Thanks for the feedback guys. I actually had a 550 that was set-up for .308 back when I thought I could load consistent match grade long range ammo progressively. I eventually sold it because I had to use ball powder to get it to throw powder within tolerance, and that caused temperature stability problems....hence the move back to single stage, a prometheus powder measure, and stick powders.
Until I get the feel of loading pistol ammo, I'm going to stick with the single stage for now. Batch laoding should help, and I can't imagine it taking more than 30 min to knock out 100-150 rounds. The Square Deal "B" is tempting, but I have my sights on another Schmidt and Bender first.
That said, I loaded up a dummy round using scrap range brass, in the following steps:
- full length size and deprime
- run through the expander die
- seat bullet to 1.250" OAL
Here is what I ended up with:
Looks dirty, but that is because it is scrap brass, and I chambered it about 15 times in the gun to ensure feeding and extraction. 1.250" Case Overall Length. No crimp was necessary, the case mouth measure right at .71".
Next time, we go live....