Practical Shooting After Dark EP 190

Published on May 20, 2022
Duration: 28:58

This guide details how to adjust primer seating depth on a Dillon RL 550 reloading press to prevent light strikes and ensure consistent ignition. The process involves shimming the primer arm to achieve deeper seating, which can resolve ignition issues and improve overall ammunition reliability. This is crucial for handloaders experiencing gun malfunctions that may stem from improperly seated primers.

Quick Summary

Adjusting primer seating depth on your Dillon RL 550 press is key to preventing light strikes and ensuring consistent ignition. If you experience primer spillage, adding zip ties around the shell plate creates drag for a smoother advance, reducing powder loss and improving reliability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Discussion on Area 3 Director
  2. 00:34Welcome to Practical Shooting After Dark
  3. 01:30Talk about Area 3 Match and Director Candidates
  4. 03:54Sherwin's Long Tenure as Area 3 Director
  5. 05:05Joel Park Considering Area 3 Director Run
  6. 05:56Joel's Experience as Gun Club Treasurer
  7. 09:40Ben Stoeger's TTPOA Conference Experience
  8. 11:00TTPOA Conference Structure and Training
  9. 13:13Differences in Practical Shooting vs. Police Training
  10. 15:07Police Officers Training on Speed and Predictive Shooting
  11. 17:38Mike Pilon's Concealed Carry Training Approach
  12. 19:49Reloading Press Issues: Consistent Powder Charge
  13. 20:30Shooting Factory Ammo vs. Reloads for Matches
  14. 21:09Reloading Problems at South Carolina Match
  15. 21:57Adjusting Primer Seating Depth on Dillon 1050
  16. 22:26Primer Spillage and Shell Plate Drag
  17. 24:10Primer Seating Depth Importance
  18. 24:17Adjusting Primer Seating on Dillon 650
  19. 25:48Primer Deformation and Below Flush Seating
  20. 26:17Why Shoot Factory Ammunition in Matches
  21. 27:51Using Impeccable Reloads in Competition
  22. 28:14Episode Recap and Listener Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes light strikes on primers during reloading?

Light strikes on primers during reloading are often caused by incorrect primer seating depth. This means the primer isn't seated deeply enough to be reliably struck by the firing pin. Adjusting the primer seating depth on your press can resolve this issue and ensure consistent ignition for your ammunition.

How can I prevent primer spillage when reloading on a Dillon RL 550?

To prevent primer spillage on a Dillon RL 550, you can create drag on the shell plate by placing zip ties around its edge. This drag causes the shell plate to coast into its position rather than snapping, which significantly reduces primer spillage and ensures more powder stays in the case.

What is the importance of primer seating depth in reloaded ammunition?

Proper primer seating depth is crucial for reliable ignition. Primers should be seated below flush to ensure they are struck with enough force by the firing pin. Incorrect seating can lead to light strikes, misfires, and inconsistent performance, especially in competition or self-defense scenarios.

Why is it recommended to use factory ammunition for major shooting matches?

For major shooting matches, using factory ammunition is often recommended because it offers superior consistency and reliability compared to most handloads. Factory ammo is manufactured under strict quality control, minimizing the risk of malfunctions caused by reloading errors like inconsistent powder charges or primer seating issues.

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