Reloading: What are the safe variations from load data

[Karys]

I seat all my pistol loads 0.010" below the max. This way I'm still good since the length can fluctuate plus or minus 0.005" or so from my press. Some guns don't like the rounds seated out that long, but I've been lucky with all mine. If yours are picky you'll just have to experiment to see what length the gun chambers easily. I also like to load them towards the top end of the max OAL because the pressure is reduced compared to rounds that are loaded near the minimum length.

I'd also recommend getting a set of case length gauges. I got mine from Dillon but any kind will work. I run every round I load thru the gauge and if it won't go it gets thrown into the pile to be pulled. Since I've been doing that I have not had any problems at all with my reloads. I usually only have one or two rounds per 100 that won't go.

[Yoder]

Originally Posted by ham385

I did crimp, but very lightly. I should be able to push them in a couple thousandths. The varying charge was all from the autodisk. I weighed the first several on the lee beam scale, which is almost impossible to read smaller than 10ths of a grain. Its very possible that its more like 3.95-4.05, I just can't say. I definitely do not want to weigh every charge, this is for plinking, but I do want to be safe.

I've probably loaded around 3k rds with my lee press all using the autodisk. I've only had 1 light load, almost a squib rd but it cleared the gun. The way that thing is designed it's almost impossible to dump too much powder once you know the correct volume to use on the autodisk. You would have to dump powder twice in the same shell, even then I don't think it would all fit into a 9mm case. I weigh when I start, then around every 100 rds. It's always within a gr or two of my target. Lee does say the autodisk has a break in of about 1k cycles before you get maximum repeatability. Also, I think the more consistant you are with the force you pull the handle the better. All my reloads are more accurate than I am (with a handgun), I can't tell the difference between them and factory except for the price. Rifle might be different.

[Flash]

Originally Posted by ham385

I did crimp, but very lightly. I should be able to push them in a couple thousandths. The varying charge was all from the autodisk. I weighed the first several on the lee beam scale, which is almost impossible to read smaller than 10ths of a grain. Its very possible that its more like 3.95-4.05, I just can't say. I definitely do not want to weigh every charge, this is for plinking, but I do want to be safe.

To reseat the bullets to correct depth is quite a safe operation, and highly recommended.

Now as for powder charges:
Honest, I don't know even know that Benchrest shooters weigh powder in HUNDREDTHS of a grain. If you are shooting HODGDON'S TITEGROUP, a hundredth of a grain would amount to about THREE LITTLE GRANULES.

Most folk figure in tenths, data is compiled for tenths, scales are calibrated for tenths. Accuracy at one tenth is what most shooters use. You should be able to get that accuracy from the Autodisk, easily. Most other users do, all the time. Technique . . . . it's all about technique. "Yoder's" experience is typical:

"I've probably loaded around 3k rds with my lee press all using the autodisk. I've only had 1 light load"

And, as you say, it is for plinking. Neither you nor I nor would any other shooter be able to discern any difference of a hundredth of a grain. I doubt if anyone would even be able to get any difference in a Ransom Rest for less than a tenth of a grain.

Maybe in a universal reciever and a 16" test barrel. . . . . .



Strive for consistency in your loading. Keep your powder-measure hopper about half full, and load about fifty cartridges until you again add powder to the measure.

Do you have the measure secured in a fixture? Do you have it mounted on the press in the case mouth expander/powder die? Do you operate it by hand or by press action? All these things work toward (or away from, as the case may be) the holy grail of relaoding "consistency".

And we do recommend the Lyman 49th.

Flash

[Xringshooter]

Originally Posted by Flash

Alternatively, you can get a powder measure like the "RCBS Lil' Dandy" which has a set of rotors with precision drilled cavities that will measure out accurate charges for a variety of weights. The cavities in these rotors are sized on the order of the Lee powder dippers. YOU have to be consistent to get consistent charges from the dippers, whereas the "Lil' Dandy" makes consistency more mechanical, more repeatable. Many people find this powder measure more than adequate for loading pistol ammunition, particularly after they have arrived at a standard load.

Even using the Lil' Dandy, measure your load before using it. The table that comes with it is pretty close, but you need to make sure, especially if you are using a rotor that is throwing a max or near max load. I typically measure 10 throws each time I use it to see how consistent they are. When I open a new canister of powder, I do it again, because it may be a different lot number, etc. BTW, I love my Lil' Dandy, it is very consistent and makes dumping powder very quick and easy (especially when loading pistol loads that you have some leeway in the charge). I also have a set procedure for each throw so that I do it exactly the same each time.

Now, for my accuracy loads (like for my .204 Ruger) I use my electronic measure to make sure that each load is the exact same as all the others (I'm not worried about loading a lot of rounds real fast).

[Jim1911]

I believe that his problem with the autodisc he is having is, inconsistent use of his press. Once he gets a rhythm down, he will have very consistent loads with the auto disc. I use the Auto disc pro on a turret press and Lee warns about inconsistencies when used on a turret press.

To speed up the "break in" of the discs, rub them down with a #2 pencil or graphite.

Most of the ammo I load + or - .1 grain is acceptable So I just bang away on the press.

If I want more consistent loads, I use primed brass. Decaping ,sizing and priming are the stages that break my rhythm and shake the table the most. When I am using a smooth rhythm it will throw + or - < .05 grns.

If I am really serious about accurate charges, I dip and trickle on the single stage press.


I keep reading how people like the adjustable charge bar. I hate it. If someone wants mine they can have it.
I bought extra dics for honing a custom size but haven't needed to yet.

[Flash]

Originally Posted by Xringshooter

. . . . ... I also have a set procedure for each throw so that I do it exactly the same each time.

THAT is the money quote.

Originally Posted by Jim1911

I believe that his problem with the autodisc he is having is, inconsistent use of his press. Once he gets a rhythm down, he will have very consistent loads with the auto disc. I use the Auto disc pro on a turret press and Lee warns about inconsistencies when used on a turret press.

To speed up the "break in" of the discs, rub them down with a #2 pencil or graphite.

And this is more of the same.

Establish a sequence, a procedure, get a rhythm - - CONSISTENCY is the goal of all of this. (Like, how long do you think Winchester or Federal would remain in business if they were not consistent?)

Keep at it, Ham. We all went through this kind of learning process.

Flash

[Pete D.]

I went cheap.

Cheap? A Lee turret press? That ain't cheap.....a Lee Loader, that's cheap. I was loading for a year or so before I stepped up to the turret press. You are ahead of the game, asking good questions and getting good advice.
Be careful. It's addictive. I went from Lee loaders to presses - I have eleven presses at this point - and they all get used.
Pete

[ham385]

Thanks again everybody. I don't have anyone to hold my hand thru the process, so I really appreciate you all sharing your knowledge.

Consistency, got it. I will work to establish a routine.

[max384]

Originally Posted by ham385

Thanks again everybody. I don't have anyone to hold my hand thru the process, so I really appreciate you all sharing your knowledge.

Consistency, got it. I will work to establish a routine.

If you were closer, I'd offer to give you a hand... but Pittsburgh's a hike! Didn't you used to have Lewisburg listed as your home here? Or was I thinking of someone else?

[WhiteWolf]

I'm in Pittsburgh and have been reloading for a few years now. There are several of us from Cranberry to Monroeville.

Send a message if you ever need help or want someone to look over your loads.

As long as you keep the powder charge at 10% below max you should be able to load by volume all day long. For most a perfectly consistent charge under a perfectly seated and crimped bullet with a match grade primer wouldn't make much difference unless you are competing and looking for that perfect shot. If that’s the case, spend 300 on one of the digital auto charge throwing machines.

Oh, and for the record, I still do my reloading with a $20 lee hand press. More expensive is not always better, sometimes it's just more expensive.