[JonP]

I'm loading .45ACP on a Lee single stage press, using Redding dies. I'm getting pretty good loads (I'm new here), but I notice variations in OAL of up to 1/100th of an inch. I hasn't seemed to effect function, but how can I get rid of this?

[taliv]

try measuring the bullets themselves and see how much deviation you get. My bet is > 1/100th

in any event, don't sweat it

[teombe]

Use better bullets.

As long as your press doesn't have that much play in it, the variation in OAL is probably due to bullet invconsistencies. Redding seaters push the bullet at its ogive, so there may be some inconsistencies between that point and the tip.

[Shoney]

I agree with taliv. The only way to accurately measure OAL is with a Comparitor.

Load on!!!!!

[rcmodel]

Some of the Lee presses toggle over center instead of having a positive stop at full ram travel.

Could be you are not operating the press handle exactly the same each time?

Regardless, .100" is an awful lot of variation in OAL for a .45 ACP round.

By chance are you loading lead bullets?
If so, check the seating die stem for bullet lube build-up.
That will do it every time!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/1224.gif
rcmodel

[JonP]

I'm loading molly coated SWC, and the variances seem to be very little from bullet to bullet. I'm pretty sure I'm operating the press handle correctly every time...

But thanks for the suggestions!

[taliv]

rcmodel, 1/100th of an inch != 100 thousands of an inch

[Iron Sight]

Deleted

[orionengnr]

rcmodel, 1/100th of an inch != 100 thousands of an inch

Actually, 1/100th of an inch = ten thousandths of an inch....

Dad gum math :eek:

[Walkalong]

whoops

[Walkalong]

but I notice variations in OAL of up to 1/100th of an inch

.01 :uhoh:

I think rcmodel got in a hurry and missed his decimal point. I know he knows what 1 one hundreth is. :)

Still a big difference. I would expect no more than half that, or .005 variance.

Say from 1.260 to 1.265 O.A.L.

Most of mine do better than that. :)

orionengnr

.01 = 1/100 = 1 one hundreth
.010 = 10/1000 = 10 thousandths
.0100 = 100/10,000 = 100 ten thousandths

ALL the same thing. :evil: I love math. :)