Inconsistent bullet seating on Dillon xl650

[Kfaulkn]

I'm having trouble getting consistent OAL on a Dillon xl650. Length of cartridge may vary from 1.175 to 1.131 when trying to seat a length of 1.125.

I'm new to reloading.

Any ideas what I might be doing wrong. Using mixed used brass fmj 115 gr 9mm.

 

[243winxb]

Any dies contacting the shell plate? If one is, may try backing the die out/up a little.

 

[LiveLife]

I use mixed brass with Dillon 650 and when using FMJ with consistent nose profile (ogive), I get minimal OAL variation like RMR 115 gr FMJ - https://rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets-for-reloading/9mm-115-grain-rmr-fmj/?v=7516fd43adaa

OAL variation is caused by:

- Variation in bullet nose profile and/or dirty seating die
- Bullet tilt during seating
- Shell plate deflection from loose shell plate bolt or resizing of overly expanded brass

Make sure your shell plate bolt is tight and the seating die is clean.

To rule out shell plate deflection, try seating without a case under the resizing die. If you are still getting significant OAL variation, you may be tilting the bullet during seating. Roll your loaded rounds on a flat surface and see if nose tip wobbles. If it does, bullet is not loaded straight.

Use enough flare so bullet base sets just inside the case mouth and ensure bullet is not tipping as bullet enters the seating die. If you see bulging of case neck on one side, bullet is not being seated straight - You should see even slight bulging around the case neck.

Winchester 115 gr FMJ showing one sided bulging indicating tilted bullets

Even slight bulging around case neck showing straight bullet seating and no wobble of bullet nose tip when rolled

 

[nettlle]

Could be crud built up in the seating die.

 

[Shaq]

I've found that when using mixed brass, there is a variation in case length which can cause variation in overall cartridge length. Even when using the same brand, there is some variation in length, though not as much. There is also some variation in bullet length. And in order for a progressive press to function, there has to be more play in the mechanism (compared to a single stage). Your variation may seem like a lot, but remember that we're measuring thousandths of an inch. Take your caliper & open it to 44 thousandths & you'll see how little that really is. As long as your staying under the max COL & your ammo feeds & you're not loading maximum, you'll be fine.

All my 9mm is mixed brass, so when I'm setting the seating & crimping, I'll take several different brands of cases & set the die for the shortest allowable length.

 

[LiveLife]

I've found that when using mixed brass, there is a variation in case length which can cause variation in overall cartridge length. Even when using the same brand, there is some variation in length, though not as much. There is also some variation in bullet length ... progressive press

I am sorry but I fail to see how variation in case length can cause variation in OAL when press ram/shellplate pushes the loaded round to same height in the seating die (of course unless there is shellplate deflection).

Only thing I could think of is different length case applying different neck tension but if that affects OAL, there may be other issues with the press.

 

[csa77]

i shimmed the floating tool head on mine so it does not have any movement.

 

[koz4guns]

When you set your seating depth are there cases in all stations?
If you set it with just one case once all 5 are full it will change your OAL

I have never found that the tightness of the shell plate bolt effects seating depth, when seating, the case is forced down on the shell plate platform not the shell plate.

Koz

 

[jmorris]

Length of cartridge may vary from 1.175 to 1.131 when trying to seat a length of 1.125.

.044" is a lot, are you sure you are stroking the handle all the way down until it stops?

 

[jmorris]

the case is forced down on the shell plate carrier not the shell plate.

That's only true on the 550, the SD, 650 and 1050 the case sits inside the shell plate, the 550 has no effect except extracting the case from the dies.

How the others act depends on how the rest of the shell plate is loaded and why you want to double check initial settings once all stations are full.

Doesn't matter though those differences would be a few thousandths max, not 44.

 

[koz4guns]

That's only true on the 550, the SD, 650 and 1050 the case sits inside the shell plate, the 550 has no effect except extracting the case from the dies.

How the others act depends on how the rest of the shell plate is loaded and why you want to double check initial settings once all stations are full.

Doesn't matter though those differences would be a few thousandths max, not 44.


View attachment 237315

Even if it is loose it would still be forced down onto the platform by the force of seating.

Koz

 

[higgite]

What die are you using and how did you set it up? Is it a combo seating/taper crimping die? If so, one possible problem is crimping too early in the stroke which can bind the bullet and cause it to not seat fully. Is the nose of the bullet flattened any, or have a circular crease around the nose of the bullet? Different seating plugs will leave different marks. Like others have said, .044” is a lot of variation. I would expect no more than 4 or 5 thousandths.

Any chance that you can post a couple of pics of the problem rounds?