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I am pretty close to not buying anymore plates bullets. You have to watch and make sure you don't overcrimp. Not so with the fmj bullets like the precision delta ones. Starting off the plated are fine though. The most important thing is to just do it.
Glad you are doing it, we can always use another hobby.
Putting the Harm in Pharmacist
What do you crimp with? I use Lee's Factory Crimp Die and I've not noticed an issue.Originally Posted by SB
When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it--always.
I just this week took my .40 Lee FCD out as an experiment. I was also running a Lee undersized sizing die, but since my brass source started shooting 4th Gen Glocks I haven't needed to, so I went back to the standard Dillon sizing die. My issue with some ammo accuracy (I think) is the cases I'm getting might be on the thick side and the FCD is undersizing the bullet, making them pattern rather than group at any kind of distance.
I never had the issue with properly jacketed bullets, though. Only plated, lead, and coated ones.
Rcbs die with taper crimp. Have used the FCD before and didn't care for it. Mostly personal preference. Seemed to squish lead bullets too much.
This is mostly in 45 though.
Putting the Harm in Pharmacist
I keep an RCBS single stage around for when I want to turn out the lights and pretend I'm in the 1800's too! Great fun.
In all seriousness, though, every machine has its limitations. No, you're not going to reload every caliber on the planet on a progressive machine, but that's not my purpose in reloading, nor is it for most people around here. I never give advice on really anything until I know the why/how of their question, so my brand loyalty will always stay inside the parameters of the person asking.
As far as the sideways primers, I see that in my press maybe once in 20,000 rounds. It's always been caused by a crimped primer pocket rather than a failure of the machine to align them right, but I have (if I do say so myself) excellent technique and pace on the reloading press.
I wouldn't consider brand loyalty to be VERY NARROW in thinking because Dillon doesn't build machines to reload obscure cartridges, though. Different machines for different needs.
(GO BLUE!!)
I'll keep happily churning out ammo on my Lee Loadmaster. Under $200 bucks, and once you learn from other users ( http://loadmastervideos.com/ ) and throw Lee's manual away its pretty dead nuts reliable.
I get 90% of the speed (from what others tell me) of more expensive brands, with perhaps 5% more hassle.
The load master works for me because I am willing to work around it quirks, and for my volume it was more than affordable.
When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it--always.
I certainly go along with the 'some presses are suited to some jobs'.
For high volume production of "straight" wall pistol cartridges there are two 650XL's on the bench.
For medium volume pistol and smaller rifle cartridges there is a 550B on the bench.
For large pistol (think 460 S&W neighborhood) and precision or large rifle cartridges there are two single stage rock crushers on the bench. . . and I'd like to have a third one.
Thus far the only "quirk" I have found is all their tendency to crush or pinch the crap out of a finger if left between the shell plate and the bottom of the die plate.
I'd rather be lucky than good, but I'd rather KNOW I'm good than HOPE to get lucky.
*ahem*I certainly go along with the 'some presses are suited to some jobs'.
For high volume production of "straight" wall pistol cartridges there are two 650XL's on the bench.
For medium volume pistol and smaller rifle cartridges there is a 550B on the bench.
For large pistol (think 460 S&W neighborhood) and precision or large rifle cartridges there are two single stage rock crushers on the bench. . . and I'd like to have a third one.
Thus far the only "quirk" I have found is all their tendency to crush or pinch the crap out of a finger if left between the shell plate and the bottom of the die plate.
Not COMPLETELY accurate there buddy. ;-)
*for clarification, I've seen Rumbler deal with a few "quirks" on a 650. To be fair, there was a team of untrained monkeys making their best effort to make his life difficult... I just like poking the bear.
Rumbler,I have a rock chucker that I have been using for over 40yrs can't kill it.
(nam era) yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for I am the meanest SOB in the valley!
I'm right behind you. I still use one as I simply don't shoot enough pistol reloads to need a progressive nor do I shoot enough .223 reloads. I have an ammo advantage and when that ends, perhaps I'll need a progressive... I'd love to have one of those bigger/faster machines.
Signal-0 Productions Firearms Training... for the working man.
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