Hey guys, Got more questions for ya. I use a Hornady lock n load progressive, and for some reason I'm having a few issues. First, the powder measure doesn't throw an exact charge every time. It varys between 1 or 2 tenths of a grain every time???? Also my C.O.A.L varys? For example if the O.A.L is supposed to be 1.10 when I get it set, it will go from 1.09-1.11. Is this a big deal, and if so what should I look for? I Know my seating die is locked down tite, so I don't know WTF! Thanks for the help.

Your variation in charge wt is normal with a powder thrower. Some powders like ball flow better then others like the extrudes or flake, but all will not come out dead on from a measure every time.
The difference in COL is due to the bullet tips not being uniform. The seater cup makes contact off the ogive not the tip and if you measure you'll find is very likely seating to the same length if measured from case base to bullet ogive. The bullets if measured from base to tip will vary, if measured from base to ogive they will be very close to the same.
I`d get some to measure the COL from base to ogive like the Stoney Point, now Hornady OAL gage or one of Sinclairs tools instead of relying on just a caliper for this.

timing .. but not the press, rather the operator.. make certain the powder BOTTOMS (tops) out at the stroke, and that you make a FULL stroke UP .. wait for it, then full stroke DOWN.. wait for it....

also, make certain your seater is set HARD on the bushing, and turned all the way IN

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
timing .. but not the press, rather the operator.. make certain the powder BOTTOMS (tops) out at the stroke, and that you make a FULL stroke UP .. wait for it, then full stroke DOWN.. wait

+1, I've never used a progressive, but all of my equipment works best when I use the same rhythm throughout my session.

Some brands of brass is thicker than others and could also cause different lenght due to more/less friction.

.1 or .2 grains is nothing in rifles. OAL? Bullet ogive is the only thing that can change that.

Cool, I was hoping you would say that. I bought a bullet comparator for my calipers today, but I don't know if its going to help since I don't have an O.A.L gauge?? Thanks Dcpd

woops!! got your name wrong..... sorry

Remember, how they shoot is far more important than measuring things down to a gnat's eyelash. I was watching some bench rest guys at the range yesterday; they load each round right there on the range. Do they weigh each charge? No; they drop them in from a measure. They do use custom seaters in a little arbor press though. Anyway, you are doing right by asking these questions up front so you can get down to loading and shooting.

You are well within standard variation for ANY powder measure and ANY press.
COL varies not just from press effects, but from bullet-to-bullet variation.
Less than 1% variation in charge weight is the goal, but, for many powders such as Unique, it really doesn't matter on target.