Ever load for a caliber you don't own yet? Update in post #1

[XDRoX]

Forgive all my questions, but are you saying that a dillon brand 380 case gauge can be used to check OAL?

[shinbone]

Ive been tempted to in the past, but why? Just wait for the gun to come so you can figure out what it likes. If you load up a batch that it doesn't like, then youre going to have to pull the bullets out and re-reload.

[XDRoX]

Ive been tempted to in the past, but why? Just wait for the gun to come so you can figure out what it likes. If you load up a batch that it doesn't like, then youre going to have to pull the bullets out and re-reload.

I kind of did it as a challenge. I'm pretty sure they'll work fine. And if they don't, I'll have taught myself a lesson by having to pull 100 rounds. There is not really that much that could go wrong. I'm shooting a load that at least 3 other people I know have shot through the same gun as I'm getting.

But, if they don't work, don't worry, I'll post it in this thread and let you guys know. I'm certainly not above admitting to my mistakes.

[brando]

Both of my .338LM and .408CT rifles were delivered a bit later than I expected, but I still did some initial loads for them during the wait. In both cases I loaded up an initial load development batch to standard dimensions but varying charge weights as well as a small batch of light loads to break things in.

[AMProducts]

Forgive all my questions, but are you saying that a dillon brand 380 case gauge can be used to check OAL?

There are a few ideas I'm talking about that are a bit nuanced.

OAL should be checked with a pair of dial calipers, a height gauge, or a micrometer depending on how puckered you are about the OAL. Now one of the things that is dependent on OAL and the Ogive of the bullet, is how close the bullet will be to the throat of the barrel.

If you look at this drawing: http://www.saami.org/PubResources/CC... Automatic.pdf

You will see (in the second figure) a 4degree taper that changes between chamber and the barrel. If your OAL is too long or the bullet has an odd ogive, the bullet will engage the throat/rifling early, which can result in a few different headaches: rounds not chambering, loaded rounds refusing to extract, loaded rounds leaving a bullet stuck in the barrel on extraction, and high chamber pressures on firing.

Now, I don't have a dillon .380 gage, but I do have a dillon .45ACP gage which will make any of the above problems obvious. So I would say the dillon .380 gage should have the same feature. Also, I do have a midway branded .380 gage, which has the same feature (it has a step replicating the headspace you would find in a real gun barrel).

I hope I'm making some sense here describing this.

[Eargasm]

Yep. I've got dies and setups for calibers I don't own yet.

Dies I have: .308, .243, .45, .223, .40

Dies for calibers I own: .223, .40

[sequoia_nomad]

So, have you picked it up yet?!?

[XDRoX]

So, have you picked it up yet?!?

I get it tomorrow at 10:30AM. Can't wait.

[wtkaiser]

I've loaded .308 for two friends who had them but didn't use them. I've loaded .380 for a stepson who has a little Star in that caliber. And I've loaded some 9mm and I am a confirmed revolver guy. I loaded 7mmMag after I sold mine (and my shoulder thanks me every time I go to the range - off the bench that thing was rough).

I got a bunch of different types of brass and dies out in the garage. I guess I'll go see what I have and see what memories come back to me.

[bruceflinch]

No, but I've thought about it...

[XDRoX]

I finally got it!

[AMProducts]

Nice pistol, have fun shooting, sounds like everything should go great!

[sequoia_nomad]

Mine is only about 29,000 older units than yours! Have fun, I love mine, but have a friend on hand to watch where your brass goes. If yours doesn't fling it in every direction, let me know!

[XDRoX]

Mine is only about 29,000 older units than yours! Have fun, I love mine, but have a friend on hand to watch where your brass goes. If yours doesn't fling it in every direction, let me know!

I've heard they can sling some brass. Not good for a reloader. Hey I'm vacationing in Arizona over thanksgiving break. I'll be packin the LCP the whole time I'm there.

[theduece]

I loaded for my .45 before I got it. Actually got to test the rounds and about had the load 100% before the ten day was up..... Got to love brea indoor!

Also have 9mm dies that I don't shoot or load for yet... .38 complete setup Along with a spare toolhead with .357 dies.