you using? .005 isn't a big deal at all. It's probably got something to do with the bullet ogive not being consistent.

[chickenfried]

winchester 230 grain fmj. The rounds checked out in a case gauge fine, shell plate and dies are snug. But my stroke could be a little more consistent. Did not measure COAL since consensus seems to be that trimming isn't needed with handgun brass.

[4D5auto]

That really isn't bad. You will hold tighter OAL if all brass is of the same head stamp and has equal fireings. Mixed brass will put OAL all over the place. .003-.005 is good to go. I can hold .003 on my 550 with consistant brass.

[domokun]

winchester 230 grain fmj. The rounds checked out in a case gauge fine, shell plate and dies are snug. But my stroke could be a little more consistent. Did not measure COAL since consensus seems to be that trimming isn't needed with handgun brass.

It isn't needed nor am I recommending it. I'm just wondering if there's some slight variation in the length of the brass cases.

[C.G.]

What bullets are you using? .005 isn't a big deal at all. It's probably got something to do with the bullet ogive not being consistent.

+1, that's what me thinks. As long as they fit your mag, you should be fine.

[CSACANNONEER]

I really don't see how the case length or headstamp would affect the COAL more than .001 or .002. I really bet it will either have to do with the ogive or your seating die. I know that my dies can get dirty and that does affect the COAL.

[chickenfried]

ahh thanks that's another thing I should do, clean my dies.

[CSACANNONEER]

ahh thanks that's another thing I should do, clean my dies.

I use goof off and Q-tips. Yea, I've got to clean some of mine too.

[AEC1]

Do yourself a favor, vomit the blue koolaid and spend 150 bucks to get a Lee pro 1000.












No I am am not kidding.

[ar15barrels]

Iconsistent seating lengths in pistol cartridges usually have to do with differences in brass hardness, or with consistency of the presss stroke.
Your first few rounds out of a run will always be different when only some stations are in use.
Once all the stations are in use, the ammo will get more consistent.

This applies to powder charges too.
I usually throw a few charges right when I start.

[chickenfried]

Yup that would solve my problem

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=85468&sid=c6c216f38cbd9576ac1301fe698f8ed7

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=896651

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=929930

http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/ammo-can/45989-oal-question.html

Thanks to those that offered helpful replies.

Do yourself a favor, vomit the blue koolaid and spend 150 bucks to get a Lee pro 1000.
No I am am not kidding.

[chickenfried]

Cleaned my garage, discovered some tools I bought when I was planning to use a friend's reloading machine. One of them was a stoney point bullet comparator. Using that tool to measure OAL showed a range of only .002". Haven't had a chance to hit the range