styx

I'll cast another vote for something different. I prefer ORANGE over all the rest.

I started loading at the age of 13 with a Lyman 310 tong tool. You know, the thing that looked like a strange pair of pliers. I finally got an RCBS Rockchucker in 1977. Things continued to evolve from there. I use reloading equipment that was unheard of of back in the beginning.

Try 24.5 grains of H335 under 55 grain bullets. With H335, you'll get more consistant velocities with magnum primers.

Mine is a Pact, part of their scale /dispenser combo. I've checked it frequently with check weights and it is consistently 0.1 gr low (20 gr reads as 19.9 gr). I can live with that error as long as it doesn't vary.

I call that "Mistake Magnification" and I can relate with it. My FTE's have always been bathed in a sort of divine light while I'm wondering, "How did I do that?"

Did you say that a steel plate was presented at "3 FEET"? If so, you and the course designer should read Rule 10.5.17. According to that rule, if you had shot that target, you'd have been DQ'ed for unsafe gun handling. Sorry for the thread drift.

When I start seeing high primers, it's a three step fix: Check the shellplate bolt, remove and clean the primer punch and give the press ram one shot of grease with the ram raised. I don't know why the lube helps but it seems to make a difference.

Load it. It's pretty common to find new rifle brass that is a little short and it won't cause any problems (unless it's REALLY short).

You might try looking for Hodgdon HP38, it's the same powder as 231 and sometimes easier to find.

I've been negligent here, sorry. I never asked what bullet you're using. I looked at my pistol caliber seaters (I have three, not two like I said originally) and all of mine came with two seater plugs, a "flat" and "hollow" one. If your die has both styles, did you try the other one? If you're using light bullets and the "flat" seater plug it might cause your problem. I'm not trying to insult your intelligence, just trying to help you figure this out and satisfy my own curiosity.

Nope, good question. Poly safe cleaners will work fine (I use them on mine). Use a dry lube like spray moly or graphite to lube the powder measure, etc. You might want to pick up a spare case retainer spring or two, I've messed up a couple of those. Also pick up a 1/2" x 2" fender washer and lay it in the bottom of your powder measure for a baffle. If you're using a fine powder it will really improve the consistency of your powder charges. Good luck with your new "toy" and ENJOY!

When you find the problem let us know, would you? I'm really curious about what's causing this.

I couldn't agree more! I've been informed on numeruos occasions that I have a very limited supply of PC.

Interesting problem. I load two rifle and two pistol calibers with Hornady seaters and have never had an issue with them. Is the guide sleeve sticky or stuck? That could cause the bullet to seat crooked. Also you might try readjusting your die. Back the die body out and run an empty case all the way in, then screw the body down until you feel the the crimp shoulder contact the case, back off 1/4 turn and lock it, then adjust your seating depth. I hope this helps as I don't have any experience loading such a short case.

Most of the seating dies out there CAN be used to seat bullets and crimp at the same time. You're still better off to use separate operations though, consistancy is better.