This is my pistol process...
? Adjust the powder measure so that 10 dumps equals ten times the powder desired. That will take from 15-20 dumps, so the powder is well settled by then.
? Insure the right anvil is in the Seating die and adjust for OAL.
? Use the
plastic ammo tray routine to make sure all the cases are 1) all the correct caliber, and 2) the correct quantity. Load cases into case feeder.
? Load the same number of primers
? Check the OAL and crimp on the first finished round
? Watch every powder level in the loaded case before bullet placement
? Do random spot checks on the OAL and primer seating, about every 20
? If there were long OAL rounds at the start, I send those back through Seating and Crimp
?
Only if the rounds are for competition.... drop each cartridge into a cartridge gauge that verified to closely match my SP-01 chamber. I don't check practice rounds.
? At the end, I stand all rounds in a plastic ammo case and check primer heights
? Ammo boxes labeled, check mark indicates 100% cartridge gauged rounds
- Check primers during seating. If it feels 'funny' then the case is pulled.
- Don't use the barrel but rely solely on the cartridge gauge and it goes much faster
- My modified Dillon powder measure does not wander during use, so only case inspection is needed
- Within the first 7 rounds I can usually have the OAL within +/-0.001"
- The Crimp die may need cleaning or lubing, but it's never wandered
- IME, Dillon equipment simply doesn't make big changes after being set, and that translates into
peace of mind and low SD numbers telling me the cartridges are very consistent.