[aerod1]

I am loading 223 on my Lee Classic Cast Turret and my die doesn't seem to bell the case enough to accept a bullet, therefore the bullet sets at an angle in the die and crushes the case when seated. What am I doing wrong? I am using the full length sizing die. I am using 224 bullets.

Thanks.

[Gadzooks Mike]

Get one of the Lee universal case expanding dies. They work wonders and will save you some cases. You can adjust it to exactly where you want for the flair you need. I crushed a couple of 270 cases before I got one of these.

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1248112111.395=/html/catalog/lubesize.html#CaseExpandingDie

[kestak]

Greetings,

I do not think you need to create a bell with rifle cases... I never did it with any rifle caliber I reload. Do you chamfer and deburr? Is your die expanding ball still there?

My Hornady flat base bullet slide with no issue in my cases with no bell at all.

Thank you

[rcmodel]

That is correct.

You do not bell rifle cases unless you load cast lead bullets.

You do need to use a chamfer / deburring tool to break the sharp edge though.

As you seat the bullet run it up in the die slow enough it can get the pointy end in the seating stem and self align.

rc

[Gadzooks Mike]

aerod1 - so I'm curious - what did you decide and how's it working out? I was reminded of this thread last night when I loaded up a batch of 30-30. Slight flare using the Lee Universal Expander, then a small crimp after the bullet was seated. They look sweet and shoot great.

[tkcomer]

I had that problem with flat base bullets in 223. Even after I chamfered. Since I had a Lee Universal case expander for cast bullets, I started using it to gently flare the 223 brass. No more collapsed cases. And with the Classic Cast Turret, no big deal with the extra step.

[rfwobbly]

I try to buy "boat tails" for this exact reason.

[Sunray]

"...Even after I chamfered..." Not enough chamfer. FB bullets should be able sit in the case mouth.
"...case expanding dies..." Repeatedly expanding the necks work hardens them faster. The chamfer should be enough.

[tasco 74]

i have looking at lee universal case mouth tool too..... i only load straight walled cases so far but they sure look like a helpful tool........ i might start reloading .303 for my brother in law....... you think i'd benefit haveing one of these??

LIFE IS SHORT.....

[Sunray]

"...reloading .303..." British? Lee-Enfield? Slug the barrel first. Lee-Enfield barrels can measure from .311" to .315" and still be considered ok. Over .315" the barrel is shot out.
Most commercial hunting bullets are .312". Won't shoot worth beans out of a .314" barrel. And your brother-in-law will blame you.
Tell him to have the headspace checked too.
Mind you, loading for other people isn't a great idea in the first place. Let him use your kit to do it himself.
You can put the wee flare on a straight walled case with the regular dies.

[tasco 74]

i hear ya sunray about reloading for other people.... i bought my ole bair press from him... lots of great info in here thanks to all... i didnt realize bullet dia would vary that much.... i have never reloaded for rifle before but i've been around enough (reloading for over 20 years) to know the oal makes a big difference......... THANKS again........

LIFE IS SHORT.....

[Gadzooks Mike]

Well, Tasco74, it's one of those things that has no perfect answer. I load for three different rifle calibers and use it on all of them. It might shorten the case life a bit, but so does crushing the cases, as I was doing before I got the expander. And then you just about have to apply some sort of crimp when you're done, as the edge of the case will be left belled after seating the bullet. Really, I think that's the only two drawbacks to using it, and I'm good with both of those, as it makes my life easier.

There might be other good reasons to not use the expander, but I don't know what they are. They say ignorance is bliss, and I'm pretty happy most of the time. :)

Yeah, what kind of 303 are you talking about? British? Savage?

[tasco 74]

thanks for the reply... he has his father's rifle and they called it a 303 british.... it was offered to me first but i didn't take it (my dumb a$$)..... isuppose it's some kind of old enfield or something.... it looks military.........