So, loading up my first batch, actually my first 9mm. load, of Hornady 125g. HAP @ .356 diameter bullets.
off press priming, on a Lee auto breech lock pro.
I'm belling case mouth just enough, with the Lee powder thru expanding die, die position is over the ram, then pour powder thru the die, powder is half the case height at most.
Next, The Redding comp. seating die, is located behind ram, I've made a dozen dummies before hand, to get used to the feel of it and set its height.
I can't seem to dial it in and keep a consistent coal. target is 1.060 - 1.069 acc. to book.
I get anywhere's from 1.055 on a few to 1.070.
I'm using the B.L.Pro locking bushings, which "seems" OK.
Later - I moved the seater die to position over the ram, and I still get variations.
Is this because of the .356 diameter bullet? This exact bullet is not in any of my reloading manuals, but it does seem like a popular one.
I know that this bullet gets squeezed, and it shows when I remove the bullet from cases that I test sized.
I have the Hornady comparator set, but I didn't use it, I though the comparators use was mainly for rifle bullets.
I think I could accept a deviation of .003-4 but not .01
any comments are welcome -
other - I do need to use the Lee F>C>die to bring bullet into a case gauge, and to slightly crimp the bullet.
other - My rifle rounds get loaded on my T7.
another other - save these for my .38 special loads
off press priming, on a Lee auto breech lock pro.
I'm belling case mouth just enough, with the Lee powder thru expanding die, die position is over the ram, then pour powder thru the die, powder is half the case height at most.
Next, The Redding comp. seating die, is located behind ram, I've made a dozen dummies before hand, to get used to the feel of it and set its height.
I can't seem to dial it in and keep a consistent coal. target is 1.060 - 1.069 acc. to book.
I get anywhere's from 1.055 on a few to 1.070.
I'm using the B.L.Pro locking bushings, which "seems" OK.
Later - I moved the seater die to position over the ram, and I still get variations.
Is this because of the .356 diameter bullet? This exact bullet is not in any of my reloading manuals, but it does seem like a popular one.
I know that this bullet gets squeezed, and it shows when I remove the bullet from cases that I test sized.
I have the Hornady comparator set, but I didn't use it, I though the comparators use was mainly for rifle bullets.
I think I could accept a deviation of .003-4 but not .01
any comments are welcome -
other - I do need to use the Lee F>C>die to bring bullet into a case gauge, and to slightly crimp the bullet.
other - My rifle rounds get loaded on my T7.
another other - save these for my .38 special loads