Smokey Joe
New member
Guys, I need some help here. Am loading up a batch of .45 ACP target ammo, using the usual run of cases, i.e. mixed manufacturer, my own previous reloads plus range pick-ups.
Am loading a 200 grain lead SWC over Win 231. It's a low-pressure target load. Has worked for me in the past, and has been reasonably accurate.
Now the problem: In seating the bullets, the bullets go into the cases with varying degrees of resistance, and I'm having trouble maintaining a consistent seating depth. One bullet goes in and the COAL is right where it should be, at 1.270" or 1.271". The next goes in and the COAL will be mebbe 4 or 5 thousandths greater. The very next goes in and the COAL will be mebbe 4 or 5 thousandths LESS!
I've separated the cases by manufacturer and that seems to help, but I'm still getting a lot of variation in the bullet seating depth.
Am loading on a Rockchucker (my Hornady Projector is not working presently) using a Dillon seating die, and crimping as a separate operation.
So, the question is: (1) is this kind of variation in seating depth significant, and (2) if it is significant, what can I do about it? By significant, I mean will it cause a dangerous condition in firing, and will it affect accuracy.
I'm certain that a high-volume reloader wouldn't be giving this much attention to each case as it gets its bullet. My background is rifle reloading, where you load far fewer cases and give each one much TLC.
So, what am I doing wrong here??? Any comments appreciated.
Am loading a 200 grain lead SWC over Win 231. It's a low-pressure target load. Has worked for me in the past, and has been reasonably accurate.
Now the problem: In seating the bullets, the bullets go into the cases with varying degrees of resistance, and I'm having trouble maintaining a consistent seating depth. One bullet goes in and the COAL is right where it should be, at 1.270" or 1.271". The next goes in and the COAL will be mebbe 4 or 5 thousandths greater. The very next goes in and the COAL will be mebbe 4 or 5 thousandths LESS!
I've separated the cases by manufacturer and that seems to help, but I'm still getting a lot of variation in the bullet seating depth.
Am loading on a Rockchucker (my Hornady Projector is not working presently) using a Dillon seating die, and crimping as a separate operation.
So, the question is: (1) is this kind of variation in seating depth significant, and (2) if it is significant, what can I do about it? By significant, I mean will it cause a dangerous condition in firing, and will it affect accuracy.
I'm certain that a high-volume reloader wouldn't be giving this much attention to each case as it gets its bullet. My background is rifle reloading, where you load far fewer cases and give each one much TLC.
So, what am I doing wrong here??? Any comments appreciated.
