5.7 Reloading Help

[skoltuniak]

Well, I think it's time to start reloading 5.7x28mm. I can't find a shellplate for the Dillon 650 that I use for everything else.

I'm thinking that I'll just get a single stage loader for 5.7 (should be kinda fun!). Problem is, I'm only familiar with Dillon equipment. Does anybody here reload 5.7? If so, what's the setup to get?

Thank You,

Shaun

 

[taliv]

if you use search, you'll find some links to a third party making shellplates for dillon.

but no, reloading 5.7 is a PITA i don't need

 

[PTK]

The manufacturer recommends VERY strongly against reloading this caliber. After seeing what can happen with a slight overcharge, I'm believing them.

 

[Walkalong]

It is definitely one to be very careful with.

 

[skoltuniak]

I did see the thread where the guy's gun exploded with a handload in the chamber. I was hoping to gauge how much of a fluke that was. Honestly, I was hoping to find a bunch of people reloading this caliber with no issues

 

[FN5.7shooter]

One thing that is different is shoulder stretch. In the pistol when the round is fired it is normal to get 0.050" shoulder movement. This needs to be set back. At one time early on RCBS dies would not go down far enough to do this. I think they have resolved this but check your hand loads in a factory barrel compared to factory ammo. Don't know about the rifle reloads.
The trim length is important you need enough to not get stuck in the chamber but still leave all you can of the neck for bullet hold.
There is good info out there on the net. I use a single stage press to do my 5.7X28mm.
I use a contender for load development. Better to find out the load was to hot in that than the pistol.
If you are a careful reloader you will have no problems. But if you sit around watching TV while reloading with a Lee hand press and some wild notions of trim length and powder charge vs bullet weight combos and no tools to verify shoulder placement no chrono to work up a hot load then you will have problems otherwise you will be fine.

 

[grendelbane]

I use a single stage press to load 5.7x28mm. So far, no problems whatsoever, although I admit that I have been reloading for over 3 decades, so I do have some experience.

I don't think it is that difficult. Some dies have given problems. Plus, some powders don't function well with the blowback actions. The peak pressure is low enough, but the pressure curve can cause problems. Best to stick with the faster burning powders for this one. People with contenders can probably get good performance with slower powders, but for the PS-90 and FiveseveN, stick with the faster powders.

I wish there were more bullets suitable for this wonderful little cartridge.

 

[mgregg85]

I'f I was reloading for my very sensitve ~$900 pistol, I would get the best powder measure and scale I could find. I'd weigh each and every loaded cartridge to be safe too, or at least weigh them in lots of 20 to 50 or so to be sure there isn't any variance.

Its all up to you but I'd be really careful, if not to save yourself injury, to prevent damage to your pistol.