Extreme OAL variation
Quote from Reloader on April 10, 2011, 8:33 pmI recently purchased a new 650 to replace my SDB. Overall the machine has been excellent but in the last couple of batches I've developed a problem I can't seem to resolve.
When loading 147g Precision Delta bullets (FMJ TC) on mixed brass and using Lee carbide dies, I am getting oal swings from 1.077 to 1.125 (Target was 1.10). I have removed, replaced, and reset the seating die, pulled the seating stem to check for damage and cleanliness and checked shellplate security all to no avail. The problem appears between one round and the next and goes away just as quickly. I may get 10 perfect rounds at 1.10 then 25 more with completely different lengths on each round. I was previously loading MG 147's and did have some of the same swings although they (the swings) were smaller.
I've followed Dillon's suggestion to put an empty cartridge at Station 1 while setting OAL and I've tried with all stations in use with the same results. I need to knock out about 2000 rounds, so any ideas or suggestions are gratefully accepted.
I recently purchased a new 650 to replace my SDB. Overall the machine has been excellent but in the last couple of batches I've developed a problem I can't seem to resolve.
When loading 147g Precision Delta bullets (FMJ TC) on mixed brass and using Lee carbide dies, I am getting oal swings from 1.077 to 1.125 (Target was 1.10). I have removed, replaced, and reset the seating die, pulled the seating stem to check for damage and cleanliness and checked shellplate security all to no avail. The problem appears between one round and the next and goes away just as quickly. I may get 10 perfect rounds at 1.10 then 25 more with completely different lengths on each round. I was previously loading MG 147's and did have some of the same swings although they (the swings) were smaller.
I've followed Dillon's suggestion to put an empty cartridge at Station 1 while setting OAL and I've tried with all stations in use with the same results. I need to knock out about 2000 rounds, so any ideas or suggestions are gratefully accepted.
Quote from Reloader on April 11, 2011, 2:50 pmCheck the bullets in this manner: Pull the bullet seat stem out, set the nose of the bullet in it, and measure from the top of the seat stem to the base of the bullet. Do this for 25-30 bullets, see what the variation is. This tells you if the variation is in the projectile or the machine. It also helps to use the same brand of brass.
Check the bullets in this manner: Pull the bullet seat stem out, set the nose of the bullet in it, and measure from the top of the seat stem to the base of the bullet. Do this for 25-30 bullets, see what the variation is. This tells you if the variation is in the projectile or the machine. It also helps to use the same brand of brass.
Quote from Reloader on April 11, 2011, 3:55 pmOK, I've pulled 30 random rounds from the batch.
I have measured OAL's (including the seating stem) ranging from 2.223" down 2.195". Those that were of the correct OAL initially (1.10' w/o stem) came out between 2.197 and 2. 200 when measured with the stem in place. So the maximum differential is 0.028" between the longest and shortest rounds. Still a pretty big fluctuation, whats next to check??
Just to add a touch more information, I have 3 friends loading bullets from the same order, all on 650xl's with no problems (all using Lee Deluxe die sets).
As always, any ideas are gratefully accepted!!
OK, I've pulled 30 random rounds from the batch.
I have measured OAL's (including the seating stem) ranging from 2.223" down 2.195". Those that were of the correct OAL initially (1.10' w/o stem) came out between 2.197 and 2. 200 when measured with the stem in place. So the maximum differential is 0.028" between the longest and shortest rounds. Still a pretty big fluctuation, whats next to check??
Just to add a touch more information, I have 3 friends loading bullets from the same order, all on 650xl's with no problems (all using Lee Deluxe die sets).
As always, any ideas are gratefully accepted!!
Quote from Reloader on April 12, 2011, 2:54 pmActually, that variation is typical of lots of 9mm bullets. If you have a different bullet seating stem, such as for a flat-nose bullet, try that.
Actually, that variation is typical of lots of 9mm bullets. If you have a different bullet seating stem, such as for a flat-nose bullet, try that.
Quote from Reloader on April 17, 2011, 4:05 amOK, problem found and resolved. Bottom line was it was the bullets.
I just started using Precision Delta Bullets after having used Montana Golds (temporary switch) and after nearly pulling my hair out, I found that the taper of the cone on the PD bullets is inconsistent. Some were approx 0.23" at the tip while others were 0.16". As a result the seating stem was contacting the ogive of the wider tipped bullets sooner and driving them deeper into the cartridge. Once I sorted the two variations out (a fun task with 4000 rounds) I was able to load 500 rounds with an maximum variation of less than .012"
Thanks for the help Dillon and I hope this helps someone else.
RW
OK, problem found and resolved. Bottom line was it was the bullets.
I just started using Precision Delta Bullets after having used Montana Golds (temporary switch) and after nearly pulling my hair out, I found that the taper of the cone on the PD bullets is inconsistent. Some were approx 0.23" at the tip while others were 0.16". As a result the seating stem was contacting the ogive of the wider tipped bullets sooner and driving them deeper into the cartridge. Once I sorted the two variations out (a fun task with 4000 rounds) I was able to load 500 rounds with an maximum variation of less than .012"
Thanks for the help Dillon and I hope this helps someone else.
RW