First run of reloaded ammo

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Rainman76

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WEll My first outting was less then stellar:cuss:


I had multiple FTF and I was running a PF of 121K.

I use a Lee Turret press with Auto powder/prime. I used 4g of W231 and 115 Grain Rainier bullets. I was using CCI small pistol primers...

What would be a good load that you guys have found for Production in USPSA?

Also how bad is it if you don't clean your bBrass?
 
Did you try to fire them again after the first time? Sometimes not seating the primers deep enough can cause a ftf. The first hit seats the primer completely, the second hit ignites it.
 
Also how bad is it if you don't clean your Brass?
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In Carbide dies, you can scratch the sizing ring with dirty brass. On the whole, however, if you clean the dies often, it shouldn't be a problem. A tumbler is a good investment. It's pleasing to have nice shiny brass come out of the press.
 
Brass needs to be free of dirt, but thats it. Most of us like it shiny too, of course, so we use tumblers and polish as well. The point about primers being seated all the way is very valid and probably part of the problem if by FTF you mean failure to fire. 4.0 Grs of W231 with a 115 Ranier is very light and is part of the problem as well. Try 4.3 and work up from there. Do you have a load book? At least check here for a guideline to data.

Welcome to THR.
 
In Carbide dies, you can scratch the sizing ring with dirty brass. On the whole, however, if you clean the dies often, it shouldn't be a problem.
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N00b question: how do you clean the dies?

To the OP, I second the suggestion that you take a look at your priming, as that seems to have been an issue with my first outing (shooting 357 reloads). Another N00b question: could you translate "and I was running a PF of 121K" for me?
 
FTF= failure to fire, yup you got that one.

PF 121K... Power Factor of 121000, based off the avg 1058 ft/s that I got. I had a friends chronograph and tested my loads velocity, and power. For USPSA in production I needed at least 125000 PF so that 4.3 with 115 grain might be alot better.

I have speer's book and Nosler's books of reloading, never got the ABC's because I hate mail order.:fire: But I am seeing that with reloadind that is the way to go.

I think you are right that that first light strike just seated it better because the second shot fired the round.:banghead:
 
What gun?
Factory stock or has it been messed with?

CCI primers are the "hardest" in the business and if they are not seated all the way to the bottom of the pocket, you have a recipe for misfire.
 
First of all, Welcome to THR, Rainman76!

It's kinda odd that in all the posts here no one has asked and R76 hasn't said what caliber he's talking about. Like most, I'm assuming 9mm, but assuming in reloading isn't an advisable SOP. I wouldn't give any load advice until that is cleared up.

baz said:
how do you clean the dies?
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There are many ways to do it, most of them effective. I simply use a Q-tip with a little WD-40 to get the gunk out of the various dies. This is one instance where WD-40 works well, it's not a good permanent lubricant, but it is a good cleaner.
 
Thanks, Mal. That's stuff -- q-tips and wd-40 -- I already have plenty of.
 
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