Loading 44 mag on Dillon 550 Problem

[sc1911cwp]

I started to reload on my Dillon 550B for my FA 83 in 44 magnum. I am using the Dillon die set, however when I go to crimp the bullet, it is pushing the bullet down further. I am trying to maintain a 1.62 length as my load book states. It is a 240 grain Keith style design. Any ideas? Should I buy a different crimping die?

 

[LAH]

Is the crimp die touching the front driving band?

 

[LAH]

Something else, is it possible the crimp die isn't a 44 mag? Maybe a 41?

Have you tried the crimp die without the bullet in place? Does it provide the correct crimp to the case without the bullet?

 

[sc1911cwp]

Is the crimp die touching the front driving band?

By that are you asking if it is touching the first lead ring seal of the bullet? I never heard that term before. Also, I guess I need to check the die for any markings. The set was purchased new from Dillon.

 

[LAH]

Is the crimp die touching the front driving band?

By that are you asking if it is touching the first lead ring seal of the bullet? I never heard that term before. Also, I guess I need to check the die for any markings. The set was purchased new from Dillon.

The bullet seating depth is determined by the adjustment of the seating die at station 3. When rotating the shell casing & bullet to station 4 the die should only touch the case. I see no way for a crimp die to seat a bullet deeper into the case unless it touches the bullet some where.

Now you said you were using a Keith bullet. These bullets have 3 driving bands 2 of which are seated within the case. The 3rd driving band remains outside the case. This is called the front band.

I was thinking perhaps the crimp die was touching the front driving band in order to seat the bullet deeper.

I suggest you size a case & measure the case mouth. Then move the sized case to station 4. With the crimp die "backed out" run the empty case into the die. Now screw the die down till it touches the case mouth. Lower the case & turn the die down 1/8 turn. Run the case into the die & measure the case mouth again. This is the amount of crimp at that die setting.

Now place the case back in station one & load it. When it comes to station 4 & the bullet seat deeper it's touching the bullet some where & should leave a mark. If it does call Dillon.

Something is seating the bullet deeper & if it's not the die there must be something stuck in the die because seating is done at station 3. Hope this helps you grasp the workings of the machine & helps you figure the problem. I hate problems & we shouldn't have to live with them.

Let us know what you find. If you feel the need to call someone before you call Dillon call me between 6 & 8 PM. I'll PM my phone number.

 

[sc1911cwp]

TNX, I have Monday off so if I get a moment I'll check it as you said. I appreciate your offer to talk me through it. If you don't hear from me it will probably be due to a busy week. BruceTNX

 

[LAH]

Let us know what you find. Seems in my simple mind it has to be in or about the crimp die at station 4. God Bless............Creeker

 

[trauma1]

clean your dies out. lead and lube can accumulate over time and cause bullets to be seated deeper than they should be. Worked for me on my Lee 45LC dies. We keep our presses in tip top shape but often neglect our dies. They do need occasional maintenance as well.

 

[desertrat]

I prefer taper crimps over roll. They are less likely to move the bullet after its seated.

 

[sc1911cwp]

Sorry for posting this update late. Just to let you all know, these dies are new and have never been used. I have actually just started to reload for the .44 magnum so the dies are clean, but I checked anyway to be sure. That being said, I called Dillon after checking to make sure the die was the proper one, meaning it is appropriately marked and appears to be correct. I adjusted the die again and still saw the same problem. Dillon asked me about what measurements I was using. I have been trying to seat the die to no longer than 1.620 as printed in the Lee Reloading manual for a 240 LSWC using Titegroup. Dillon stated that the die is functioning as designed as the finished OAL is 1.608, short of the longest OAL recommended in any book for the .44 magnum at 1.610. Now, why it says to go longer is any guess as it seems I should be able to adjust to whatever I want. My guess is this is because of bullet design. It is a LSWC Keith style as best as I see from GA. Since then my bullets from Missouri Bullets have come in and I will see soon if the problem persists. If it does maybe sending the dies back to Dillon or buying a set from another vendor would solve the problem. I don't want to create any overpressure. I have been loading these bullets as not to approach max pressure. Any thoughts.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

For me crimping the case into the bullet groove is what is going to give you the length of the round. 10 thousands inch either way is not a big deal unless there is a chambering problem. Does your set-up put the crimp where it is supposed to? Anything longer that 1.600" is long for a 44 magnum. Only the Keith bullet and a very few other heavy bullets will go longer than 1.600". 8) 8)

 

[Hammerdown77]

I've read posts on other forums where guys have described the OAL being reduced slightly when applying a firm roll crimp into the cannelure. The crimp looks good and is in the proper place, it's just that the bullet is pulled in ever so slightly.

If your crimp is into the crimp groove and looks good, don't worry about it.

IGNORE the OAL in the load book if the bullet you are using has a crimp groove. Just seat the bullet until the case mouth is halfway into or at the top of the crimp groove, and then apply a firm roll crimp. The OAL is then whatever it is. Easy peasy

Another thing to remember, the bullet that the OAL in the book was derived from may have a different shape or nose profile than the one you have. Not all semi-wadcutters are the same. Look at a real Keith semi-wadcutter, then look at the one from Missouri Bullet Co. TOTALLY different. The Keith nose is much longer.

 

[LAH]

The Keith is a long boolit. Here's a 44 mag with the Lyman 429421 seated to & crimped in the groove with my Dillon.

454-255-RF also crimped in groove also with a Dillon dies.

 

[gunslinger]

For me crimping the case into the bullet groove is what is going to give you the length of the round. 10 thousands inch either way is not a big deal unless there is a chambering problem. Does your set-up put the crimp where it is supposed to? Anything longer that 1.600" is long for a 44 magnum. Only the Keith bullet and a very few other heavy bullets will go longer than 1.600". 8) 8)

I agree Jimbo, also make sure to use a heavy crimp on slow burning powders

 

[sc1911cwp]

Well, they are "in the groove" and don't extend beyond my case gauge so I'm going to say I'm good to go TNX for all the help.