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Correcting Runout on Loaded Shells

I recently purchased a Redding concentricity gauge and started checking some of my handloads. For my 280 rem loads, I am finding a wide variation in run out. Anywhere from 0.002 TIR to 0.010 +. Running them back through my seating die did not seem to make any difference on those with large TIR. Since I have about 200 loaded, I really don't want to waste them. Is there any way to correct the bullet alignment on these rounds or is it a lost cause and I just need to start over with new dies and empty cases?

Thanks

jim
 
If you use one of the devices used to straighten loaded rounds what do you think that will do to neck tension?

It is time for investigation. To me the only thing a concentricity gauge is good for. Find out where the runout is being introduced.
Check a fired case. Best they will ever be.
Check after sizing. If that is where runout is being introduced then explore the solutions and fix it.
Check after seating. Same as above.
When you learn the.equipment and procedure that loads straight ammo for you you can put that concentricity gauge away.
 
Before I'd call it a loss, I'd find out how these rounds shoot on paper. You may be surprised, pleasantly.

Also, what distances are you shooting? What are your requirements for performance? If the loaded round meet your performance requirements then run out numbers don't mean anything.

I stopped checking run out years ago since I found no difference on paper, but I'm only shooting out to 275 - 300 yards at the most which is modest by today's standards. I'm a performance based shooter, reloading related numbers only mean something to me if I can prove they effect precision at the distances I shoot and then only if the effect is out side my targeted precision goals for my applications.

There are some simple things you can do to minimize run out like using an "O" ring under the die so the die "flows" or using an "O" ring under the expander ball assembly so it floats. Rotating the case while seating sometimes reduces run out. Competition seating dies are another option, albeit expensive, if the run out numbers keep you up at night.

But I'd first do some testing to see if the reloads you're producing with your current equipment and procedures need changing to improve performance goals.
 
Well, there is a way to correct the bullet run out. But I believe you disturb the case neck tension when you use these tools. Hornady has a Concentricity gauge that has a Bullet alignment tool mounted to the side of it.

Hornady Lock-N-Load Ammo Concentricity Tool (midwayusa.com)

I use the Neco Concentricity Aliment Tool. (CAT) I say I use it, but I preferer not to. I believe it causes issues with the case neck tensions. (Just Me.) But, it will allow you to get near .0000 perfect bullet run out.

Cartridge Alignment Tool-CAT , NECO Shop Online | Neconos.com

Concentricity, Wall Thickness and Runout Gauge , NECO Shop Online | Neconos.com

A little tip for getting your Bullet run out under control. Try using less seating tension, and be sure to chamfer and deburr your cases before seating a bullet. (Annealing is a key factor also.) I would scrub the Crapp out of my rifle chamber also. I couldn't tell you how many times I have seen a dirty chamber really screw up the case necks after they have come out of a really dirty chamber. That crap about I never clean my barrel and can shoot 3/8 group at thousand yards back to back. Well, Their lying. I hope this helps.

NecoCartridge Alignment Tool-CAT12242020Dale.jpg
 
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Thanks for all the reply's and suggestions. To answer some of the questions: I am using a standard set of Redding dies. Shooting at 100 and 200 yds.
All the Redding dies that I have, the lock ring has a set screw that goes through the lock ring and presses on the die threads. Try a split ring such as Lyman or Forstner that locks around the die threads instead of pushing against them. Another idea, the set screw could be hitting the die threads off center slightly tilting the die when it is tightened. I put a small lead shot in the bottom of the set screw hole to spread the tension out over the full diameter of the set screw hole instead of the screw bottoming out on a single thread.
 
Richard Coody nailed it for me. Find out where any problems are being introduced and correct them. Have a Hornady tool that is supposed to correct the problem, it now sits in my museum of useless tools. Not interested in shipping my foolishness off to some one else. I use my SinClaire concentricity gauge occasionally, only to confirm that I am still on the reservation. Went deep down the rabbit hole of concentricity and found it to mainly be an answer in search of a question.
 
I recently purchased a Redding concentricity gauge and started checking some of my handloads. For my 280 rem loads, I am finding a wide variation in run out. Anywhere from 0.002 TIR to 0.010 +. Running them back through my seating die did not seem to make any difference on those with large TIR. Since I have about 200 loaded, I really don't want to waste them. Is there any way to correct the bullet alignment on these rounds or is it a lost cause and I just need to start over with new dies and empty cases?

Thanks

jim
Check run out on the bullets alone first, while you're at it, compare the bullets at the ogive too, then when you seat them rotate the case as you seat the bullet.
 
Ive been using Whidden dies with good success. However you can check runout and mark the high spot on the runout with a sharpie. then orientate them in the same position in the chamber such as 12 o clock. If the bullets hit the lands the same you will minimize the group spread. I also measure the base to ogive length with a comparitor and group them together.
 
@FIREPHOTO798 In addition to all the advice above on reducing runout, I will add just a little food for thought. It is possible to make ammo with very minimal runout. However, this is also the time to consider that unless you are determined not to shoot anything with a measureable runout, you should start thinking about the practical limit... which is your own practical limit.

Some accuracy and precision games require lots of ammo per match. Unless we are discussing BR, at some point we all must decide on when ammo is "good enough". We can then determine if our process has been refined to the point where we don't need to worry about it and only run an occasional QC check.

For many sports like Highpower, F-Class, PRS, and similar, there is a threshold behavior with runout. That means below a threshold limit, some runout does not affect outcome. Because runout dimensions and measurement methods are not standardized the value I will throw out is meaningless, but I will say that for many of us the limit tends to be about three or four mils. Above that and it becomes measurable on the target, at or below that and it doesn't.

Many of us own runout gages that collect dust. That isn't because those tools are not valuable, but because we only break them out on occasional QC checks or when playing with changes. With good components and processing, you can crank out ammo that stays under your runout limit with a comfortable margin so that daily checks and sorting are no longer required.

You will have to test limits for yourself. You will find that with the right processes and good components, it is possible to crank out ammo where runout is not a challenge. Learning where the components contribute and where your tooling and processing contributes is part of your journey. You will get there if you keep trying.
 

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