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5/5/2011 7:33:17 AM EDT
I have been reloading for a few years now and I am finding that I am getting really Smokey and dirty loads with pistol ammo.

I load 45acp in a Dillon 550.

I think it may be one of two issues.  This is a progressive press and I don't take another step to clean my brass after resizing.  I think it may be the lube left over that is causing the smoke.

My other thought is the powder itself.  I currently use 700x.

My question is, what can I do to fix Smokey rounds.
5/5/2011 7:36:22 AM EDT
[#1]
You shouldn't have to lube your 45 ACP cases to size them if you are using a carbide die.  700x is a little smokey.  Are you using cast bullets?  If you are, it's probably  your bullet lube.
5/5/2011 7:40:00 AM EDT
[#2]
I am using carbide dies but they still recommend lube.  When I ran it without lube I got several stuck cases.

I am also currently using cast bullets but I am now switching to jacketed.

Do you know a powder that has less smoke?
5/5/2011 8:27:51 AM EDT
[#3]
I am using carbide dies but they still recommend lube. When I ran it without lube I got several stuck cases.


Something is seriously wrong if you got a case stuck in a carbide die.

Lube is NOT required, though it can reduce the force needed.

Even without lube you should not be able to stick a case in a straight-wall carbide pistol die.

The carbide ring is barely over 0.1 inches tall, not a lot of contact area, and the carbide is polished VERY smooth.


5/5/2011 9:03:10 AM EDT
[#4]
Bullet lube on the cast bullets is probably what is causing your smoke.  Switching to jacketed would probably cure most of the smoke.  
5/5/2011 9:49:21 AM EDT
[#5]
I used to use Clays in my .40 with cast bullets, lot of smoke and some bore lead.  Now use reduced charges of Power Pistol, much better.  Also started casting my own and lubing with Alox, don't know if that makes a difference but I get little smoke and virtually no lead.  Someone at Cast Boollets recommended medium burn powder for reduced loads for less leading,  seems to work.  Shooting Lee 175 TLSWC in an XD40.  These cast to about 184 gr  with wheel weights.
5/5/2011 10:25:51 AM EDT
[#6]
I switched from a LSWC/Unique combo to plated/Titegroup and have been VERY happy with the accuracy, lack of smoke, and cleanliness of the rounds in both 9mm and .45.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
5/5/2011 11:14:36 AM EDT
[#7]
Some bullet lubes produce more smoke than others.  Light charges with some powders create alot of residue and smoke.  I guess, what I'm saying is make up a load that you can live with.  At least this is what I'm finding.
5/5/2011 2:06:09 PM EDT
[#8]
That smoke is a combination of bullet lube and vaporized lead from the base of the bullet, very little of it comes from the powder, you should switch to plated bullets since some jacketed bullets have exposed lead on the base.
5/5/2011 3:22:37 PM EDT
[#9]
First off the smoke is from the bullet lube on cast lead bullets in combination with the powder like TG is awful.  If want darn near smokeless reloads then jacketed is going to be the only real way.  But, you have to choose your powder carefully.  If you are casting your own bullets trying a different lube can help like Red Rooster.  Changing powders is probably going to help more.  I would suggest at an increased price.. VVN310 or N320!
5/5/2011 3:27:43 PM EDT
[#10]
I'm concerned about stuck 45acp brass. Is brass bulged ? Range brass ? Your fired brass ?  What type of pistol ?

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
5/5/2011 7:12:43 PM EDT
[#11]
I agree 1911Smith.  Something's not right there.  I never got a case stuck in a carbide die and my pistol brass never even got close to any lube..  



It's a good idea to get the lube off the cases before shooting. Some undue wear could occur to your gun due to the case walls not "gripping" the chamber during the firing process.
5/6/2011 5:32:20 AM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
I'm concerned about stuck 45acp brass. Is brass bulged ? Range brass ? Your fired brass ?  What type of pistol ?

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile


I buy once fired brass from a local range.

I have heard that I don't need to lube with carbide dies but I found that if every 5th round is lubed everything goes smooth.   After about 10 rounds with no lube the press gets really rough.l and I get inconsistent powder throws on the second stage.

I think I am going to do a few things to fix my issues.

Re-clean my brass after resizing.
Buy 500 Berry's bullets
Switch to titegroup

Thanks for your help.
5/6/2011 5:40:53 AM EDT
[#13]
Newncik, I was just wondering, what brand of dies are you using?
5/6/2011 5:45:33 AM EDT
[#14]
Are you loading progressive ? If so your sticking issue is with expander die. Your belling brass too much and need to back expander die off some.

Do you know how to tune expander die ?

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
5/6/2011 9:44:23 AM EDT
[#15]





Quoted:



I am using carbide dies but they still recommend lube.  When I ran it without lube I got several stuck cases.





I've probably loaded 10-20,000 45 acp loads on my Dillon 550, as well as many more thousands of rounds in other calibers, and I've never stuck a case...ever, and I don't lube pistol cases except 44 magnum, for some reason they need it even using carbide dies.



I have seen some sticking on the inside with the expander die, it doesn't really hurt anything, just puts a little hitch in the upstroke.





 
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