.380 Case Ring

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Hanshi

Hanshi

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Usually I have no trouble figuring out problems that crop up during reloading; this one stumps me.

Most recently when I run .380 cases into the expander about 40% emerge with a bulged ring around the case body. I use the same deluxe Lyman die set as always and case brand, etc, seem to make no difference. Some rings are barely noticeable and some are problematic. I use cleaned cases as before and mostly new to once fired and reloaded fired. These variables have no pattern. Anyone have a clue haw this is happening? The only solution I can come up with is to run the loaded cases into a larger (.38sup, .38spl) die to reduce the bulge.
 
Can you post a picture? I've got a couple ideas of what you're describing, but a picture would make all clear.
 
Is the die set too deep? Is the die clean? It also looks like you are flaring the case a TON though that could just be picture quality. My first guess is the die is seated too deep, but that's a simple check.

I've had that happen before. It was when I ran a 357 mag case through a die set for 38 special. It did the same thing.
 
Oh. OUCH. That's a case buckling like it is hitting something inside the die.

If you said you'd grabbed a bunch if 9mm brass and run it through a .380 die I'd understand that bulge.

Only thing I can think of is the expander is set way too deep.
 
I started, as I usually do, by screwing the expander down until it touched the case mouth within the the die body. I then slowly turned and tried bit by bit until case mouth expansion could be felt. By the time the case had much expansion at all the ring was forming. The expansion looks more extreme than it actually is in the pics. Odd but some cases go in and out and look perfect while the next one gets a ring formed.
 
Look inside the cases for a step inside to prevent bullet set-back.

Federal for one, has been doing it lately, and maybe others.

If the expander hits the shoulder ring inside the case, bad things will happen.

Like in the photos.

Rc
 
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