Question for 550B users

[Mike1951]

I've bought 2000 primed Federal brass for .45acp.

First, I'm wondering if new brass requires resizing. I always have, but previously bought unprimed cases.

If so, I'm thinking it might be easier to size on my Texan press using another sizing die with the decapping pin removed than to hassle with the setup on my 550B.

In that case, I would have to insert the brass at stage 2, which wouldn't be convenient as it means removing the locator pin and replacing it for each case. That doesn't seem practical.

Can I still insert at stage one, but not pull the handle, and then rotate to stage two?

I'm beginning to think it might be easiest to just load this 2000 on the Texan.

Am I missing something?

Any suggestions?

[KaiserB]

You have two options.

1. Pull the depriming pin in the resizing die and feed the cases the normal way

2. Loosen the resize/deprime die and back it out about 10 turns. (If you use this method mark its position with a sharpie marker so you can reset it, although it is not that critical of a die to get at the right height.)

Either way you are feeding the cases in the normal way. Also make sure your primer feed tube is empty or you may create a rather loud bang when you have a brain slip and try to seat the primer.

[Mike1951]

1. Pull the depriming pin in the resizing die and feed the cases the normal way..........

Also make sure your primer feed tube is empty

This sounds like the best idea, as it won't involve any adjustments.

I hate fiddling with adjustments on the 550B and this would put the toolhead back like it was when I finish.

I knew there were clearer heads than mine.

Thanks.

[Mike1951]

BTW, Natchez has the Federal primed brass for .45acp for $14.95/100.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?co ... &src=ba546

[phddan]

"Can I still insert at stage one, but not pull the handle, and then rotate to stage two?"

Sure, why not?
I would measure the new cases and see if they have been sized or not first. Have never bought pre-primed brass before, so I'm not sure how they come. It's hard for me to imagine them priming but not sizing.

"First, I'm wondering if new brass requires resizing."

Yes.

Dan