RT1200 questions
First off I am using it currently for 5.56, since the sizing die doesnt have the traditional decapper/expander ball (for obvious reasons) how does this die set neck tension? I got around the decapper by using a LEE universal decapping die in my first position and then the RT1200 in the 2nd position. I had thought of using a neck sizing die in the third position to set neck tension only and then swap in a second plate for actual loading (first plate as described above for prep work).
The second issue was once I did try above, i was getting loading issues into my AR15 as if the headspace was incorrect but after various ways of measuring headspace (Hornady LNL headspace gage, L.E. wilson headspace gage, etc.) I tried breaking everything down and setting the 550 up without the trimmer and just use the standard Dillon 5.56 dies I found my problem. The RT1200 resizing die set the shoulder fine but it didnt size the body O.D. bad down enough to reliably load into my .223 Wylde Chambered AR15. I would like to hear suggestions on what I may be doing wrong, what I can do to fix it.
Thanks,
Brett
RE: RT1200 questions
i do everything the hard way..............
1) polish the brass
2)i use a lee decapper
3) lube the brass
4)size the brass. i use a dillon headspace gage. size to the lowest step.
5) trim brass to length
6)prime. powder, set bullet and crimp
7) polish brass to clean case lube
8)load and shoot
9)repeat
RE: RT1200 questions
RE: RT1200 questions
RE: RT1200 questions
RE: RT1200 questions
I've not set up my RT1200 on my XL650 because at first, I presumed it fit over the standard decapping and sizing die on Station 1. I've read the manual over and over, and it doesn't mention this, so it must be implied. I didn't see anything in my XL650 manual, either, but that's a different story.
Anyway, would the best way be to set up the XL650 to decap and size first. Then clean the cases, lube them (again), and change the toolhead with the RT1200 on Station 1, and every other station set up to continue the loading process (prime, bell, powder, powder check (station 3), seat, crimp)?
Sorry to make it sound more complicated than it is, I just don't want to screw up the press, the trimmer, or the cases.
Thanks.
RE: RT1200 questions
On the 650, run the trimmer at station 4. You cannot trim and load at the same time, as the vibrations from the trimmer cause irregularly heavier powder charges. The trimmer uses its' own unique die, and does not attach to a size/deprime die. The trim die sizes and trims at the same time. If using military cases that require swaging afterward, then use a universal deprime die in station 1 to deprime only, then the trimmer at station 4.
Clean the brass first, then lube it, then run it through the trimming toolhead. Then swap to the loading toolhead to actually load the cases. The diameter of the trimmer motor is large enough to prevent you from using it on the machine while loading ammunition.