Saturday 8 December 2012

Chronicles of working-up loads for my 357-SIG

357-SIG: A General Purpose Load: Load GP#1 .. 9.0 grs of AA #5 stays within Mfg. recommended Max Load.

clip_image002

357-SIG: A Paper Target Load: Load PT#1clip_image004

Two useful loads that work for me. Load GP#1 makes use of Re-sized bullets to 0.3558” diameter.  This allows me to stock 38/357 125gr FP bullets and use them to generate loads for: 38 special, 357 Magnum and 357 SIG. A lesson from; “Lean Manufacturing – Flexible Inventory.”

Manufacturers load ranges for 357-SIG; Hodgdon and Accurate Arms .. check their web sites.imageFuture Plans:

1) 357 SIG: Next step is to Re-Size 38 Special, 158gr SWC bullets to 0.3558 and verify velocity. If all is ok this will be PT Load #2

2) 9mm Luger; develop a re-sizing process for 0.357” diameter bullets to 0.355”.

Ideas are to use a two-step process: 0.357” to 0.356”, then 0.356” to 0.355”. A one step resizing from 0.357” to 0.355” will be tried.

Outline of test plan that determined my optimal loading from me using SIG 357 Semi-auto Pistols.

The Basic plan is to use my previous load as a baseline, test number 4. Setting up these experiments is fine when you have total control, but using a public indoor range, forces one to make accommodations and concessions.

The tables chronicle the test sequences and variables of empirical data and results. The relative feelings experienced during the shooting and general satisfaction with said results, are a major factor to consider.

All range shooting is Free-Hand shooting. no pistol rest. So natural variability is built in .. My quest is to find what works for me.

Dual, side by side targets set at three distances for each test. Sig P229S – Five shots at each target. An eight by three matrix requires: 8x3x10 = 240 rounds and 8x2x3 = 48 targets. Prior to a test run seventeen round of Blazer commercial ammo was shot to warm up the pistol (when shot at different times/days) Velocity averages are 10 shots over the chronograph, prior to shooting the targets.

clip_image006

Tuesday 4 December 2012

357-SIG: Bullet Prep a slightly controversial approach.

There is a veritable plethora of published Information and Data, regarding the “Bullet Diameter” best suited to this bottlenecked pistol cartridge.  Published Opinions vary. So I set about finding what works for my needs.imageHaving loaded a number of 357 SIG rounds using Bullets designated for 38 Special / 357 Magnum (.357” Dia.) with no problems, I’ve decided to experiment and find an optimum load that works for me. My guns chambered in 357 SIG (they are Sig Sauer Semi-Auto pistols) perform best using; of all things, Blazer ammo. (commercial ammo)

NOTE: Aluminum Cases are designated as a onetime use; yes some folks have reloaded them, just NOT ME So a number of empirical experiments ensued. The parameters that varied: Powder Charge, Bullet Diameter and Bullet Weight. The result is a very good load for my guns using; Bass Shell Casings and Resized 357 Bullets, propelled by Accurate Arms #5 powder.

Re-Sizing: Copper Plated Bullets.

Resizing / Swaging Cast Lead Bullets is an everyday occurrence within the reloading community. Not so with Copper Plated Bullets.  Bullet suppliers; X-TREME Bullets and Berry’s Manufacturing, are my choice.

Using: Lee .356 Lube and Size Kit. Fits standard reloading press 7/8 x14 TPI.   Purchased from Brownells; $18.99

clip_image004clip_image006 As seen in the Lee instruction pamphlet, using their sizing die is simplicity personified. 

I use a Redding T-7 press for various reloading tasks (not volume pistol reloading)  purchased from Brownells; $249.99. Cast Iron construction, easy to use compound linkage, seven station turret.Processing 1,000 bullets in four batches of approximately 250 works for me.  Keep a Clean and Organized work area. Set-up an area for overnight drying of the bullets with applied Lube.   For this type of processing I mount the press on my; general purpose, Butcher-block work bench. This provides a stable large open work space.

1,000: 38/357 Caliber, 125gr FP with Cannelure.As-Is diameter: 0.357”  Average Re-Sized Diameter: 0.3558”Batch of approx. 250+ lubed bullets await re-sizing.  Approximately 500 bullets finish off drying, after Lube removal.

Sunday 28 October 2012

Stepping through the process sequence, 11 thu 18

Now entering the production phase, follow a methodical procedure. DO NOT force any step in cycling the press – very moderate resistance is mostly in station1, case forming/de-priming.imageMake sure the mouth of the Powder Funnel is clean, watch for brass build up.imageNow, remember to load bullets at this station. Visual check that powder is is in the case.  An Auto Powder check die can be set up in station 3image14-3 Ensure the Eject Wire performs its function .. you DO NOT want a loaded round going into station 1 !!!!imageimageimageimageVisual: New Primer is seated correctly .. good to go.primerokimage

Stepping through the process sequence, 10 of 18

image10-1  This is sufficient Powder. Primer Tube is empty, as Indicator Rod bottomed out, and feed disk is empty. Tip: add a 45 ACP shell to the Plastic primer follower rod.setep9pow10-4  Correctly seated primers, examples of Large and Small pistol primers.proprim4 10-2 through 10-8 are a simple repetition until the desired powder charge is set. Adjustments are made via a 7/16” adjustment bold head at the back of the Powder Bar.  Clockwise increases the charge.  Two sizes of Bar are used, Standard and Magnum .. The standard works for all my loads.  powbar110-9 10-9 through 10-13 Powder load: AA#5 8.0 grains.pload1

Stepping through the process sequence, 8 & 9 of 18

Setting Seating depth and cartridge Overall LengthimageA nice cross-sectional pictorial demonstrating correct seating depth.image

Confirm OAL with Reference source: SIG 357, 1.140” to 1.130”  Set in middle of tolerance range: 1.1350”OAL1Set dial indicator to Zero on a 1.135 standard .. Easy to spot check as you reload.oal2

Moving right to step 9, station 5 to set the case crimp.image Station 5 .. 9-4 Round is being ejected by the eject wire.procejc1This shows correctly crimped bullets and cases. NOTE there are various types of crimps used, this is what I get with my Dillon pistol dies. The 357 SIG and 38 Special (top left and bottom left) are crimped on a cannelured bullet, Top right; 200gr SWC, 45 Long Colt and same bullet in a 45 ACPprocrimp4This is very much a Visual and Feel setting .. You can measure it,  worth doing when you start, but experience will let you judge a wide range of: Case-Bullet combinations.

Saturday 27 October 2012

Stepping through the process sequence, 7 of 18

On this step we ONLY set the Case mouth flare.imageSetting the Lock Ring on the Powder Measure Die. Inside the die is the Powder Funnel with Tapered flaring section:

imageimage

This diagram shows correct amount of Bell-Mouth required

image

Stepping through the process sequence, 4, 5 & 6 of 18

These next 3 steps are easy in content and go quickly. BUT again attention to detail Step 4-6 !!!imageThe last 100 primers to Flip and load into Small Primer pick-up tubes (Yellow plastic tip)  I have Magnum primers so I’ll go ahead and use them. flip1Packaged 100 to the box, place on to serrated Flip Tray base. Yes there is a trick to this. Place the tray Lid on to base and flip. flip2Correct any primers that are wrong side up .. load up the tube. That’s 5 tubes 500 primers .. good enough to get started

flip3flip4flip5 

Tip: 4-6 the last 1 or 2 primers will stay inside the YELLOW pick up tip .. gently push them free into the tube. (I use a clean aerosol plastic tube) This will avoid any Flipped primers going into the press. procpri7

imageLoad a good handful of cases into the bowl. Without the feed tube installed plug the out feed end and run the feeder. With a few cases in line the Micro Switch should turn the feeder off.

imageShell plate empty pull the lever down to end of stroke.  You want a few thousands of an inch clearance between the Shell Plate and the bottom of the Re-Sizing Die (station 1)

On to step 7

Friday 26 October 2012

Stepping through the process sequence, 3 of 18

step3Completing Steps; 1 and 2 ensures you have a ready supply of cases.

step3list

A methodical approach with attention to detail is required. The Dillon XL 650, progressive press, and its peers, represent the most mechanically complex pieces of equipment you’ll find when reloading at home.  I have seen some one-off, hand made, Rube Goldberg contraptions built by “Shade-Tree Re-loaders” Namely: One Eyed Jack and Three fingers Pete.

This is typical of my work station during a Press Run. No unnecessary stuff in the area. Clean and well lighted.   I can tell the Low Primer indictor has sounded (rod is bottomed out) I need to recharge the primer tube, top up the powder hopper and empty the finished rounds bin .. but we are jumping ahead. step3650

3-1 through 3-8, are primarily visual, area inspection and clean up as required.  The simple punch list helps determine what has to be done to reconfigure for the next run.

Prior Session: Caliber: 357 SIG .. Small Pistol Primer .. Powder AA#5, Hopper is 1/2 full and the Small Pistol Primer Plate is installed.

presscup    presscup2

3-9 From the punch list information you can establish the Change over Kit and parts required. Reference the manual, page 44 - the Caliber Conversion Chart.image

3-10 through 3-21 .. Working methodically, items a) thu j) and all the required parts will be pulled together.

Changing from: 357 SIG to 9mm Luger.imageHere are the change over parts ready to go. Empty Tool-Head stand for the 357 SIG tool-head plate.step3change1change1toolhead1

3-22  .. DO NOT rush this. Removed parts do have a home, put them there.  Hardware that will be Re-Used leave at the press.

First I open an empty powder canister, Remove the 357 SIG Tool-Head. Empty powder into canister and store.

Put the SIG tool-head on the stand, remove the Locator Pins and Shell Plate, put these parts in the tool stand and store.

Remove the Case Feed Bushings, Station 1 locator and store.

Done with the removal .. I’ve used this press since Aug 1996, so this is Old-Hat, but the devil is in the details

3-23 and 3-24: .. DO NOT rush this. Rebuild the press from Case Feeder down to Shell Plate.

Case Feeder, empty and ready.  Change out the CF bushings (Green) and adaptor (Small)

Install the #5 Case Feed Plate and Ejector Clip. Insert the 3 station pins and Station 1 Locator.

Install Tool-Head and connect Fail-Safe rod into Powder Bar assembly

Visual check .. Index slowly .. double check .. Ok? Done!

Step 4 is next.