Ruger 15151
Member
I am a relatively new reloader, currently loading 9mm and have become very frustrated with the inconsistency of my COL. Although I am targeting 1.145, I am seeing several finished cartridges ranging from 1.140 to 1.152
-124gr Xtreme RN bullets (.356)
- 5.4 gr of BE -86
- Lyman M-Series expander die with .002 flare
- Lee seating die
- Crimp in separate step with LEE FCD (COLs measured before crimping)
- mixed range brass that has been wet tumbled in SS media
- Hornady LNL classic
I know that the longer cases typically feel like they have more case tension during seating and the shorter cartridges have noticeably less resistance when seating. I have noticed a more prominent ring on the bullets caused by the seating stem on the tighter fits. I'm sure that the depth of this indention is the source of the varying COLs. Separating cases by head stamp would clearly help. However, I am loading 9mm for target (not Bullseye) and plinking so its not realistic to separate the brass the way I do when reloading riffle rounds.
Wet tumbling in SS media removes all powder residue from the inside of the cases. I have wondered if the lack of residue on the inside of the cases requires more pressure when seating the bullet.
Should I use a bit of case lube?
Given that I could chamber 1.169 rounds in my 9mm, I'm not in danger of hitting the riffling with the 1.152 rounds. However, I want to have consistent, repeatable reloads.
What is a reasonable variance before I will start seeing POA and accuracy changes?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
-124gr Xtreme RN bullets (.356)
- 5.4 gr of BE -86
- Lyman M-Series expander die with .002 flare
- Lee seating die
- Crimp in separate step with LEE FCD (COLs measured before crimping)
- mixed range brass that has been wet tumbled in SS media
- Hornady LNL classic
I know that the longer cases typically feel like they have more case tension during seating and the shorter cartridges have noticeably less resistance when seating. I have noticed a more prominent ring on the bullets caused by the seating stem on the tighter fits. I'm sure that the depth of this indention is the source of the varying COLs. Separating cases by head stamp would clearly help. However, I am loading 9mm for target (not Bullseye) and plinking so its not realistic to separate the brass the way I do when reloading riffle rounds.
Wet tumbling in SS media removes all powder residue from the inside of the cases. I have wondered if the lack of residue on the inside of the cases requires more pressure when seating the bullet.
Should I use a bit of case lube?
Given that I could chamber 1.169 rounds in my 9mm, I'm not in danger of hitting the riffling with the 1.152 rounds. However, I want to have consistent, repeatable reloads.
What is a reasonable variance before I will start seeing POA and accuracy changes?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.