223 OAL problem
Quote from Reloader on October 26, 2011, 3:29 amI cant seem to get this under control. I have used two different seating dies. I am trying to load 223 rem. As suggested, when setting the setting depth, I had a case in the sizing die and still no joy. I put a case in the sizing die, turned out the seating die and put a round in that was exactly 2.260. I turned the seating adjuster in until it touched the bullet then started seating bullets. It varied between 2.245 and 2.276. This is driving me nuts. I also have the shell plate tightened up to where it rotates with a little bit of tension so there is very little to no play at all. Also, when I noticed I was seating to long, I would adjust the depth in and end up with the next one being longer! No that really pissed me off. So what am I doing wrong? I have used a Lee and Lyman die. At the rate I have been going, my Lee turret could keep up with less variance at this point.
I cant seem to get this under control. I have used two different seating dies. I am trying to load 223 rem. As suggested, when setting the setting depth, I had a case in the sizing die and still no joy. I put a case in the sizing die, turned out the seating die and put a round in that was exactly 2.260. I turned the seating adjuster in until it touched the bullet then started seating bullets. It varied between 2.245 and 2.276. This is driving me nuts. I also have the shell plate tightened up to where it rotates with a little bit of tension so there is very little to no play at all. Also, when I noticed I was seating to long, I would adjust the depth in and end up with the next one being longer! No that really pissed me off. So what am I doing wrong? I have used a Lee and Lyman die. At the rate I have been going, my Lee turret could keep up with less variance at this point.
Quote from Reloader on October 26, 2011, 3:17 pmUsing what bullets? It is quite possible there is that much variation in the ogive from one bullet to the next, especially with an FMJ projectile.
When adjusting the bullet seat die, try adjusting in this manner: With a sized, empty case in station 4, and a lubed,fired case in station 1, pull the handle down. Leaving the handle down, screw the seat die body down until it stops by contacting the case, then back it up 1/8 turn. snug the die lock ring with your fingers only. Lift the handle up. Place a sample loaded cartridge at the correct length into station 4, reinsert the lubed,fired case into station 1, and pull the handle down again. Now thread the bullet seating stem down to snugly contact the nose of the bullet, and tighten the lock rings. Now load a few and measure.
Using what bullets? It is quite possible there is that much variation in the ogive from one bullet to the next, especially with an FMJ projectile.
When adjusting the bullet seat die, try adjusting in this manner: With a sized, empty case in station 4, and a lubed,fired case in station 1, pull the handle down. Leaving the handle down, screw the seat die body down until it stops by contacting the case, then back it up 1/8 turn. snug the die lock ring with your fingers only. Lift the handle up. Place a sample loaded cartridge at the correct length into station 4, reinsert the lubed,fired case into station 1, and pull the handle down again. Now thread the bullet seating stem down to snugly contact the nose of the bullet, and tighten the lock rings. Now load a few and measure.
Quote from Reloader on October 26, 2011, 8:30 pmI am using 69gr Nosler custom competition HPBT bullets. I too wondered about the ogive but thought since they were suppose to be match bullets, that they would be a lot more consistent than just bulk stuff. I will try your suggestion and see how it goes. Thanks
I am using 69gr Nosler custom competition HPBT bullets. I too wondered about the ogive but thought since they were suppose to be match bullets, that they would be a lot more consistent than just bulk stuff. I will try your suggestion and see how it goes. Thanks
Quote from Reloader on October 27, 2011, 6:14 pmI did the setup like you mentioned and reseated all of the longer rounds I had already made. I noticed I had 2 distinct batches. One group I was able to get seated to with in +/- .002 of 2.260 and they started out roughly around 2.266. Group 2 started out at 2.274ishand could only be adjusted to 2.266 without toughing the seating die. Kinda leads me to believe there is some variance with the ogives on those bullets.
I switched to some 62gr ARMSCOR FMJBT bullets I have and ran a batch of those and had better results. Only fluctuating around .003 or .004. Its hard to believe I can have better results with those over match bullets.
I did the setup like you mentioned and reseated all of the longer rounds I had already made. I noticed I had 2 distinct batches. One group I was able to get seated to with in +/- .002 of 2.260 and they started out roughly around 2.266. Group 2 started out at 2.274ishand could only be adjusted to 2.266 without toughing the seating die. Kinda leads me to believe there is some variance with the ogives on those bullets.
I switched to some 62gr ARMSCOR FMJBT bullets I have and ran a batch of those and had better results. Only fluctuating around .003 or .004. Its hard to believe I can have better results with those over match bullets.
Quote from Reloader on October 27, 2011, 6:27 pmI did the setup like you mentioned and reseated all of the longer rounds I had already made. I noticed I had 2 distinct batches. One group I was able to get seated to with in +/- .002 of 2.260 and they started out roughly around 2.266. Group 2 started out at 2.274ishand could only be adjusted to 2.266 without toughing the seating die. Kinda leads me to believe there is some variance with the ogives on those bullets.
I switched to some 62gr ARMSCOR FMJBT bullets I have and ran a batch of those and had better results. Only fluctuating around .003 or .004. Its hard to believe I can have better results with those over match bullets.
I did the setup like you mentioned and reseated all of the longer rounds I had already made. I noticed I had 2 distinct batches. One group I was able to get seated to with in +/- .002 of 2.260 and they started out roughly around 2.266. Group 2 started out at 2.274ishand could only be adjusted to 2.266 without toughing the seating die. Kinda leads me to believe there is some variance with the ogives on those bullets.
I switched to some 62gr ARMSCOR FMJBT bullets I have and ran a batch of those and had better results. Only fluctuating around .003 or .004. Its hard to believe I can have better results with those over match bullets.