Ok, here was the deal I got this new 243 with custom barrel, and started shooting loads to determine what worked best. after shooting about 30 rounds of various loads and different powders, I was really confused! trying to understand results and various loads was nothing but confusion. I would shoot 3 shots strings and have 2 shots overlapping and one shot 2 inches away on several targets. So I checked shell holder, the new dies, Hornady press, linkage, arms, and loose components with no obvious discovery.
Then decided to go through every thing again, and took out the shell holder for the 4th time cleaned it again and started looking closer and discovered that the shell holder had a shinny spot on surface of one side about 3/16 in diameter, so I put it back in and raised the ram up with the shell holder and could see there was a uneven clearance, and it became clear this was the problem. so I changed the shell holder and re-sized all my brass again and I could feel the resistance when straightening the cases in the new shell holder. so once again the old adage check it, check it, check it, is advice to heed.
Then decided to go through every thing again, and took out the shell holder for the 4th time cleaned it again and started looking closer and discovered that the shell holder had a shinny spot on surface of one side about 3/16 in diameter, so I put it back in and raised the ram up with the shell holder and could see there was a uneven clearance, and it became clear this was the problem. so I changed the shell holder and re-sized all my brass again and I could feel the resistance when straightening the cases in the new shell holder. so once again the old adage check it, check it, check it, is advice to heed.
