How often does a setup need to be checked?

[marklbucla]

Suppose you are going to load for one caliber only, say .38SP, 9mm, or .45ACP on a Dillon 550 machine. How often do you need to calibrate your dies, or anything else? Is it a matter of "set it and forget it"?

Now what if you're going back and forth between the above calibers via their quick change conversion kits?

 

[Walkalong]

I pretty much set it and forget it, even though I change my dies out all the time. I do double check O.A.L. every time I set up to run off some rounds of whatever.

 

[possum]

i measure oal and powder charge every 50 rds normally.

 

[lgbloader]

Mark,

Call me paranoid but I always check my machines every time I load. Actually, it's mainly because I can't remember if I loaded a plated bullet or cast boolit or jacketed bullet last time I used the machine. I have 2 XL650's, 1 set for 9mm and 1 set for 45acp and I always check on both machines every time I use them. Just something I do. No big deal.

My 550b, I load for a few different calibers of pistol plus 223 and 30-30 win and I always check this Machine as well. Again, no big deal. To me, it's part of the loading process. As for my T7 or other single stage press, even though I have lock rings and they are good to go, I still get the old calipers out, you know what I mean? It's just my routine.

I would plan this practice into your loading routine as well. Don't ever take anything for granted when I comes to handloading 'cause it always catches up with you and will bite you and others around you in the arse.

LGB

 

[Riss]

Check it after making the first of a group of rounds. Just to be sure OAL is what it should be, same as checking, or cycling powder measure before starting. Otherwise I clean out the lube from the seating and crimp dies every 400 or so, which is usually how many I chunk out at a time.

 

[lgbloader]

Evening Walkalong.

Cheers Mate.

LGB

 

[dardascastbullets]

Quality Control!

It is imperative that you confirm and verify the headspace of the cases everytime that you change the dies - whether via a quick change tool head or single stage press. You can never be anal enough when it comes to your dies and press.

 

[cobra2411]

I just started loading and I'm pretty anal. When using Unique I'm checking powder every 3rd or 4th round because it gives me so many problems metering. I've got a system for it but I don't trust it.

Trailboss I'm checking every 10 rnds. I randomly check the OAL.

I'll probably ease up after I've got a couple hundred rounds under my belt (I've loaded 100 so far).

 

[D. Manley]

I tend to think the time in prep work setting up powder throw makes a lot of intermittent checking unnecessary. I adjust the drop on a single throw to the desired charge (which is pretty quick) and once done, fine tune the adjustment by weighing 10-throws in the pan. Not as time-consuming as it sounds once you get the little routine down and the end result is very high consistency. If you're using the average electronic scale accurate to .1 grain, the indicated weight is "rounded off" and can vary +/- .04 grain from the target drop and still read the desired charge. It may not matter in the grand scheme of things but by weighing in multiples you can at least maximize the accuracy potential of both the measure and your scale.

Other than the above, I usually throw one "check drop" per 100 rounds when I reload primers or, after the last loaded round. Occasionally, I check OAL and crimp on a couple out of a hundred but I've found that neither varies enough to fret over on the little Dillon SDB.

 

[243winxb]

load for one caliber only

Check- When the lot number on the bullets change i would check OAL. Always check powder charge weight and OAL at startup. Roll crimp on 38spec. Powder charge weight, average of 10 drops, then every 25th. Every 50th take another average of 10 drops.

Now what if you're going back and forth between the above calibers via their quick change conversion kits?

Check everything 100% of the time till you know your equipment. But most should be very close. Always check powder charge weight and OAL at startup. If for a bottle neck rife caliber, check to see the flrs rounds chamber.

 

[frank_1947]

I quit useing unique it varies to much

 

[Lookn4Brass]

I've used a Dillon RL 550B alot over the years. Something that helped me stay consistent is to use lock rings with a set screw, like Hornady, Lyman or RCBS lock rings on the dies. They don't vibrate loose very easily, and go back in very consistently. As for reloading dies, use whatever you want. The Dillon powder measure that comes with the RL550B is very consistent with Winchester 231 or Bullseye, and the Accurate powders (#5,#7) work very well too. I use ONE powder measure, and just put it on top of the toolhead I am using at the time. It doesn't take long to turn the screw and setup the powder charge I need. I do three or four consecutive checks with my powder scale, and start zipping out rounds after that. By the way, 231 or Bullseye powder is extremely consistent.

Keeping one caliber on its own changeable toolhead is a good idea. You don't have to check the dies very often if you have the lock rings down snug. And PLEASE label what you have stuff setup for: use some painter's tape and a Sharpie marker so you can remember the caliber, powder charge, and bullet setup. Also make and keep a dummy reload round of what was on the machine(no powder or primer) so you can use it to check yourself if needed. That's a whole lot easier than breakin' out the dial calipers all the time. I make better rounds than I can buy on my machine. Git R Done!

 

[Win52D]

I always verify the settings at the beginning of each session to make sure the OAL is ok, powder settings are correct etc. During the reload session I visually inspect the powder charge to make sure that it not grossly over or under weight. Every 10 charges or so I will weigh a charge for sanity's sake.

 

[ilbob]

I check at least one powder drop out of each batch, and drop a few loaded rounds into a case gauge.

Normally you can go for years without having an issue, but I did have a die that loosened up somehow once.

 

[esheato]

I've learned over time that my Dillon setup doesn't change...except when the seater gets plugged up with cast bullet lube then the OAL will be obviously different.

Sooooo...I never check it. OAL and propellant charge is always spot on. I typically toss out the first powder drop to account for settling in the measure, but other than that...it's loading time!

Ed