SmallCaliberCentral

Need some help with Redding dies. We have a Dillon Xl 650 and Redding type A dies for the 204. We are having trouble with the seating die hitting the shell plate before it has a chance to crimp.

What is the length of your brass?

Are you attempting a roll crimp for an auto loader? If not forget the crimp and move on.

The only other options are to stone off the top of the shellholder until you remove enough to crimp.
You could stone off the bottom of the die also.
Wether you choose to stone the die or shellholder both must be measured to be square after the cut.
Longer brass would be the easiest perhaps. That depends on your present trim length.

Roll crimping a non cannelured bullet can be done. Its touchy, especially using Bergers which have the toughest composistion.
All brass should be trimmed to a consistent length otherwise accuracy will suffer.
Check the shoulders frequently for bulge. Too much crimping pressure and they will no longer chamber.

I am new to handloading and still learning the ins and outs but dont you just neck size for the 204 no crimping involved???

The brass I'm working with now is new winchester length is 184.5 for the most part. Yes this a auto loader.

By the way Rangersd, forgive my prior rudeness and welcome to the forum.

Maybe for now it'd just be best to seat deep and hope the neck tension is enough to maintain seating depth.
Make sure any sizing lube has been removed.

You could always measure the first round inserted in the mag. Stuff in the remaining and fire em up except for the last one which you measured. Pull it out and measure it. If the col has'nt changed so far so good.
Cycle that round through the action a few times and remeasure. This should tell you if crimping is nescessary. For the time being anyway. Brass hardens with use which lessens neck tension.

I do not load for an auto. Hopefully some of our fast cycle friends will come along with some advice.

I'm not kidding when I say that consistent accuracy with roll crimped loads can be a cast iron b***h to maintain.
I would do my best to avoid it if possible. Good Luck

Thanks Jo for the help.

We will load some up and give it a go. What a great sight

I second jo191145's advice. Ditch the crimping operation if possible.