A few more ABLP questions

[DonOK]

These are Lee dies, Hornady 55 gr sp with flat base, and I don't know about the seating stem.

I tightened the seating die 1/4 past snug per instructions. I think it was just barely snug to the shell holder. This helped some. I operated the press fully loaded and measured each cartridge as it came off and noted which shell holder (1 thru 4). I was checking for inconsistencies between the four shell holders. I think there may be up to .001 between them, but nothing to cause major issues. I was at .0035 difference top to bottom on that test. I can live with this. Then I lubed the inside case necks with graphite. This is something I don't normally do. I continued checking cartridge length while noting which particular shell holder. This got me .002 consistency. There were a couple of short ones (.011, .0035). I think they bumped the FCD on the way up or something. The .011 short does bug me.

Tightening the die 1/4 turn and the graphite seems to have mitigated the problems. I'm very pleased for now. I realize this is not a precision rifle loading press. I'm not a precision shooter. However, I want it to operate at the highest level that its capable of and produce quality ammo.

 

[kmw1954]

Once again I will state that in my opinion much of this inconsistency is caused by the bullet and the fit between the bullet and seating steam. I have been using Hornady 62gr FMJBT and have been getting fairly consistent measurements though on occasion I will get one that is .005" short and the next one will be back on point.

These are by no means Match Grade bullets and I do not expect them to be but I am still trying to make them as consistent as possible. Again, can't buy sirloin steak and expect it to cook like Prime Rib.