Problem seating .45acp 230gr FMJ's

[Sky King]

I'm seating Winchester 230gr FMJ's in a Dillon 650 using a Lyman seating die I've had for about 25yrs. The problem is that the bullets are not seating in the center of the case (doesn't make any difference what brand of case Winchester, R&P, PMC) the result is a bulge on the side of the case where the bullet seats off center. The cases are flared sufficient as the bullet sits in the case fine prior to seating. The loaded cartridge does load from the magazine to the barrel fine. Should I worry about this or purchase a different seating die?

 

[MtnCreek]

At station 2, make sure the case retaining lever is adjusted properly so that the case is all the way in the shellplate.

 

[rcmodel]

Also make sure the bullet seating stem in the die matches the profile of the bullets you are using.

It might have a SWC seating stem in it.

rc

 

[Sky King]

I'll check station #2 this evening when I get home and I am using a round nose seating plug.

 

[MtnCreek]

Just a thought: I would also check station 1 to make sure the case is properly in the shellplate when sizing (barely touching or almost touching the back of the plate). Also make sure you've got the correct bottons in all stations (probably not the issue). You could try sizing and flaring on a single stage, then seat on the 650. This would likely let you know where the problem is starting.
Good luck and let us know what you find.

 

[Maj Dad]

I had similar problems in my 550 and in my case part of it was the little "paper clip" case tensioner not being properly adjusted, leading the cases to be off-center when sized and subsequently causing problems such as this. Too, these FMJs are round enough that the round bullet seater can facilitate off-center seating if you aren't paying attention. I will say that since I switched to the Hornady dies with the floating seater in the early 90's I have almost zero problems. If all else fails, consider them - I use them for all my pistol (and some rifle) loading.

My 2 cents...

 

[Red Cent]

Station 2? Primer?

Sizing die smaller than bullet?

Powder/bell wouldn't do it. A buildup of junk in the seating die could be a problem. Can't see crimping station being a problem.Solution - LFCD.

 

[Sky King]

45 is the only one that gives me problems. 9mm, 40 S&W are just fine. Going to order a new 45 die set to see if that corrects problem. Natchez, Midway, Grafs and Midwest are out of Hornady dies so I guess I'll try Lee as thats what I have for the 40 and its just fine.

 

[243winxb]

Dillon expander undersize?

 

[MtnCreek]

I'm still leaning toward station 1 or 2 being the cause. Did you try sizing and belling on a single stage press? If no single stage, size a case and roll it on a flat, hard surface to see if it rolls true; then bell the case and do the same thing.

If you're going to get a new seating die, check out the Dillon. I've loaded about 20,000 Win 230gr FMJ RN w/o issues using their dies. Only problem w/ Dillon is shipping takes about a week longer than a shipment from Midway.

If you're near Atl or West GA, shoot me a PM and I'll let you use my dies for a week or two to see if that corrects the problem.

 

[Sky King]

I'll take a micrometer to the expander on the dillon and compare it to the expanding die I have, and I'll load some up on my Rock Chucker and check those out. Not near ATL, I'm between MDW and ORD. I'll try all this on the weekend. Thanks for the advise.

 

[Sky King]

243winxp is probably correct. Bullets measure .451, Dillon expander measures
.448. Will call Dillon Monday. Thanks

 

[Otto]

The Dillon expander diameter should be .448" +/- .001" for 45 cal.

With that said, my Redding, RCBS and Lyman expanders measure .450"

What I did was purchase a Redding Competition seater for almost every caliber I load including rifle. Unfortunately, they cost 90 bucks a pop.