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Posted: 8/23/2010 7:17:53 PM EDT
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getting an inconsistent OAL from my loadmaster for some reason If I set the depth to whatever OAL i am looking for, using just one single round and the station case retainer pulled back (basically using that one station, not running as a progressive) and then starting loading a run of ammo (progressively), i check all the ammo after im done and the OAL is longer then what i set the original test round for. now if I take the rounds i just loaded and not adjust the bullet seater, and use just that single station and set the OAL, it comes out fine only when i run the press as progressive does the OAL come out too long any tips or tricks? i have reset my seater die so that it only seats and doesnt resize. the die body is backed out as per the instructions, and then even a little more just to ensure the body isnt having any effect. the shell plate has no play in it, and the turret plate is tightened down. |
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Installing dies into Loadmaster.
Start by installing powder drop-expander die into station number 3. Why start with 3 ? Unless your trimming you brass to a consistant oal and most don't. You need to find die depth that will just barely flare your lowest oal case while able to fully extend ram on your longest oal case. With this done you proced to install seater die into station 4 per Lee instructions and fcd in satation 5 per Lee instructions. Then if priming with your Loadmaster set your sizer- decapper die in station one with ram fully extended and run die dpwn until it just kisses shell palte. Walla.... consistant oal... and no Maryland... I don't want a spelling correction. That's how we spell Viola in cattle and cornfield country. lol. |
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You might run your control test with a piece of brass in the sizing station, as opposed to only having brass in the seating station. Maybe your sizing die goes all the way down with no brass in the station, but stops short of going all the way down when brass is present in the sizing station. If this is the case, it would definitely make the OAL differ.
jonblack |
| What 1911smith said. I end up messing with the dies on my Loadmaster every time I switch out what I'm doing. Once I get the SOB set and consistent I crank out as many as I can afford to load before I take it apart lest I never be able to repeat the batch. Once set the Loadmaster is alright. Working out it's quirks takes time and patience. |
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Quoted: Which bullet? currently 115 grn nosler JHP i did some minor math and measurements with my calipers with a standard WCC FMJ to get the difference in lengths of a standard FMJ and a JHP. i cant remember off the top of my head the difference in total lengths of just the bullets, but what it comes down to is I compensate on my seater die for the shorter JHP so that the shoulder of the round is in the same place as the factor load , this is where i got my starting point (well for the rounds im trying to load now that is, didnt do this in the first place when i loaded the first set). |
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You need to do your measurement with shells in all five stations. I set up the seater station and then tweak while I'm running with every station loaded. I do my measurements with the loaded round coming off station five. Your running as a progressive, measure after station five. Mine will always be different with only one round.
Your components, especially bullets, will effect OAL. |
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