.45 ACP Case Mouth Question

[VariableFeedback]

Hello,

I'm trying to load some .45 ACP rounds with 200 gr. SWC bullets.
After seating the bullets, I get some wax and lead on the outside of the cases, as seen in the picture below:


I've measured the bullets, and they are .452 inches. I've tried screwing the expanding die all the way in and it doesn't seem to make a difference. I don't have any other bullets on hand to try.

Any ideas on what may be causing this problem? Is it something that I'm doing wrong?

Thanks.

[knight0334]

edit - doh! no short term memory.

You've got the die down to proper depth, and the expander bit down too?

Its possible to have some shaving with .452" bullets in a 45acp, but not as serious as that.

[knight0334]

BTW, what set of dies are you using? RCBS?

[lethal93ta]

yes what dies and what press. I know I had problems with lee dies on my hornady LNL press I couldnt get the die down far enough to expand the case, I bought a set of hornady dies and my problem was gone, if I took the rubber washer off the lock nut on the expander die and flip the nut over I could get just enough to get it to flare a little for a .451 bullet.

[VariableFeedback]

I'm using Lee dies on the Classic Cast Turret press.

[lethal93ta]

when you run the case through the expander die can you see it "bell" the mouth at all. you should see it expand the case, if you cant see it try taking the rubber washer off the lock nut.

[Farbmeister]

If it happens on more than just a few (say 1 or 2 out of 20) then its a problem. Not every case is round, and not every bullet is perfect esp when the shoot grease in the groves (IIRC the grease is added after the sizing).

If it happens more often then not, more flare. If you have calipers then measure the flare and make sure its flaring when you adjust the die.. there may be something else happening.

[VariableFeedback]

If it happens on more than just a few (say 1 or 2 out of 20) then its a problem. Not every case is round, and not every bullet is perfect esp when the shoot grease in the groves (IIRC the grease is added after the sizing).

If it happens more often then not, more flare. If you have calipers then measure the flare and make sure its flaring when you adjust the die.. there may be something else happening.

This is happening on just about every round that I load. I've tried both once fired Federal brass, and R-P and Speer range pick up with the same results. I'll try measuring the inside of the case mouth when I get home tonight.

[Jake Mc.]

Keep in mind I'm no expert, but to me it looks like the case may be hitting the crimping part of the die before the bullet is seated completely.

Did you check the case lengths before reloading them. If thats ok you may need to readjust the die to skip the crimp while seating the bullet. Then readjust the die again and put a crimp on it.

If you have the deluxe lee 4 die set you crimp in the 4th die anyway...

[shooter357]

Did you make the bullet or buy it? Check to see that they are sized properly. I was given some factory .38wc and when I loaded them there was enough crap, lube and lead, coming off of them to not only make the round look like shit, it actually clogged the die. The rest will be melted down and recast.