Help debug a Dillon SDB

[Catfish]

I'm loading 45ACP 230gn LRN Missouri bullets with a bevel base. They are sized to 0.451"
I'm having trouble adjusting the flare/charge die

When I set the flare so that mu bullets seat smoothly the case gets a reverse shoulder from the nose of the flare die, and the finished cartridge is bulged to the point it won't pass a case gauge or plunk test.
But if I reduce the flare to prevent that deformation then my bullets shave lead every time.

Here's a typical failure. In the case gauge it's rubbing on that shoulder about 1/3 down from the mouth.

Any ideas?

 

[GymB]

Take a look at the expnder, maybe ink it and run a few cases. I don‘t believe that it goes down into the case anywhere near as deep as that shoulder.

Have you tried various brands of brass? Some are thicker than others.

Also suggest measuring those bullets straight from the box, just to make sure you didn’t get a box of .454.

 

[BowWow]

These are .452 hard cast. The case diameter around the bullet is about .4725 and .470 lower on the case. Slightly snug to case gage but will go completely in with a slight push of a finger. I did not do a plunk test. These are the same dies and bullets I always use. I would double check to see if they are .451. I have the same bullet print you do, but mine doesn't look as bad.

 

[backwoodsshooter]

These are .452 hard cast. The case diameter around the bullet is about .4725 and .470 lower on the case. Slightly snug to case gage but will go completely in with a slight push of a finger. I did not do a plunk test. These are the same dies and bullets I always use. I would double check to see if they are .451. I have the same bullet print you do, but mine doesn't look as bad.

View attachment 498735

mine aren’t as bad as both yalls but not by much, but i’m using jacketed projectiles. and this goes for 180,200, and 230gr XTPs, all .451.

that’s how i know which are which as there is a bulge on all the cases regardless which projectile i use.

may be that the sizing die on the SDB are on the right side

 

[Bahamadon]

This is a longshot. Check to see if the collar sleeve ( pt # 13845) is installed properly in the powder dispenser. Mine fell out once a while back and I don't remember exactly what happened but it looks like it may effect the case mouth belling. Good luck.

 

[Jmoser]

Maybe back off the BODY of the seating die - that might be partially collapsing the case before it straightens out the flare enough if the mouth is spread way out?

Been a while since I sold my SDB but if I recall since they are Dillon dies you can close most of the mouth flare without starting any crimp.

Just a wild guess - run empty cases thru and see how they compare with a wide flare before and after the seating die.

Getting that mouth flared just right can be maddening.

 

[jimmyjames8]

Call 800-223-4570. You paid for "free" tech support. They have always been very helpful in my experience.

 

[Catfish]

whoa! whoa there, let's not get crazy. I'm not bleeding and I haven't even broken anything yet. it's not time to call The Man.

Thanks for the help above I have several things to try now.

 

[GymB]

Let me know if you get stuck. I’m close and have some familiarity with the press.

 

[Catfish]

I think I got this sorted by starting over and resetting all dies from scratch. I had to toss a few problem cases but it’s running with RPU brass now. Thanks for the help.

 

[Jmoser]

Sometimes you just have to take a step back and hit the reset button.

Glad you have it handled.

 

[Get Off My Lawn]

My 44mag rounds look like that. I was wanting the Redding dual carbide ring sizer as a fix. It appears to be discontinued

Redding Dual Ring Carbide Sizer Die 44 Remington Mag

Readding Dual Ring Carbide Sizing Dies are the correct answer to the compromise that has plagued traditional carbide dies of all manufacturers since...

www.midwayusa.com

Redding Dual Ring Sizing Die

I just want to hear from those WHO HAVE USED one of these. Just your observations. I dont see much out there except advertisement.

castboolits.gunloads.com

 

[GymB]

My 44mag rounds look like that. I was wanting the Redding dual carbide ring sizer as a fix. It appears to be discontinued

Redding Dual Ring Carbide Sizer Die 44 Remington Mag

Readding Dual Ring Carbide Sizing Dies are the correct answer to the compromise that has plagued traditional carbide dies of all manufacturers since...

www.midwayusa.com

Redding Dual Ring Sizing Die

I just want to hear from those WHO HAVE USED one of these. Just your observations. I dont see much out there except advertisement.

castboolits.gunloads.com

Available for backorder at Sinclair.
Midway will discontinue stuff that isn’t discontinued sometimes, they explained why once but I forget their explanation.

 

[Jmoser]

For heavy magnums sometimes I adjust the size die to just size the top of the case - as long as they chamber you eliminate some of the case bulge issues. Had never heard of the dual ring die - sounds interesting except for the price 😳

 

[Get Off My Lawn]

Available for backorder at Sinclair.
Midway will discontinue stuff that isn’t discontinued sometimes, they explained why once but I forget their explanation.

Thx!
My 44mag brass will split in the middle after a few below max power 225g rounds.

 

[Jmoser]

Thx!
My 44mag brass will split in the middle after a few below max power 225g rounds.

Are you sure you don't have oversized chambers?

 

[Get Off My Lawn]

Are you sure you don't have oversized chambers?

Nope, I did have the gunsmith Ogburn look over my Anaconda, the same happens in my Ruger Redhawk as well.

 

[Toprudder]

I have simulated the dual-ring die by using two dies - I use the Lee carbide factory crimp die to full-length size the case, then used the normal carbide sizing die to size just the top part of the case where the bullet seats.

 

[GymB]

Nope, I did have the gunsmith Ogburn look over my Anaconda, the same happens in my Ruger Redhawk as well.

Can you measure a fired case from each chamber and then a sized case? The chambers could be fine, the sizing die could be undersized.