Need some expert advice. I have a single stage ribs loader. I am loading .223 ammo with an oak of 2.250. I lock it in and run a few and they are right on. I then get a couple that are .002-.003 under. It has become a continuing thing. Case holder is. Clean as is the seating die. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance
Seating die problem
- Thread starter Scooter2
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AJC1
Member
Your seating stem doesn't fit your bullet well, your bullets are inconsistent, your brass neck tension isnt consistent. Any or all of those 3
The bullets are Sierra 52gr bthp match. I’m new to loading. What are you referring to seating stem? Your third choice of neck tension seem most logical. These are once fired military brass that was given me
AJC1
Member
Take your die appart and see how well the stem fits. If you get rings on your bullets it's a bad fit unless your compressing hard.
AJC1
Member
Doubt he has the tools to measure bullets but I've been wrong before.
edwardware
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1) Hopefully you show more attention to detail reloading than you do spelling.
2) Bullets vary, and formed hollow point tips vary quite a lot. If you measure ogive instead of tip, your observed variation will drop.
2) Bullets vary, and formed hollow point tips vary quite a lot. If you measure ogive instead of tip, your observed variation will drop.
WrongHanded
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So....
A seating die does not general contact the tip of the bullet. Instead it contacts some point lower than the tip, on the ogive. If the bullets vary dimensionally even a tiny bit, it can cause the OAL to vary slightly. I used to (only months ago) worry about such things as a few 1000ths of an inch in OAL. Now, I use calipers that measure in 128ths of an inch, and don't worry too much.
How do they shoot?
A seating die does not general contact the tip of the bullet. Instead it contacts some point lower than the tip, on the ogive. If the bullets vary dimensionally even a tiny bit, it can cause the OAL to vary slightly. I used to (only months ago) worry about such things as a few 1000ths of an inch in OAL. Now, I use calipers that measure in 128ths of an inch, and don't worry too much.
How do they shoot?
Thank you for the replies. Sorry about the spelling. I promise to do better. The last batch shot a 1/2 in. group at 100. Those were informed Winchester brass tho. These are once fired military that were given to me. Your probably right on the small differences. I’ll get to the range and see what happens. Thanks to all and especially to my english professor. Lol
Bandit67
Member
I wouldn't worry at all about 2 or 3 thousandths difference in seating depth but maybe that's just me.
And 1/2 in groups at 100 yards is some good shooting in my book.
Nice job!
And 1/2 in groups at 100 yards is some good shooting in my book.
Nice job!
Tempus Tom
Member
2-3 thousandths isn’t a problem at all in my opinion. I wouldn’t worry about it.
But I’d continue to measure each cartridge and make adjustments when needed.
But I’d continue to measure each cartridge and make adjustments when needed.
Blue68f100
Member
2-3/1000's is not a problem. Measuring from the tip to base will always have a expanded range. Measure from the ogive to base and it will be real low. If you don't have the special tool to do this, you can use a spent 22LR shell to contact the bullet for measurement. This is for comparison only, but it will give you a more consistent reading than the tip. If your getting unusually high seating pressure, you need to deburr/chamfer the inside of the mouth so it starts easier, and not scrape. If your wet cleaning, use Wash & Wax instead of Dawn. The 52gr SMK are a very good bullet. I have one AR with a 1:10 twist that loves them with TAC.
Hooda Thunkit
Member
As I've stated before; If .002" OAL variation in your blammo ammo reloads bothers you, go get a box of factory loads.
Measure them.
You'll breathe much easier.
Measure them.
You'll breathe much easier.
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