Finally, first ten rounds from the new Dillon 550

After way more setup then I thought was going to be needed, finally got my first ten 9mm test rounds loaded.

Recipe
Winchester brass
147gr FP Precision Bullets (coated lead bullets)
3.2gr of VV N320
WSP
OAL 1.148

Weapon S&W M&P 9L

I don't currently own a chrono so I'll be testing them for accuracy and how they function in my gun.

Welcome to a new hobby. If you're ever at the range when I'm there, you can use my chrono if you want.

CONGRATS ! ! ! Did someone help you setup your new 550?



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M1GarandFan wrote:Welcome to a new hobby. If you're ever at the range when I'm there, you can use my chrono if you want.

Thanks, I really appreciate the offer.

JD

SubGunFan wrote:CONGRATS ! ! ! Did someone help you setup your new 550?



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No, there in lies the reason for so many problems. The biggest problem was getting the new primers to fully seat. After adjusting the Primer Seating Cup assembly, as described in the manual I could no longer get the cup to pick up new primers, but they were now fully seated. This adjusting and readjusting went on for a bit till I was finally able to pick up a new primer and fully seat it.

I also added some complexity buy installing the Turbo-Bearing and Floating Die with Toolhead Clamp Kit from UniqueTek during the setup process. Although both of those products installed very easily. Plan to also install the Micrometer Power Bar Kit from UniqueTek once it arrives.

I went back and setup the tool head from scratch and loaded 20 new rounds using the recipe below:

Winchester case
147gr Precision Bullets lead FP
3.2gr VV N320
Crimp .377
OAL 1.141

Going to try these rounds at the range tomorrow morning, checking accuracy, functionality in my gun and how bad if at all the lead fouls up the barrel.

Just a guess.... but 3.2gr of almost any powder sounds light for a 147gr 9mm bullet.



Looking forward to your range report.



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SubGunFan wrote:Just a guess.... but 3.2gr of almost any powder sounds light for a 147gr 9mm bullet.



Looking forward to your range report.



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Yes, it does sound light and from my research, VV N320 for a 147gr 9mm bullet is between 3.1 to 3.9gr with a velocity range of 784 to 978fps and I only need around 885fps to make Minor PF in USPSA. I venture to say 3.2gr probably won't make it, maybe closer to 3.4, guess I'll see when I can run them across someone's chrono.

Well I tried my load at the range today.

First shot 10 rds of WWB 115gr so i could make a comparison on recoil. Well my loads were like a night and day difference from the factory load, much softer felt recoil.

Currently using a 15# spring in my M&P 9L, which is what the stock spring is, wonder if changing to a 13# spring might be a better option? How does one determine what pound spring to use?

The rounds all feed well in the gun and smoke was heavier then with factory ammo, but since I shoot outside and typically on the move, that should be a none issue.

As for accuracy, I shoot 10 rounds of WWB at 25 yards and 30 rounds of my reloads and accuracy was a bit, very small bit better with reloads (need to work on my trigger control). Also I did not notice any keyholeing.

Checked the casings for signs of pressure and all looked good, no bulging or blown back primers.

Going to load up some more rounds at 3.4gr of N320 and either buy or find someone with a chrono to see if my rounds will make USPSA Minor PF.

Congrats on your first "30" rounds!! Looks like it got it going in the right direction ...

hooray for a new press!

Congratz!! I have the same issue with primers.. but I think it is mostly me not getting the "gist" of the machine. If I pause at "neutral" then proceed to apply the upward pressure primers seat well more often. It also keeps the doodad that sends in the next primer from popping so hard. I am using the Dillion Square Deal.. so i am not sure if the primer device is adjustable.