"Dummy" rounds for reloading

[vanbuzen9]

Hi everyone,

I have heard that alot of people make dummy rounds for reloading.  I also read a reloading book that talks about them, but don't think I got the entire picture.  What are these, what do they do, and how do you use them?

thanks,
Preston

[Curtis]

I don't know if this is what they are referring to but I like to make a dummy round for each bullet weight and style that I load for in each caliber.  I only make one after I have settled on my preferred bullet seating depth and I only use it to help me set up my seating dies.

My sizing dies are adjusted and locked down to match my chambers (I only reload for one chamber per caliber) so the initial set up is good for life (if I get it right, lol).  Hope this helps.

Curtis

[BrushBuster]

I agree with Curtis that setting up the dies for bullet seating is the primary reason for the "Dummy round", but I also like to have one for each calibre and bullet to check rifle action, feeding clearances and occasionally dry-firing (I put lead in the primer pocket).

I would stress that it is important to make sure the dummy is clearly identified (mine are dyed with indelible ink) so no possible confusion could exist with loaded rounds.

[Locoweed]

I also have a carefully trimmed case that I use as a dummy to set up my RCBS case trimmer.  I have used  dummies for setting up case mouth belling/expanding for pistol cartridges.

[Curtis]

That's a great idea locoweed, thanks.  I use the Lyman trimmer, but set up is probably similar.  Things just got easier in my reloading room!!

Curtis

[Questor]

I use them only in cases where I want the bullet to be a particular distance from the rifling.  The procedure is to size the case, and then seat the bullet very long. Try chambering the cartridge. Seat it a little more. Try chambering the cartridge.... and so on until it is just off the rifling.  A whiteboard marker is a handy tool for showing rifling contact on the market.