I'm fairly new to reloading and started with 45ACP on my Lee Classic Turret. I use Lee Deluxe 4 carbide die sets. I am running the seating and crimp die seperately.
Beacuse I'm new at this I don't get in a hurry and I measure nearly every load (& carefully eyeball all) to be safe. Checking results also helps me learn how my press and lever mechanics are working. My target OAL is 1.25" and I'm able to dial that in easily. My issue is I can't seem to get consistent OAL when loading rounds and it really bugs me. We aren't talking huge variances (1.24"- 1.256") and all of them will load and seat properly in my 1911. I am running pretty light loads 5.0 gr W231, am getting good neck tension and have been pulling and reseating anything less than 1.245" OAL. (not convinved this is even necessary - just being anal)
Components:
Berry's plated 200 gr SWC
Mixed range brass
CCI LP
W231 5.0gr
Observations:
The turret has some play in it and lifts slightly at the top of the stroke when the case contacts the dies. I have seen this condition noted elsewhere and have tried to be consistent in my lever pull mechanics etc to mitigate variances.
I have also noticed that mixed brass has differnet wall thickness, weight (significant weight differences) and probably case length too (haven't meaured that but probably should).
My guess is that the OAL variances I'm getting are from turret play and using mixed brass.
That said my real questions are why do you think this is happening and is this amount of variance anything I should worry about? (or am I just being too picky) :banghead:
I have read and learned a lot from you here at THR and really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Bob
Beacuse I'm new at this I don't get in a hurry and I measure nearly every load (& carefully eyeball all) to be safe. Checking results also helps me learn how my press and lever mechanics are working. My target OAL is 1.25" and I'm able to dial that in easily. My issue is I can't seem to get consistent OAL when loading rounds and it really bugs me. We aren't talking huge variances (1.24"- 1.256") and all of them will load and seat properly in my 1911. I am running pretty light loads 5.0 gr W231, am getting good neck tension and have been pulling and reseating anything less than 1.245" OAL. (not convinved this is even necessary - just being anal)
Components:
Berry's plated 200 gr SWC
Mixed range brass
CCI LP
W231 5.0gr
Observations:
The turret has some play in it and lifts slightly at the top of the stroke when the case contacts the dies. I have seen this condition noted elsewhere and have tried to be consistent in my lever pull mechanics etc to mitigate variances.
I have also noticed that mixed brass has differnet wall thickness, weight (significant weight differences) and probably case length too (haven't meaured that but probably should).
My guess is that the OAL variances I'm getting are from turret play and using mixed brass.
That said my real questions are why do you think this is happening and is this amount of variance anything I should worry about? (or am I just being too picky) :banghead:
I have read and learned a lot from you here at THR and really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Bob