Why wont my Dillon resize cases to their apropriate length.

diowk · May 8, 2009, 12:00 PM

Okay, so I just setup my new dillon 550b and installed the decap/resizing die. Screwed it all the way to the shellplate, backed it up just enough to free the shellplate, tightened the lock nut, and threw in a case to try it. It decaping works and the sizing lengthens it by .005" but still doesnt bring it to the .898 its supposed to be. It just gets as far as .890 (formerly .885) I cant lower the die anymore! (yes it is the right conversion kit/dies for the cases Im using) can anyone tell me whats wrong?

snuffy · May 8, 2009, 12:23 PM

What makes you think a sizer die should LENGTHEN a shell? They sometimes do get longer during the sizing process, but not always. If you want a certain length that's longer than the shell already is, you have to fire them and resize repeatedly to make them grow.

Sam06 · May 8, 2009, 12:50 PM

You don't state what the Cartridge is but I would be very happy if I was you. If its for a Pistol cartridge like a 45ACP or 44 Mag it is not going to get longer when it is re-sized. Don't sweat it. If the cartridge will chamber go with it and be glad you don't have to trim brass, which is one job I really dislike.

howlnmad · May 8, 2009, 01:38 PM

Because the sizing die only decaps and sizes the body, neck and shoulder. It's not a trim die.

RGS · May 8, 2009, 10:16 PM

Your loading manual should give you the Maximum Case Length and the Case Trim Length. So long as your brass measures within these two extremes, your length is fine.

Judging from your measurements, I leap to the conclusion you are talking about a pistol cartridge of some kind. Hopefully one that headspaces on the case mouth. Perhaps .45 ACP? In my Hornady manual under .45 ACP, the Max Case Length is .898. The Case Trim Length is .888. Anything in between should run fine in a factory chamber. If you are indeed dealing with a cartridge that headspaces on the case mouth, you do not want to go longer then Max Case Length.

A cartridge that headspaces on the rim on the other hand, is much more forgiving of case length. I've never trimmed my revolver brass... Ever...

dipper · May 8, 2009, 11:04 PM

Another case of read a darn manual.

teeroux · May 8, 2009, 11:30 PM

Pistol brass doesn't need to be trimmed.

Scorch · May 8, 2009, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Pistol brass doesn't need to be resized

I hope you meant "doesn't need to be trimmed".

Nnobby45 · May 9, 2009, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Pistol brass doesn't need to be resized.

I, too, hope you meant doesn't need to be trimmed, since the certainly need to be sized.

Pistol loading isn't rifle loading. Pistol cases get SHORTER as they're reloaded.

Why doesn't the Dillon makes cases the proper length?

Because it's not a case trimmer. If the cases vary in length, as range brass does, then you'll still see that variation after sizing.

Nnobby45 · May 9, 2009, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Pistol brass doesn't need to be resized.

I, too, hope you meant doesn't need to be trimmed, since the certainly need to be sized.

Pistol loading isn't rifle loading. Pistol cases get SHORTER the more you reload them.

TIP: When using range brass that vary in length, adjust your expander to properly bell the shortest.

teeroux · May 9, 2009, 01:20 AM

Sorry guys i meant trimmed not resized. Been up too many hours.

Thanks for the catch.

Russ5924 · May 9, 2009, 10:11 AM

I reload .38/357,.45ACP, 9MM. .44Mag and .45 colt and have NEVER trimmed a case yet.

May 8, 2009, 12:00 PM	#1
diowk Member Join Date: April 19, 2009 Posts: 31	Why wont my Dillon resize cases to their apropriate length. Okay, so I just setup my new dillon 550b and installed the decap/resizing die. Screwed it all the way to the shellplate, backed it up just enough to free the shellplate, tightened the lock nut, and threw in a case to try it. It decaping works and the sizing lengthens it by .005" but still doesnt bring it to the .898 its supposed to be. It just gets as far as .890 (formerly .885) I cant lower the die anymore! (yes it is the right conversion kit/dies for the cases Im using) can anyone tell me whats wrong?

May 8, 2009, 12:23 PM	#2
snuffy Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2001 Location: Oshkosh wi. Posts: 3,055	What makes you think a sizer die should LENGTHEN a shell? They sometimes do get longer during the sizing process, but not always. If you want a certain length that's longer than the shell already is, you have to fire them and resize repeatedly to make them grow. __________________ The more people I meet, the more I love my dog They're going to get their butts kicked over there this election. How come people can't spell and use words correctly?

May 8, 2009, 12:50 PM	#3
Sam06 Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: Fayettenam Posts: 1,086	You don't state what the Cartridge is but I would be very happy if I was you. If its for a Pistol cartridge like a 45ACP or 44 Mag it is not going to get longer when it is re-sized. Don't sweat it. If the cartridge will chamber go with it and be glad you don't have to trim brass, which is one job I really dislike. __________________ The two most abundant elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.

May 8, 2009, 11:04 PM	#6
dipper Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Posts: 895	Another case of read a darn manual. __________________ --------------------------------------------------------- "It is better to die on your feet than live on your knees" EMILIANO ZAPATA SALAZAR

May 8, 2009, 11:30 PM	#7
teeroux Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2006 Posts: 1,512	Pistol brass doesn't need to be trimmed. Last edited by teeroux; May 9, 2009 at 01:19 AM.

May 8, 2009, 01:38 PM	#4
howlnmad Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2009 Location: Harriman Tn Posts: 424	Because the sizing die only decaps and sizes the body, neck and shoulder. It's not a trim die.

May 8, 2009, 10:16 PM	#5
RGS Member Join Date: June 17, 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 78	Your loading manual should give you the Maximum Case Length and the Case Trim Length. So long as your brass measures within these two extremes, your length is fine. Judging from your measurements, I leap to the conclusion you are talking about a pistol cartridge of some kind. Hopefully one that headspaces on the case mouth. Perhaps .45 ACP? In my Hornady manual under .45 ACP, the Max Case Length is .898. The Case Trim Length is .888. Anything in between should run fine in a factory chamber. If you are indeed dealing with a cartridge that headspaces on the case mouth, you do not want to go longer then Max Case Length. A cartridge that headspaces on the rim on the other hand, is much more forgiving of case length. I've never trimmed my revolver brass... Ever...

May 9, 2009, 01:20 AM	#11
teeroux Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2006 Posts: 1,512	Sorry guys i meant trimmed not resized. Been up too many hours. Thanks for the catch.

May 9, 2009, 10:11 AM	#12
Russ5924 Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 1,874	I reload .38/357,.45ACP, 9MM. .44Mag and .45 colt and have NEVER trimmed a case yet. __________________ Russ5924

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search