XD Talk

scooterj · 06-25-2009, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mtn Biker

OK I have a question. I have reloaded on a single stage press for several years without any problems (Pistol 45acp, 9mm, 38spl, etc) and want to upgrade to a progressive some day. I always visually inspect my cases after dropping my powder charge while the cases are on the loading block before seating bullets.
My question is: How do you satisfy yourself that the powder charge dropped accurately when cranking out fast ammo on a progressive? Is there a tool or technique you use or do you just get used to doing it differently?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Thanks. VL

I have a small desk lamp right over my Dillon 650 which allows me to see into each case after the powder drop. I don't get in a hurry when reloading. No need to try and set production records just because your press has a cyclic rate of 800 rnds per hour. This is a theoretical number. No human can keep up this pace and guarantee quality ammo. Take your time and pay attention. You will get to a point where you will feel when something is not right.

Mtn Biker · 06-26-2009, 10:48 AM

Thanks for the answers. That was exactly what I was looking for.

VL

jim147 · 06-27-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

I have a small desk lamp right over my Dillon 650 which allows me to see into each case after the powder drop. I don't get in a hurry when reloading. No need to try and set production records just because your press has a cyclic rate of 800 rnds per hour. This is a theoretical number. No human can keep up this pace and guarantee quality ammo. Take your time and pay attention. You will get to a point where you will feel when something is not right.

scooterj,
That's the same thing I do. When I'm doing less then a hundred rounds or so I just stick with my single stage.

I lost most of the cost savings when I got to about my twelfth die set. Now it's all about quality.

jim

scooterj · 06-27-2009, 11:55 PM

It's a misnomer that single stage presses produce better ammo than progressives. The operator may have better quality control by inspecting each case at each step with a single stage, but the ammo I load for .223 and 7mm-08, on a Dillon 550B, far surpasses any factory fodder. A press is a tool and if you have a quality tool and use it properly, you'll get good results.

fltbed · 06-28-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooterj

It's a misnomer that single stage presses produce better ammo than progressives. The operator may have better quality control by inspecting each case at each step with a single stage, but the ammo I load for .223 and 7mm-08, on a Dillon 550B, far surpasses any factory fodder. A press is a tool and if you have a quality tool and use it properly, you'll get good results.

I agree!

Well stated!

XDrebel · 07-01-2009, 03:35 PM

I posted this question a couple days ago in the "Getting Started Reloading" thread and got no replies. It was viewed about 60 times , but no one had any suggestions. Now I'll see if any of you experts can give me your suggestios to the following:

I'm getting setup to start reloading sometime later in the year. I'm in the process of buying all the items I need and a lot of it is on backorder and I'm waiting for it to arrive. One item I haven't yet made a decision on is what digital powder scale to buy. I have done some reading, but there is not a lot of postings to read on the subject. I was wondering what fellow members have for recomendations as far as best bang for the buck. I don't mind spending money where it is necessary, but don't like overpaying just for the name, if other products are as good. I do want the most accuracy I can get. I have read that most recommend the ac units over the battery powered for accuracy. Please give experiences with the units you like or dislike. Thanks in advance.
__________________

**mongoose33** · 07-01-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XDrebel

I posted this question a couple days ago in the "Getting Started Reloading" thread and got no replies. It was viewed about 60 times , but no one had any suggestions. Now I'll see if any of you experts can give me your suggestios to the following:

I'm getting setup to start reloading sometime later in the year. I'm in the process of buying all the items I need and a lot of it is on backorder and I'm waiting for it to arrive. One item I haven't yet made a decision on is what digital powder scale to buy. I have done some reading, but there is not a lot of postings to read on the subject. I was wondering what fellow members have for recomendations as far as best bang for the buck. I don't mind spending money where it is necessary, but don't like overpaying just for the name, if other products are as good. I do want the most accuracy I can get. I have read that most recommend the ac units over the battery powered for accuracy. Please give experiences with the units you like or dislike. Thanks in advance.
__________________

Don't get a cheap one. I have the MTM $30 scale. It's ok, but it won't settle on certain values (like 5.0 grains, or 25.0 grains.). I got what I paid for, and learned my lesson.

I did extensive research on digital scales, looking at feedback ratings all over the place, reading various forums and so on, and eventually, one scale stuck out as appearing superior to the rest: The Dillon D-Terminator.

It's an expensive scale at $139, but for me, it's perfect. Zeros easily, holds its zero, settles in on a weight quickly, and is sensitive enough to respond to a powder trickle as I try to reach a specific weight of powder.

I haven't tried them all so I can't "compare" in the usual sense, but I'll tell you I'd buy it again, and I wouldn't bother looking at anything else.

And so there aren't any "Drinking the Blue Kool-Aid" jokes, I reload on a Hornady LnL progressive, and my single-stage press is an RCBS.

PS: I don't consider myself an expert, so what you're getting above is my opinion, though not "expert" opinion.

scooterj · 07-01-2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XDrebel

I posted this question a couple days ago in the "Getting Started Reloading" thread and got no replies. It was viewed about 60 times , but no one had any suggestions. Now I'll see if any of you experts can give me your suggestios to the following:

I'm getting setup to start reloading sometime later in the year. I'm in the process of buying all the items I need and a lot of it is on backorder and I'm waiting for it to arrive. One item I haven't yet made a decision on is what digital powder scale to buy. I have done some reading, but there is not a lot of postings to read on the subject. I was wondering what fellow members have for recomendations as far as best bang for the buck. I don't mind spending money where it is necessary, but don't like overpaying just for the name, if other products are as good. I do want the most accuracy I can get. I have read that most recommend the ac units over the battery powered for accuracy. Please give experiences with the units you like or dislike. Thanks in advance.
__________________

CED makes a unit comparable to the Dillon
CEDHK - The CED Professional Electronic Scale

Tard · 07-01-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooterj

It's a misnomer that single stage presses produce better ammo than progressives. The operator may have better quality control by inspecting each case at each step with a single stage, but the ammo I load for .223 and 7mm-08, on a Dillon 550B, far surpasses any factory fodder. A press is a tool and if you have a quality tool and use it properly, you'll get good results.

I agree the ammo coming out of a high quality progressive press is very good, the 550 and 650 use toolheads (that hold the dies to the press) that slide into a machined slot in the press and is held into place by pins.

This entire assembly when installed has a fair amount of movement to it.
The result is an OAL variation caused by seating depth variations that exceeds my RCBS Rock Crusher II by quite a bit. Also, the powder throw is somewhat affected by this. The repeatability of my volume powder measure is a bit better than the Dillon.

Pull down the handle, watch as the press piston meets with the dies and watch the entire thing move a bit. What does that do to the bullet seating, what is the rollout of the cartridge, how can it be as good as a tighter system?

My 650 is great, but I load higher precision .308 rounds on my RCBS ... a LOT slower however.

A company has a precision-machined and clamp-attached (not using the pins) toolhead that has higher precision machining and doesn't move when clamped into the press. The OAL variations are lower.

Now, does that really make more accurate ammo? Well, I dunno. I'm positive it makes no difference in a defensive handgun and normal semi-auto rifles like an AR15, but a true precision .308 or equivalent I think it does.

Take a look, what do you think?

http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1333

dnlbeave · 07-01-2009, 10:41 PM

I'm new at this reloading thing, I'm stoked to be getting my first Lee single stage kit, I have a question, What is the best buy for flat nose bullets, I'm lookin at the Rainer 135 Gr. Flat noses, but they seem too dirt cheap compared to the rems and winchesters or even magtechs? Like I say I'm very new so forgive me if my ignorance is excruciatingly obvious