Arbor Press and Compressed Loads

[Sniper Uncle]

Okay, before I get any lectures on compressed loads, the load I am working with has been carefully developed with training I have received on compressed loads and how to do them safely. It also is only a 10% compressed load. It does not cause the bullet to "grow" out of the case over night. It is also not over-pressuring the rifle.

Now, for the set-up:
I am loading Berger 300-OTM's in a 338 Lapua Case. I am using Reloader 50, which has quite large "stick" kernels. I am using a Sinclair Arbor Press with a Wilson Micrometer Seating Die.

These bullets are so long, that there is some need to get powder beside the bullet under the shoulder of the case. It occurred to me that the powder might not naturally want to just squeeze up around the bullet as it is seated, actually possibly causing more crushing and "compression" than necessary. After I had started seating the bullet, maybe about 0.3" down, I took the die and shook the whole assembly to allow the powder a chance to fill the voids around the bullet. Then it occurred to me that possibly I could turn the whole die assembly up-side-down, and allow the powder to settle naturally in the void. I tried this, with noticeably less "crunching" sounds as the bullet seated fully.

Has anyone else tried this technique? Does anyone have any better ideas????

Thanks for the input.

 

[roggom]

I would try a drop tube and see if it gets you more room.

 

[milo 2.0]

Tim,
You running a drop tube on the funnel, helps a lot. Don't know about your method, should work, I've heard of guys setting cases on tumbler cover bolts while running to get powder settled in.

 

[Sniper Uncle]

The drop tube is a good idea.
But we are talking a load that we know is compressed, and trying to get it to fill the void around the base of the bullet under the shoulder. I am not trying to pack the powder, but rather to fill the entire volume of the case less the bullet, rather than crush the powder below the bullet. It isn't really crunching too much to start with, but I am trying to minimize it even more.

Thanks for the input...