Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Reloading Kits

Well I loaded my first 25 rds. Everything looks good except my C.O.L. increased as I went along. Checked the seating die and it was tight. Overall the length I set is close. How much variable am I to expect? I started @ 2.775 and saw a increase to 2.7815 (longest), max. length is 2.800 per Speer manual. My first 5 rds. were low because I was getting the adjustment right. I checked and rechecked the lengths and per five rds. there was a increase after each 5 rds. I started with the min. powder charge and increased it to max. in one grain increments (ex. 42, 43, 44, 45, & 46), max. is NOT a compressed charge. Case prep went good, but trimming is a bitch. I can see that you do not need to get in a hurry, and to progress with each step slowly. Primer seating is going to take some getting used to, I'm thinking about getting the hand primer, but right now I'm going to learn to use the primer tube setup with the press.<BR>Happy Reloader...<BR>Den-Den

I would check the little adjustment screw in the top of the die's to make sure it is not backing out on you. I would also make sure you are allowing for a full stroke on your down swing of your finished cases.<P>possible problems may be in the deformation of the nose of loaded rounds, the bullets them selves may not be perfect allowing for a bit of difference. That is why they sell those OAL guides that use the ogive of the bullet to the base of the case.<P>also the variation you are getting in OAL will only affect you if you are shooting in the 2's or 3's. (like the bench rest boys.)<P>I would recommend using a fresh target for each group you test fire, that will give you a very clear indicator of what is working well in your rifle.<P>don't forget to check the first case of each successive round fired for, signs of pressure!

den-den<P>spend the extra money on a Lee Handtool/Priming tool. You won't be disatisfied!<P>Mike<P>Welcome to the world of reloading!