Starting out on new caliber - process

[scooter123]

If you Dillon "satisfied users" actually make the effort to do a Capability Study with Unique it will open your eyes a bit. I will grant that I don't have a Dillon powder measure. However, I do have enough experience with both Unique and Longshot to be firmly convinced that it cannot be metered consistently enough with ANY Volume Powder measure. The problem with some powders is that they are dependent on how the powder "lays" in the measuring chamber, so you'll get heavy or light throws mixed in. Yeah, 90% will be within 1/10 grain, those aren't the loads that concern me. What concerns me are the other 10% and the whoppers 1/2 grain off are of most concern.

So, here is a challenge you you Dillon Loyalists and I'll admit it will take a bit of effort. However, it will illustrate the value of Statistics. Next time you have your press loaded with Unique run 200 consecutive throws across your scale. Once you see a throw that is a full 1/2 grain off from your "set" charge you will then understand what I am trying to say here. BTW, based on my studies in 100 throws you'll find a charges 3/10 grain off with Unique, for the 1/2 grain Whopper that takes 200 throws but it will happen.

 

[Snowshooter]

Recently, my wife purchased a Ruger LC9. Great little carry pistol that shoots well, with certain ammo.

With my regular target load it would hit 8-12" low every time. I had to build 18 different ladders with multiple powders and bullet weights to find one that worked.

Since the primary point of the original post was the PITA it is to change powders, here is my suggestion: Use Power Pistol at various charge weights and bullet choices. Be CERTAIN that all of your loads are within the acceptable load range.

Shoot the ladders and find the magic combination. Then shoot some more...

 

[RegisG]

Thanks everyone and here is what I want to be able to say in a few years.
Thanks again
Regis

Very satisfied Dillon customer here. I think many who experience consistent, large variations in their powder throws have never operated a Dillon 550 or 650. It sure is a treat.

So far, loading 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .223 Rem, on my Dillon 650XL, once it's all up and moving, the largest variation I have noted is 0.1 grain. Many different powders, many thousands of each caliber loaded.

Back to OP's question, I would run Power Pistol for your 9mm. Bullseye will meter perfectly in your Dillon but you will get better performance with PP.

 

[zeke]

Just finished loading 700 rds of 45 acp hardball with unique and 230 gn Magtech fmj. Extremely accurate combination. Using a RCBS powder measure and single stage press. From previous experience unique may not be the most consistent weight thrown, but the accuracy and actual velocity comparisons mean more to me than a statistical evaluation of thrown powder charge weight.

However, out of 700 rounds, there was one obvious overcharge detected by eyeballing all charged cases before seating bullet. It corresponded to "grating/sticking" throw of powder.

Unique is also a suitable to excellent powder for 9mm in terms of accuracy and velocity, especially with 115/124 grain jacketed bullets.
However the charges I like come close to the top of the case, which may be problem in progressive.

And to try and get back to original question

RegisG-What specific bullets/primers/cases are you trying?

 

[H Richard]

People, we are trying to help a reloader with a PISTOL 9mm load, not a rifle benchrest load!!! The normal range of a 9mm Shield is 7 to 15 yards, with 25 yards considered a medium to long range. .1 grains makes no discernible difference in the load. And, I agree the Dillon 550 powder measure is capable of better than .1 gr. accuracy, (if the powder is a ball or small flake, not Unique). Power Pistol has already attained a good reputation as a great 9mm powder, so recommend he start there as he has that powder. Check the manual and set the loader for half way between mid point and max and you should have useable ammo very shortly. Never load more than 10 rounds to start with, then shoot it over sandbag rest for accuracy. If you have a chronograph, get the velocity and compare it to the book expectations. "Don't forget to set a proper crimp", and a 9mm needs about .003". Happy shooting.

 

[Magload]

If you Dillon "satisfied users" actually make the effort to do a Capability Study with Unique it will open your eyes a bit. I will grant that I don't have a Dillon powder measure. However, I do have enough experience with both Unique and Longshot to be firmly convinced that it cannot be metered consistently enough with ANY Volume Powder measure. The problem with some powders is that they are dependent on how the powder "lays" in the measuring chamber, so you'll get heavy or light throws mixed in. Yeah, 90% will be within 1/10 grain, those aren't the loads that concern me. What concerns me are the other 10% and the whoppers 1/2 grain off are of most concern.

So, here is a challenge you you Dillon Loyalists and I'll admit it will take a bit of effort. However, it will illustrate the value of Statistics. Next time you have your press loaded with Unique run 200 consecutive throws across your scale. Once you see a throw that is a full 1/2 grain off from your "set" charge you will then understand what I am trying to say here. BTW, based on my studies in 100 throws you'll find a charges 3/10 grain off with Unique, for the 1/2 grain Whopper that takes 200 throws but it will happen.

I was trying to get 5.5 grs of CFE Pistol last night and set the Dillion 550 to drop 5.3 then trickle the last .2. Well many of the 5.3s turned out to be 5.5 and I even had a few 5.6s and a 5.7. I would just dump the load in the trickler and drop another one with the press and it would be right on 5.3. Now I hate to be called anal but I have wondered if the amount of powder in the powder tube effects the weight as the highter the coloum of power the more weight pressing the powder into the powder bar.

 

[Twoboxer]

I was trying to get 5.5 grs of CFE Pistol last night and set the Dillion 550 to drop 5.3 then trickle the last .2. Well many of the 5.3s turned out to be 5.5 and I even had a few 5.6s and a 5.7. I would just dump the load in the trickler and drop another one with the press and it would be right on 5.3. Now I hate to be called anal but I have wondered if the amount of powder in the powder tube effects the weight as the highter the coloum of power the more weight pressing the powder into the powder bar.

First, don't worry about what you are called . . . satisfy yourself

Second, a baffle placed inside the PM is a good tool to minimize any effect from the changing height of the powder column. Most quality PMs come with a baffle.

 

[Engineer1911]

The things we endure to load a little 9 MM round of ammunition. Think of the anguish if it was 458 Lott!

 

[fredj338]

If you Dillon "satisfied users" actually make the effort to do a Capability Study with Unique it will open your eyes a bit. I will grant that I don't have a Dillon powder measure. However, I do have enough experience with both Unique and Longshot to be firmly convinced that it cannot be metered consistently enough with ANY Volume Powder measure. The problem with some powders is that they are dependent on how the powder "lays" in the measuring chamber, so you'll get heavy or light throws mixed in. Yeah, 90% will be within 1/10 grain, those aren't the loads that concern me. What concerns me are the other 10% and the whoppers 1/2 grain off are of most concern.

So, here is a challenge you you Dillon Loyalists and I'll admit it will take a bit of effort. However, it will illustrate the value of Statistics. Next time you have your press loaded with Unique run 200 consecutive throws across your scale. Once you see a throw that is a full 1/2 grain off from your "set" charge you will then understand what I am trying to say here. BTW, based on my studies in 100 throws you'll find a charges 3/10 grain off with Unique, for the 1/2 grain Whopper that takes 200 throws but it will happen.

I can see your point, but IME with a slightly tweaked Dillon measure, never seen anything approaching 1/2 variation. I am not sure I have the patience to stand there & throw 200 charges, but any powder is likely to have an anomaly in 200 charges. ball powders being less likely. Unique & LS meter like ball powder compared to 800X.

 

[fredj338]

I was trying to get 5.5 grs of CFE Pistol last night and set the Dillion 550 to drop 5.3 then trickle the last .2. Well many of the 5.3s turned out to be 5.5 and I even had a few 5.6s and a 5.7. I would just dump the load in the trickler and drop another one with the press and it would be right on 5.3. Now I hate to be called anal but I have wondered if the amount of powder in the powder tube effects the weight as the highter the coloum of power the more weight pressing the powder into the powder bar.

The issue with ANY volume powder measure is consistent technique. If you stop loading for even a couple of min, the powder will settle a bit & you will need to toss back 3-4 charges & start again. The more powder in your measure, the greater chance of this happening. I run my measures 1/2 full, seems to be more uniform if I need to stop & correct something.