Question for 550 users.

[Bogey]

Hey guys, I'll give you all the info up front I can give, then pose my question.

Loading 9mm

550B

Dillon dies (the newer kind with spring clips and inserts @ seating and crimp stations)

Loading Montana Gold 147 gr. FP

Range brass (vast majority WWB and RP)

WSP

Powder not relevant.


I just changed my press over from .45 and set up for 9mm for the first time. All is well except for seating. I set it for 1.10 OAL but I'm getting variation as much as +.05. (-0) The shell plate has no wobble in it, and the tool head is snug in the frame.

I don't think there's a problem with running that much longer, but I am annoyed at the variance. I really don't care for the adjustability of this newer die. I like the old style better, but it is what it is.


I only loaded 20 rounds this afternoon and went to the range to check for feed issues. None at all.


The question is, what's up with the variation? Any fixes? Or am I just being anal?

[cohutt]

check variations in oal after loading with all 4 stations full, most importantly the sizing station.

Also make sure rings tightened etc

[sparky241]

i dont think you will have a problem, but if it bothers you,give Dillon a call

[BigSlick]

check variations in oal after loading with all 4 stations full, most importantly the sizing station.

Also make sure rings tightened etc

+1 to what cohutt said.

Keep a full deck.

Use a case under the size die to finish off a run

Keeps any variance to an absolute minimum

[Bogey]

Thanks guys.

I kept a full deck with the exception as noted by you, Slick. Left all the loaded rounds lined up on the bench and measured them in the order they came off the mo sheen. Variance was more in the middle of the run.

If it gets too annoying for me, I'll call the Blue Men. :thumbsup:

[pastprime]

the Dillon people...if you're getting almost a 1/16th inch variation in loaded round OAL something is big time wrong...I get .002 to .004 variation in my JHP 9mm rounds using MTG bullets and the same mixed range brass as you are using...and the tips of JHP are not as consistent in shape as the FP's...

[Mogollon]

Round nose projectiles will give greater variation in OAL because the seating stem contacts the ogive, or side of the bullet, not the nose. With several machines making the same projectile, varying wear creeps in, and the diameter where the seat stem contacts the bullet wanders. Worst I ever measured was .026" in 100 bullets of a major name-brand.

[SnooseGoose]

I had the same problem loading 9mm on my 550. For the life of me couldn't get the OAL to stay within my acceptable tolerances. Checked all the normal stuff, still no luck. Eventually I realized my OAL was very consistent when grouped by headstamp (except RP, don't like that brass in 9mm). Anyhow, I now only load "win" brass for 9mm and my OAL is always +/- .002 of my desired 1.142.

SG.