[K3]

I've been loading rifle rounds for a couple months now, and I've done well with it considering my inexperience. Consistent chrono readings, tight groups, etc. I got 0.75" out of my first batch of .223 handloads at 100 yards.

I decided to try loading for the pistol last night. I've got a Lee single stage with the 4 pack of dies for a .38spl. Ugh. I started out trying to just get the feel of the dies, so no primers or powder. The first one I did ended up with the bullet pushed way down in the case. Adjust thumbscrew on die, no problem. The second one I tried was not good either. Evidently I didn't set the expander die deep enough or something. The bullet got cockeyed and crushed the case on one side in the bullet seating die. Third one was a little better. The two cases that this happened to had case mouths out of round. I guess I should have resized first even though it's new brass?

On the 4th one I got it close. I need to seat the bullet about .003 deeper so I can get a proper crimp.

I like my Lee gear well enough, and I'm sure it's me rather than the equipment. I'm OK with the single stage right now because quantity is not high on my list.

Any thoughts? Comments? Advice? Should it be more difficult than loading for the rifle?

[PotatoJudge]

The first one I did ended up with the bullet pushed way down in the case.

Might have expanded the case mouth too much (just barely is enough). I've had this problem with jacketed bullets when I got overzealous with the expander. What bullet are you using?

I've found pistol rounds to be a little trickier, but you'll get the hang of it. When I started out my time was 50/50 setting up and adjusting/actual loading. Set up takes about 5 min now on a Lee turret. Once you get comfortable with things, consider a turret press for pistol rounds.

[K3]

Might have expanded the case mouth too much (just barely is enough). I've had this problem with jacketed bullets when I got overzealous with the expander. What bullet are you using?

I've found pistol rounds to be a little trickier, but you'll get the hang of it. When I started out my time was 50/50 setting up and adjusting/actual loading. Set up takes about 5 min now on a Lee turret. Once you get comfortable with things, consider a turret press for pistol rounds.

I'm using 125gr Hornady XTP.

[LotI]

I guess I should have resized first even though it's new brass?

Yes. You also need to flare the case mouth to accept the bullets.

The two cases that this happened to had case mouths out of round.

It sounds like they weren't resized properly. After the sizing die & expander they should be perfectly round. Double check your setup.

[K3]

Got it now! Loaded 20 rounds to test and got the rest of my brass sized, expanded, and primed.

[FieroCDSP]

Reading the instructions carefully a few times before starting, and during operation, helps.:D One of the first notes for the bullet seating die is "back the thumb-screw almost completely out of the die" Most of us have found that using a finished round that is the same bullet shape and OAL as the round you want to set up the die is better. Insert the round into the die and tighten the screw until it stops against the round you put in. Always Mic that round to make sure it's not too shallow for your usage. Adjust as necessary. With the Lee bullet seaters, a little turn goes a long way, so check often when adjusting depths.

[K3]

Reading the instructions carefully a few times before starting, and during operation, helps. One of the first notes for the bullet seating die is "back the thumb-screw almost completely out of the die" Most of us have found that using a finished round that is the same bullet shape and OAL as the round you want to set up the die is better. Insert the round into the die and tighten the screw until it stops against the round you put in. Always Mic that round to make sure it's not too shallow for your usage. Adjust as necessary. With the Lee bullet seaters, a little turn goes a long way, so check often when adjusting depths.

Indeed.

I always make a dummy round every time I put the bullet seating die back in the press just to make sure my depth is correct - even if I've used the die on multiple occasions in the past. You just never know!

[subierex]

Also, try Lee's site for their help videos.

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/video.html

About halfway down the page you'll see the die setup stuff. I have a Lee Classic Turret press and used these videos to setup the first time. Once you do it a few times, you won't need them.