Reloading Tips According To Dicehorn #3

[dicehorn 38]

Bullet Seating

 

Simple process - bullet into top of case, handle down and ram pushes bullet into case - job done? Yes and no. One of the (many) things that can affect accuracy is what is called 'bullet run out' . In the perfect world we are trying to get the bullet to seat perfectly in the case neck so that when the bolt is closed on the round the bullet is perfectly aligned with the bore. If this does not happen then apon firing, the bullet will touch one side of the bore before is straightens out on its journey down the bore - this slight deviation can and does have an affect on accuracy.

 

 

Usually, a bench rest shooter will strive to get zero runout, serious reloaders will settle for 1 or 2 thou of run out (I have an RCBS Case Master Gauging tool that measures this run out). Run out can be caused by the die you use but is usually caused by differing thickness to your case neck The bullet when seated will favour the thin side of the neck. - hence why people like myself neck turn to keep run out to a minimum.

 

 

So...... my tip for people who do not have a gauge or a neck turning tool is this - when seating the bullet, seat it approx a third of the way, then bring the ram up a little to clear the die them turn the case 190 degrees in the shellholder and then complete the seating. This will help the bullet to align itself better in the case.

 

PS even though I can usually get my run out less than 2 thou, I still make a habit of turning the case in the shell holder.