Simple machine, complicated function. Good thinking went into its construction to make it easy to use, reliable in performance, and consistent in output.
There were a lot of variables to overcome. To name a few: a.) "system wobble" within the three legged supports as the ram is extended to its complete height; b.) "system torque" when the Index Rod is driven through the Index Bushing; c.) precise alignment of shell plate and die - each and every time; d.) parts becoming loose during the operation; e.) use of dies that were made recently and a half century ago; and f.) the most unknown variable of them all (human element) the Reloader.
Progressive Reloading is inherently dangerous as there is no absolute way to be sure that the round you have made will: 1.) fit in the chamber (except to put it there); 2.) reliably feed from magazine to chamber (except to shoot a few); 3.) go "bang" when the trigger is pulled; 4.) not blow up your gun and hand except for the care and attention to detail of the Reloader. That attention to detail is the point of commencement for this thread.
I made about 500 rounds of 45 LC with +/- 10 year old RCBS carbide dies and the Piggyback II performed flawlessly. I changed caliber and am experiencing a timing/alignment malfunction with 45+/- year old RCBS carbide dies in 45 ACP.
The Piggyback II is new (to me anyway). All fixed parts have been checked for tightness and it is noted that the Piggyback II is not set up for a separate case sizing die and a spent primer/bell case mouth die. I solved that idiosyncracy by separately resizing all cases first. Had to set up twice and handle all cases twice but that is still better than the alternative.
During problematic resizing operation, when the operating handle is lowered, the 45 ACP case wall usually hang up on the mouth of the die. They are not properly aligned by as much as 1/64". The case must then be wobbled in the shell holder (#03) while simultaneously lowering/depressing the operating handle to get correct alignment.
Reconfiguring to the die stationing #1- to remove spent primers/bell the case mouth/insert new primer; #3-charge case with powder; #4-seat the bullet, and #5-crimp the case I note misalignment at not only station #1 but also station #4. Wobbling two cases at one time while lowering/depressing the operating handle is not a way to instill confidence that the rounds I am making are the rounds I want to put through my 1911.
Questions
A.) Are current RCBS carbide dies more "forgiving" in their constrction?
B.) Were older RCBS dies made to tighter throat tolerance?
C.) What am I missing that is creating/contributing to this misalignment?
I wanted to SEARCH all 123 pages of this Board for previous similar threads in hopes of discovering LESSONS LEARNED with the Piggyback II and thus attempt to not make the same mistakes, but SEARCH is currently disabled so I am hopeful that you will reiterate your experiences.
In the mean time, I struggled through and have 42 rounds made in 45 ACP and will be "testing" my reloading prowess this afternoon. All 42 "thrown" powder charges from the press were hand weighed and fall below the Speer manual upper limit for 45 ACP. Yes, this was laborious and time consuming, however the Piggyback II/45 ACP function is new to me and I like my gun, but particularly I like my hands. My confidence is not so high that I am ready to believe I am "automatically" doing it right.
