Newbie - 45 ACP OAL Tolerances?

[Triumph]

It's a beginners question so be nice.

I am setting up my Dillon 550B for 45 ACP. Trying to work on the proper OAL. My reloading manual says 1.260 for BERRY's 230gr. RND. Had fits trying to get close to 1.260. Closest I can get is 1.250 - 1.258ish . The nose still does not reach the end of my Dillon case gauge - although it is very close.

Shooting 1911, XDS & HK45

Does this sound ok?

 

[Jim Watson]

Dillon seating dies are hard to adjust, you are turning the whole die body in a coarse loose thread. I would (have) settle for 1.258 and 1.250 is probably ok.
Take a few out and SHOOT THE GUNS.

 

[Triumph]

Dillon seating dies are hard to adjust, you are turning the whole die body in a coarse loose thread.

Man you are right about that! I have to hold the die & tighten the nut. The nut pulls the die down & retightens it. I had to resort to using a 7/8 wrench to hold the die while I tightened the ring to get 1.258.

Thanks Much

 

[Blue68f100]

OAL is gun specific. So what ever work in your gun is fine. I have a custom BE gun that has a tight chamber and I have to load them shorted for it to feed reliably.

 

[Jim Watson]

I bought some used die sets for low prices because they had steel sizing dies. I just wanted the seaters. I use a Lyman seating die with 1/2-20 threaded plug which is finer and closer fit than the body ties. Half the hassle to adjust seating.

Dillon makes a lot of hay out of their reversible seating plug, but it seldom comes out the desired OAL with RN and SWC bullets both. And there are so many plated and coated bullets being shot these days, easy cleanout of bullet lube is less important.

I need to get together with FLG and see if we can come up with an adjustable insert for the Dillon body.
He built me a press operated case cannelure tool to prevent setback of short light bullets, this ought to be possible.

 

[edfardos]

My 1911 has narrow windows of length it likes. 1.243 is a sweet spot for extreme plated round noses.