30-30 bullets wont seat. help

[ndh87]

Ive been reloading for my 30-30 using 30 grains of benchmark topped with a 150 grn speer hotcore bullet in winchester brass. I bought new brass and loaded a bunch of rounds.
When I tried to reload the winchester brass i noticed that the bullets would seat but the case neck did not crimp down to hold the bullet tightly. In fact I was able to pull the bullets out by hand. I didnt have any problem the first time i loaded the new brass (I did have to size the brass as some of the case mouths were bent in a touch from shipping. If i take a pair of pliers and squeeze the case mouth lightly the round seats a little better.
Im using Lee collet dies (neck sizing die & Dead Length Bullet Seater) and a single stage press.

What am i doing wrong here? The first set of loads worked fine, why wouldnt the second?

 

[Steve C]

You are not getting the cases sized, If using the collet die you are probably not getting the neck squeezed tightly against the center sizing arbor. Make sure that the case holder presses the bottom of the die until the collets are closed tightly around the case neck forcing it against the arbor. Reread the instructions from Lee on how to set up this die.

FYI the 30-30 is usually full length sized if they will be shot in a lever rifle as lever actions iare a bit springy and cases can stretch more than if fired in a bolt or other fixed breach gun.

 

[Beelzy]

You are simply not sizing the case fully. Re-adjust the die till it won't let a bullet go in
easily.

You MUST hae proper case neck tension to hold the bullets, the crimp is only an added
benefit.

 

[steve4102]

Could be the way you have your die set up, but I doubt it. Most likely the mandrel is a little large for your brass. This is a very common issue with the Lee Collet Die. Easiest way to fix it is to chuck the mandrel into a drill and polish it down to your desire size. Or you can call Lee and order an undersized mandrel for $5.

BTW this is how the Collet die should be set up.


Collet Die adjustment

If you are using the Collet die in an RCBS Rockchucker press, or a similar design that toggles over center at the top of the (ram) stroke, this applies far greater force than is necessary to resize just the neck of the case, and can damage the die or collapse the case. To correct this situation, adjust the die two full turns into the press after the die contacts the shell holder with the ram at the top of its stroke, rather than one as in the instructions. This will stop the press before it gets to the toggle over point. With a press without having an over center feature, apply about 25 lbs. of pressure to the handle once it bottoms out to resize the case. On most presses, this translates to over 600 lbs of pressure on the ram.

 

[rcmodel]

I think the easiest way to fix it is get a FL sizing die and stop trying to use a collet neck-sizing die for resizing lever-action calibers.

rc

 

[Gadzooks Mike]

+1 rcmodel. A lever ain't a bolt.

 

[scrat]

+2 on what rcmodel said very common for 30-30. Full length sizing is the cure. make sure the die is properly adjusted then after full lenght sizing you must check case length. 30-30 cases tend to stretch more than others. i stopped shooting heavy loads on 30-30. i shoot for accuracy not BALLS MAX OUT. as when you max out the load the cases get weak. make sure you inspect the cases after each firing. spider cracks tend to find there way on 30-30 cases.

 

[skidooman603]

rcmodel
Member


Join Date: September 17, 2007
Location: Eastern KS
Posts: 15,779

I think the easiest way to fix it is get a FL sizing die and stop trying to use a collet neck-sizing die for resizing lever-action calibers.

rc
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As always, the voice of reason!!!!!!!!!!!!