tires2burn Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 I am loading 40 cal on a Lee clasic turrent press and get different oal lengths. I'll have a couple at 1.130 and then 1.135 and this goes on back and forth. I cant see any slop in the press that could be doing this & I'm working the handle the same everytime. I have totally cleaned the dies & sprayed a little 1-shot on them and have it lubed up but it is getting the best of me. Some of you give me another area to look at before I go nuts. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polizei1 Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 (edited) Don't fret, it's normal. It usually has to do with the brass. If you're using mixed brass, and if it's been new or used. Edited September 4, 2012 by polizei1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 Don't fret, it's normal. It usually has to do with the brass. If you're using mixed brass, and if it's been new or used. +1. No problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tires2burn Posted September 4, 2012 Author Share Posted September 4, 2012 Don't fret, it's normal. It usually has to do with the brass. If you're using mixed brass, and if it's been new or used. I went and loaded about 20 rounds and separated the head brands and low and behold the winchester brass is the 1.135 OAL. the rest is right around 1.130 - 1.133. Problem solved . My XD40 shoots real good with this load but the length was driving me nuts. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polizei1 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Eh, don't let it. I know it's hard, it used to bother me too, but my solution was to stop checking the OAL of every round. All I do is check the primer seating, powder weight, bullet seat/crimp, and OAL then go to town! You can check every 10 rounds or so if you wish to do so, but I typically don't. If something looks visually off to me, I will check it, but other than that, I just keep reloading. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reshoot Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Shoot, using mixed brass my OAL varies +/- .002"! I could sort brass but I don't, because I do not believe it matters . . . not in this game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polizei1 Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 (edited) I've had variances of +/- 0.02" before. That's part of the business if you're not using brand new Starline brass. For us poor folk, it doesn't matter much. Edited September 6, 2012 by polizei1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tires2burn Posted September 6, 2012 Author Share Posted September 6, 2012 I've had variances of +/- 0.02" before. That's part of the business if you're not using brand new Starline brass. For us poor folk, it doesn't matter much. Thanks everybody. I've been checking the brass and you guys hit it on the head. I'm loading right in the middle so shouldn't have to worry about over pressure rounds. It a relief to know this is a common thing. Thanks to the forum and you helpful guys I'm not going to loose any sleep on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polizei1 Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 Yep, have fun! Just remember to always work from the bottom up for your powder! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WatchmanUSA Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 The best tool for consitant OAL are the Redding Competition Seating Die (http://www.redding-reloading.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12%3A-competition-bullet-seating-die-for-handgun-a-straight-wall-rifle-cartridges). Then if you are really anal retentive you can get the CNC Machined 550/650 Toolheads from UniqueTek (http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1333). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnmac Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 (edited) I experienced a problem with inconsistent OAL loading for 45ACP 230 grain round nose with a Lee Classic Turret press. Turns out what was happening was my OAL was not under the recommended minimum for the bullet / powder combo, but I was seating the bullet deep enough that the transition of the bullet from "straight" to "ogive", or the curved portion, was slightly below the mouth of the case. Then, what happened when I crimped the case was the bullet would nudge downward ever so slightly into the case, resulting in inconsistent OAL. Once I adjusted the bullet out a bit, OAL stayed consistent, to the 1/1000 of an inch. Not sure if you may be experiencing a similar issue. In the past I've primarily loaded bullets with a crimp groove (for revolver), so this was never an issue for me before. Edited October 25, 2012 by johnmac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACKIE40X40 Posted March 31, 2013 Share Posted March 31, 2013 O A L is the least important spec too worry about, just about all bullet will vary if you measure On the tip of the bullet, pistol bullets are the worst usually because the ogive is so short. The hornady L N L case length gauge measures At the ogive, it's just almost perfect every time, And is perfect on rifle bullets. ..... Just my opinion On this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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