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Posted: 1/7/2010 3:22:16 PM EDT
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Just reloaded some 45 ACP for the first time; working up a load for my 1911. When I was marking to cases (I write the load on them in sharpie) I noticed that some of the cartridges didn't have a "ring" from the bottom of the bullet that went all the way around the case. Almost like it was off to one side. OALs are ok but now I'm concerned that this will skew my results.
Pertinent info: Rock Chucker single stage press RCBS dies Winchester brass Hornady 230 gn FMJ RN AA-5 powder, 7.3 gns, 7.5 gns, 7.7 gns CCI primer I don't remember seeing this on commercial ammo but I don't have any in house to compare against. Thoughts? |
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If the seater plug doesn't match the bullet shape, the bullet won't be seated straight. I haven't had that problem that I remember with .45, but I have with 9mm. The loads shot fine out to 75 yards or so, didn't shoot any farther than that.
You might try contacting hornady to see if they have any other seater plugs available, or see if they'll modify yours to fit. |
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A common problem most often caused by the bullet not perfectly aligned with the case when entering the seating die. That will leave the ring at the base of the bullet not perfect all the way around.
- You need the right amount of belling so the bullet will sit still when entering the seating die. - Polishing the seating plug to remove any tool marks will help. Allows the tip of the bullet to self=align better. -Careful placing of the bullet on top of the case so it is straight with the case will help before seating. - RCBS will make a seating plug to match your bullet if you want to go that route. - Some have used epoxy or metal fillers so the seating punch will match a bullet shape. It would only match that one bullet though. - Cases that the case mouth are longer on one side than the other can cause bullets to tip. -cases with case walls thicker on one side would cause the uneven bulge at the bullet base. Not likely though. - I've had the exact problems with 9MM, 45ACP, and other calibers and by buying a separate Hornady seating die which has a sliding alignment sleeve it has helped seat bullets much straighter than I ever could before. It's not 100% but really helps. -Unless your bullets are severely tipped sideways and the bulge at the base of the bullet is drastic or could be so bad to cause chambering problems then you won't notice a loss of accuracy in most pistols. My opinion anyway. Polishing the seater stem to smooth the surface where it contacts the bullet will help a bunch. I've used some fine sandpaper and use the bullet to push the sandpaper against the seating stem. Kind of helps match the profile of the bullet. Proper amount of belling is critical. But like I said, the Hornady seating die with it;s sliding alignment sleeve that I bought separately helped more than anything I've tried. |
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