Thread: first time reloading.

Case without bullet chambering sounds like you are seating projectile too far out, so it is getting jammed into lands and bolt will be tight or impossible to close. You getting any marks on the projectiles ?

With most projectiles it is better (more accurate) to measure base to ogive with a comparator.

You can measure the lands for you chamber / projectile combo using something like the Hornady Oal Gauge

The centre spindle you talk about is called the decapping rod / expander ball. Those are probably sizing dies, not seating dies.

Nice looking group