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I am reloading 30-06 rounds for the first time (I reload other cartridges, just first time for this particular one) and I am having some trouble. I am using a lyman pro-mag II turret press and Lee carbide dies.

I bought new, unfired winchester brass. I full-length resized the cases, trimmed them to 2.484", primed, and charged the cases. I am using winchester 180 gr .308" diameter protected point bullets. I tried to seat the first bullet and it did not fit inside the neck of the case like other cartridges I am familiar with reloading. I used the press and tried seating the bullet and it and it crushed down part of the shoulder and visibly distorted the neck.

I doubled checked the diameter of the bullet with my vernier calipers and they are all either .307 or .308." The inside diameter of the cases at the neck were all 0.303."

Is there something special that is supposed to be done with the 30-06 round that is different from other rifle rounds like an expander die or anything? If anyone could help me out, that would be great. Also, I hope I posted this in the right section, as I did not see one dedicated to reloading.

I enclosed two pictures of the unsuccessfully reloaded round. Thanks.