COAL on RL550B
Quote from Reloader on April 7, 2014, 11:04 pmI have been loading .22-250 on my RL550B, and my coal is all over the place. Shooting for 2.350". Just ran 10 "samples" through, and they ranged from 2.339 to 2.356". Checked shell plate, checked brass length, tried different bullets,and changed brass. It makes no difference if I have every station full or not, same variations. I did notice there is (imo) a considerable amount of slop or play in the toolhead itself. You can see the entire toolhead move on every upstroke. I have my seating die in station 3. Would it help to move it to station 4? Thought about slipping some shim stock between the toolhead and press frame to hold things steady, but haven't tried it yet. This press and toolhead probably haven't loaded much over 500 rounds. Guess I should swap dies (RCBS) to another toolhead but haven't done that yet either. Have a little coal variation on some of the handgun stuff I load, but nothing I can't live with. Anyone else experienced this or have any ideas? Thanks, KW
I have been loading .22-250 on my RL550B, and my coal is all over the place. Shooting for 2.350". Just ran 10 "samples" through, and they ranged from 2.339 to 2.356". Checked shell plate, checked brass length, tried different bullets,and changed brass. It makes no difference if I have every station full or not, same variations. I did notice there is (imo) a considerable amount of slop or play in the toolhead itself. You can see the entire toolhead move on every upstroke. I have my seating die in station 3. Would it help to move it to station 4? Thought about slipping some shim stock between the toolhead and press frame to hold things steady, but haven't tried it yet. This press and toolhead probably haven't loaded much over 500 rounds. Guess I should swap dies (RCBS) to another toolhead but haven't done that yet either. Have a little coal variation on some of the handgun stuff I load, but nothing I can't live with. Anyone else experienced this or have any ideas? Thanks, KW
Quote from Reloader on April 8, 2014, 4:22 pmThe toolhead movement is irrellivent, as it gets lifted up exactly the same amount every time. When you adjust the seat die, do have a fired piece of brass in station one, to ensure the toolhead is lifted the same amount as it will be when actually reloading. Beyond this, the variation you experience is due to ogive variations from one projectile to the next.
The toolhead movement is irrellivent, as it gets lifted up exactly the same amount every time. When you adjust the seat die, do have a fired piece of brass in station one, to ensure the toolhead is lifted the same amount as it will be when actually reloading. Beyond this, the variation you experience is due to ogive variations from one projectile to the next.
Quote from Reloader on April 26, 2014, 4:39 amI can relate to what you are experiencing. To elaborate a little more on Dillon's response regarding variations varying from the ogive from different projectiles; unfortunately, simply measuring from the case head to bullet tip is not quite accurate enough. The tip of a rifle bullet is the weakest and most easily deformed part of the bullet. Bullet tips are deformed slightly during manufacturing, shipping, and handling; and they are not consistent enough for accurate measurement. This is particularly true for soft point or polymer tipped bullets (pointy polymer tips especially - they're deformed by the caliper itself when you try to measure them). I also load for the 22-250 and am very detail oriented. At least in mine own eyes.
The fix; Get yourself the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator Body
Product #: 709931 and Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator Insert 224 Diameter
Product #: 727771For under $25.00, these tools will make your problem go away. For additional information on how to benefit even more, go to and read the article at the below link.
http://www.massreloading.com/rifleCOAL.html
To achieve greater accuracy by being even more precise you will need a few additional tools; Hornady OAL gauge and a modified case. These are also talked about in the above linked article.
Good luck and safe loading,
Fish AK
I can relate to what you are experiencing. To elaborate a little more on Dillon's response regarding variations varying from the ogive from different projectiles; unfortunately, simply measuring from the case head to bullet tip is not quite accurate enough. The tip of a rifle bullet is the weakest and most easily deformed part of the bullet. Bullet tips are deformed slightly during manufacturing, shipping, and handling; and they are not consistent enough for accurate measurement. This is particularly true for soft point or polymer tipped bullets (pointy polymer tips especially - they're deformed by the caliper itself when you try to measure them). I also load for the 22-250 and am very detail oriented. At least in mine own eyes.
The fix; Get yourself the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator Body
Product #: 709931 and Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator Insert 224 Diameter
Product #: 727771
For under $25.00, these tools will make your problem go away. For additional information on how to benefit even more, go to and read the article at the below link.
http://www.massreloading.com/rifleCOAL.html
To achieve greater accuracy by being even more precise you will need a few additional tools; Hornady OAL gauge and a modified case. These are also talked about in the above linked article.
Good luck and safe loading,
Fish AK