texasref

I shoot 230 coated bullets and have no soot/smoke problems. I'm using TG now, but even when I had 231 there was not a soot problem o the front sight. I would agree then that you probably need to load it up a little more or change powder. I have no experience with Unique so can't speak to that. I've found that a little past the mid-range point on the charge is where everything always seems to come together.

You will need to change the front sight also. Call dawson and speak with them, they can tell you what you'll need. They do come in pairs due to the height being a little different. That needs to match so your point of aim will be true. I don't remember what I ordered, but I changed mine out and it made a big difference.

Make sure that the case is not becoming missaligned when it comes out of the sizing die. And tap the cases to get all the media out of it.

I settle. Found what runs the gun a stopped. Did have to go back when I couldn't find HP38 or Win 231. TG was in good supply so that's what I load.

I assume you mean your'e not getting the primer to seat all the way. So here goes. When placing the primer cup on the bar, get a pair of channel-locks and press it down as far as it will go. Then tighten the set screw. This will cause the plunger to rise further up, seating the primer fully.

I reload 9mm and 45ACP. Bullets need to be oversized a little so they can fill the barrel. To that end my 9mm are sized to 0.357". The 45 ACP is sized to 0.451". (this is because I'm lazy and that doesn't shave the coating. Plus they shoot great). For most about 0.002" over will be about right. The one thing that will not work well is a perfectly sized bullet to barrel. The reason is you will get gas blow-by and the velocity will fall off. Tried it and failed to meet any velocity requirements.

3.2 gr of TG = 135 pf OAL = 1.155 Shot out of 5.25" XDM

Below is what I use for competition. Shot from XDM. 147 gn bullet......3.2 gr Titegroup.......1.155 oal......= 135 pf You can go lower on the powder, but I would make sure I'm a little above the 125 threshold. Around 130 makes sense to me. All chronos are not created equal, and temp does play a factor. Also a little higher charge will run any factory stock pistol. Remember too that longer barrel means higher velocity.

I'v been able to get Titegroup every so often in the 1# containers. Did go back and develop a load for the 45 with it instead of HP38 or 231. I don't think I'll see any of that again in my lifetime. May be just a regional thing, so Titegroup for 45 and 9mm from now on. No use taking up space with something else that may not come back around.

Here in Texas with the humidity at about 1000%, I keep powder and primers indoors. Climate control is important. With proper care this stuff lasts virtually forever.

Never heard of anyone regreting the Dillon, regardless of model. The SD will not be as versitle so I would go for the 550. Bottom line buy the best you can afford (the one you want) and you'll always be happy with it.

I've been looking at this topic and I think you need to define what you want. From what I saw on the targets you posted your absolutely accuate enough for any USPSA/IDPA competition. If target shooting is the goal, you'll need to further refine your loading data. Your last post (barrel dia. of 0.3555") would suggest that you may be getting a little "blow-by" due to the bullet not being able to fill the barrel. This would cause some accuacy issues due to lost velocity. So.........with what you know I think I'd develop a load that shoots well and that you like and have plenty of powder for and use that. I believe its more important to practice/shoot and compete than to constantly develop loads for all the different powders out there. Altough it is interesting to do. And I'll admit to doing that too.

Coated bullet, shot out of XDm. 147grn.......3.6gr powder...........135pf. (This was in October)

I had one get by me. Chambered the thing, but it didn't fire. Not sure why. That being said it's a good reason to not load to the max. A better reason to make sure of what case you have on the press.

I did get the wrench set with the holder. Just so i would have what I need right there without having to go searching. Also picked up the spare parts kit. Have'nt needed anything yet but when you do (and yoou'll be reloading), you won't be waiting a couple of days. Pickup tubes are nice also. They can be loaded ahead of time at anytime if you have them.

Check for a debris in the primer pocket. If you clean the brass after depriming, you could get some media trapped in there.

mag springs are getting weak. Will happen with any gun.

Th primer bar is alum. and the plate ,as mentioned is coated. The bar should be sanded flat which removes the paint. Wipe everything down, parts and the area around the primer feed. Do not lube. It will work just fine and stay a lot cleaner a lot longer.

200 or 230 really makes little difference. I've found that bullet shape is more important. I shoot a RN in 45ACP because it seems to feed easier up that steep ramp 1911's have. That being said: 230 rn, 5.0 grains HP-38 for 9mm: 147 fp, 3.6 grains HP-38 or 3.2 grains Titegroup Remember if you run across any Win 231, it's exactly the same as HP-38.

3.2 grns Titegroup, 147 coated FP bullets, 1.15 OAL Produces 135PF out of an XDM 4.5"

Shot a match this weekend with no vision correction at all. Front sight was clearly visible and the targets were blurry but had no problem shooting, and we had some fairly long shots. Tried the readers and no glasses at all at the target range and no glasses seemed to work the best. Thanks for all the input and hope the thread helps some others with this problem.

Could be the bullet seating die is not tightened down enough and is loosening up. I load different head stamped brass with no change in OAL. The OAL I was looking for was 1.160 but when I got it adjusted to 1.155 I stopped. 0.005" did'nt seem to matter. It all gets pressed from below so any veriance will be from above. Really tighten that die down on the toolhead. If your using an older RCBS that adjusts externally from the top, get that set ring tight. If you have a crimping die that will shorten the OAL also. So you have to adjust the two between each other for the OAL you want. I just can't imagine that not being the problem.

I shot 125gn LRN with 4.6gn of 231 for a long time never squibbed. I would say it's not the load, it's a light strike. I've had some of those. I also have a 550 which gives me the oportunity to look in each case. I'd shoot them at targets (good trigger practice) but not disassemble. Just mark them so you'll know whats what. Slow down on the reloader to maybe 100 per til youre sure of whats coming out the other side.

I store my powder and primers indoors. I reload out in the garage. I never leave powder in the hopper or primers out there. If that's not possible go cheap! Get or make a cabinet and hang a 40w bulb inside, that'll do the trick.

It's correct. Mine does the same thing. Consistancy is what matters, and they will be. There has to be some clearance or the toolhead won't go in the slot.