New reloader, a few ?'s

[jaybr]

I just started reloading last week with a new Hornady LNL AP. I started with .45 acp, my .40 dies are on backorder as are my 9mm bullets.

A couple minor things I've noticed and thought I'd get some advice.

I'm tumbling with crushed walnut shell and I end up with shell peices stuck in the pimer pockets. The sizing/depriming die seems to knock the shell peices out fine. Should I remove the old primer before tumbling, or just not worry about it?

Along the same lines, would removing the old primer prior to tumbling help to clean out the primer pockets? Does it matter?

All of the .45 I've shot from my Sig P220 has a dent in the brass, resizing smooths it out some but there is still a dent. Does this matter?

Different books give me different load data for the same round, which do you use?

I'm loading 230gr FMJ RN with 5.3 gr Hodgdon HP-38 at 1.271 OAL. Lyman manual says 5.1 with AOL of 1.275, Hornady says 5.3 at 1.270, both for starting points.

Lastly, after the initial 250 rds, the timing is a hair off on my press. The manual just states that it is set at the factory and rarely needs adjustment, but doesn't give directions to adjust. Is there any info on adjusting the pawl timing available online?

Thanks.

 

[showmebob]

I tumble with the primers in place. Removing them first IMHO just adds a step and for my purposes doesn't help a thing.
My owners manual gave timing instructions for the press. You may also check on the Hornady web site for instructions. If not, call Hornady. They are happy to help.
Good luck!

 

[fourdollarbill]

I tumble all of my pistol brass with the primers in. Two things on the stuck walnut shells in the flash hole. 1. I use an RCBS tumbler media separator and spin it by hand for 1 or 2 full minutes and almost all of flash holes are clear. 2. I let the decaping pin knock the left over shell pieces out and never had a problem. The flash holes and primer pockets can be used again and again without cleaning. I have a batch of 38spl loaded 18 times and never cleaned a pocket yet.

The dents in the case need careful inspection. Look for splits, sharp creases, sharp dents. If you just see the basic smooth (rolling) dent then I would use them with no reservations.

The load data is a learning curve that includes your gun, your needs and you. Typically the load data is different because the bullet, primer or need is different. Also each load data may include the length of barrel used. My best suggestion is to focus more on the exact bullet, and primer they are using.

No info on the press timing. I use another brand.

 

[jmahalek]

I decap/deprime before tumbling. Cleans real nice.

The differences in charge and OAL for the 3 sources is negligible.

The manual has a section on pawl adjustment (mine didn't need adjusting). If your manual doesn't, go to hornady's website and download the pdf.

 

[jaybr]

Thanks for the info,

I should be more clear, my manual has instructions for adjusting the pawls, not the timing. There is a section that talks about testing the indexing for double clicks (which I am getting) and no info on correcting it.

 

[Len S]

As far as the timing I would call their customer service line. I am stillwaiting for my LNL from Midway:banghead:
but everything I have read on Hornady is to call them and they will walk you through it.


Len

PS let me know so I can add to my notebook, I should have a giant notebook by the time it gets here

 

[jaybr]

I ordered mine from Midway the second week of December and just recieved it 3/6. I ended up dropping the .40 dies and shellplate from the order as that was holding things up. I reordered those dies last week, no telling when I'll get them.

 

[Randy1911]

I've been reloading for over 25 years and never cleaned a pistol primer pocket. I feel it is completely unneccesary.

Adjusting the set screws will adjust the timing. Mine had the double click when indexing. One pawl adjust the amount of rotation going up and the other does the rotation going down. If you are still having trouble give Hornady a call. Their CS is great. Just remember that when adjusting the screws, a little goes a long way.