Joined
·
2,730 Posts
I am loading up some .44Mag cartridges for my buddies son. I am loading 240 grain LSWC bullets over some Hodgdon Titegroup loads and have an issue with OAL. I trimmed the cases to the published "trim to " length using the Lee trimming guide for .44 Mag. I set the bullets to attain the proper overall length (1.620) and and then adjusted for a good crimp. When I get the finished cartride out, the length is now 1.612. ??? ???
What is causing this?? I picked up these RCBS dies used at a local gunshop. They seemed to be fine except for the seating die which was very difficult to loosen up the lock ring, and the seater plug was also stuck pretty tight. Before using it I cleaned up the die with penetrating oil and brake cleaner and got it apart with a bench vice and pliers. Cleaned it up real well and began using it, but got the OAL results stated above. Can I safely shoot these 1.611 to 1.614 length cartridges in a revolver (proper published OAL is 1.620)? This is my first time loading this calber cartridge! I normally have not had any problem getting my cartridges to the proper OAL I appreciate any thoughts and advice?
CJ
CJ