Ok...started loading my first 10 round batch. Using Winchester 7.62x39 new brass, S&B LR primers, Lee 3 die set on an "O" single stage press, .311 dia decapper, Lee case lube, and Lee Auto Prime. I lubed the case necks (inside) and cases (outside, careful not to get any on the shoulder). Ran them through the full length sizer, then primed them. After all were primed, I (should have done this before priming, I know now) decided to check the measurements against my Hornady Loading book for a standard case. This is what I found:
Out of 10 cases, 7 were 1.211", 2 were 1.212", 1 was 1.215". For comparison, I checked a once fired case from my mini30. It measured 1.219". The Hornady comparator case measures 1.216" (btw measuring my chamber using the Hornady LNL measuring tool and the 123 gr FMJ bullet I'll be using with this comparator said to insert the bullet just shy of the cannelure). To top it off, none of these measurments correspond to any in the book (1.198" to the shoulder and 1.289" to the neck, SAAMI says 1.252" Min 1.262" Max to the Datum).
I set the Lee die as per the instructions that came with it. That is, I screwed it in 'til the ram, fully extended, touched the die, backed the ram off, and screwed down 1/4 to 1/3 turn then tightened the lock nut. Did I screw it in too far? I can understand the .001" offset on 2 of 'em but .004"??? Not enough lube??
Do I have 9 good and one tosser or 1 good and 9 tossers??? I know experts can deprime a live primer but I'd rather not, yet.
Finally, the Hornady book says that the Mini 30 has a .308 bore. I thought it could take both .308 and .310.
Out of 10 cases, 7 were 1.211", 2 were 1.212", 1 was 1.215". For comparison, I checked a once fired case from my mini30. It measured 1.219". The Hornady comparator case measures 1.216" (btw measuring my chamber using the Hornady LNL measuring tool and the 123 gr FMJ bullet I'll be using with this comparator said to insert the bullet just shy of the cannelure). To top it off, none of these measurments correspond to any in the book (1.198" to the shoulder and 1.289" to the neck, SAAMI says 1.252" Min 1.262" Max to the Datum).
I set the Lee die as per the instructions that came with it. That is, I screwed it in 'til the ram, fully extended, touched the die, backed the ram off, and screwed down 1/4 to 1/3 turn then tightened the lock nut. Did I screw it in too far? I can understand the .001" offset on 2 of 'em but .004"??? Not enough lube??
Do I have 9 good and one tosser or 1 good and 9 tossers??? I know experts can deprime a live primer but I'd rather not, yet.
Finally, the Hornady book says that the Mini 30 has a .308 bore. I thought it could take both .308 and .310.