TexasCHLforum.com

DoubleJ wrote:

Tom wrote: All of MY books give measurements in 0.001's; that is thousandths!
Both or my calipers measure in thousandths and if they are off by a
thousandth or two no big deal.
But luckily MY loading manuals indicate most OAL differences in 0.010,
or ten thousandths. So there is a bit of an allowance built in.

Tom

not to be a stickler, but that's actually hundredths.

but both of ya'll's points are well made.

Correct, but ...

0.1 = 1/10th or 10/100th or 100/1000th
0.01 = 0.1/10th or 1/100th or 10/1000th


Reloading manuals universally give measurements in thousandths when describing OAL, COL, and
other case dimensions.
That these dimensions can also be described in tenths or hundredths is an element of our mathematics system.

I find it much easier to use thousandths when discussing aspects of case dimension as it more closely
correlates to that found in the manuals. Others may choose a different approach.

Still trying to depart for Midland.

Kind Regards,

Col. Tom

AndyC wrote:

Tom wrote:AndyC,

Deeper than what "normal"?
Deeper than min OAL? Yup, that would bother me too. I don't see where anyone suggested pushing a bullet 0.10 deeper than min OAL. In fact, we were discussing thousandths, not tenths.

I assume that you were thinking about a min OAL, right?
If not then please define what you mean by "normal".

Kind Regards,

Tom

Yes, thank you, Tom, I hadn't realised I was incapable of reading and comprehending English

"Normal" as in a baseline - as in whatever your ideal OAL is using that specific bullet. What I was saying is that for me, I won't shoot a load that is seated 1/10th of an inch deeper than that ideal - but I'll shoot anything that has an OAL between my "normal" and that. Over 30 years of reloading later, that's the maximum difference that I can live with and still shoot it.

You want to measure OAL in thousandths, knock yourself out with the bullet-puller if it's .001 out-of-spec

Wow, why all of the anger?

All of MY books give measurements in 0.001's; that is thousandths!
Both or my calipers measure in thousandths and if they are off by a
thousandth or two no big deal.
But luckily MY loading manuals indicate most OAL differences in 0.010,
or ten thousandths. So there is a bit of an allowance built in.

If, however, they were off by TENTHS of an inch that "might" be a problem.

If you are measuring using tenths of an inch then I can understand your concern about getting them
too close to your "normal".
Lets see, a tenth of an inch, just about the difference between a .357 Magnum case and a
.38 Special case. Yup, that is a bunch.

If you have been loading that long and shooting safely then you are doing something right.
Your original explanation, however, left out some important details, which is the reason I asked for
more info and which you have now provided.

So it is all cleared up. Lovely.

Now I am off to Midland for the CAF AirSho.

Kind Regards,

Tom

DoubleJ wrote: another Q. I bought this Harrell Precision culver powder dispenser.
the thing hates Unique. can't get two consistent "throws" either on or off!
anybody have any powder suggestions?
for 9mm, if that's any consequence...

DoubleJ,

If your dispenser doesn't like large flake powders (Unique) try some ball types.
W231, AA#2, AA#5, and AA#7 should all be fine for 9mm. A smaller, rounder flake like
Universal Clays could work too. Check your loading manuals and you should find lots of
different loads to try.

I have the RCBS manual powder dispenser and it too has a bit of trouble with some flake types.
I recently got a jug of A#105 (a flake version of AA#5) and I have to use my Pact electronic to get
accurate dispensing with it. Not a big deal, just slower.

Be safe, mind the loading manuals, and have fun.

Kind Regards,

Tom

AndyC wrote:Depends on the caliber - it's more critical with low-volume, higher-pressure calibers (eg 9mmP, 40S&W) than the larger-volume, low-pressure ones (eg .45ACP).

I'd definitely feel uncomfortable shooting a 9mm or .40 which has the bullet pushed in 1/10th " deeper than normal (uncomfortable to the extent that I wouldn't shoot it, that is).

AndyC,

Deeper than what "normal"?
Deeper than min OAL? Yup, that would bother me too. I don't see where anyone suggested pushing
a bullet 0.10 deeper than min OAL. In fact, we were discussing thousandths, not tenths.

I assume that you were thinking about a min OAL, right?
If not then please define what you mean by "normal".

Kind Regards,

Tom

RKirby wrote: I also noticed the variation in overall length. I was aiming for 1.125 and had variations up to 1.128. I can't figure out the cause of this either unless my son was short stroking the press. Or maybe that is within tolerances. Maybe one of the experts will chime in on that point (hint...hint);-)

At any rate, they all went bang.

RKirby,

It appears that you are doing fine, if not better than fine.

Trying to keep all of your OAL's within some small range will take way too much of your time
and for no really good reason.
Over time I have developed a method where I decide on a MAX OAL then start loading to not
go above the max. I usually just check the first ten or so and if they are getting close but not
going over then I am happy with that result and I will load lots before checking the OAL again.
I usually get within a range of 0.010.
For example, I load 30 Carbine to a max OAL of 1.680. Which to me means nothing will go over that.
But if I get some as low as 1.670 I don't worry about it.

As long as you are not loading for BR or long range shooting (600+ yds) don't be bothered about
getting variations in your OAL. Just ensure that you don't go below the mins or over the maxs.
Where it falls in between isn't all that important for plinking ammo. And I consider IDPA as plinking ammo.

Kind Regards,

Tom