Dillon doesn't supply a M-die profile expander. Folk who want a die with that profile commonly go with the aftermarket one from DAAdies with a 2-step expander plug like that founf in Lyman M-type Expander dies, Redding, and Dillion
Dillon doesn't supply a M-die profile expander. Folk who want a die with that profile commonly go with the aftermarket one from DAAdies with a 2-step expander plug like that founf in Lyman M-type Expander dies, Redding, and Dillion
If the bullet doesn't start into the setting die mostly straight, it will cause a budge on the side of the case...which can cause feeding issuesI saw a mention that it should sit straight. Maybe it will, maybe it won't completely... I dunno how much precision I need for training rounds?
Nope the Seating die only pushing the bullet into the case. If the bullet is crooked, the seating stem will push it in crooked.Shouldn't a Seating die solve that?
How did you polish it?I polished my die. No problem since.
Okay, so I just seated (I assume it was the seating die, as it was the shape of a bullet inside, and was fairly consistent. Lee die instructions suck ass) 10 bullets with no primer/charge. The flair was barely enough to hand seat them mostly straight. I did a few that were not so straight. The seating die made them straight. I sat them at a target of 1.150, as my factory ammo ranges from 1.13 to 1.58. Load data for Unique powder states min OAL of 1.35 for 115gr. FMJ, I am using plated 115gr.. All my 9mm guns shoot all the varied OAL factory ammo literally flawlessly (Good guns though). So I think I'm ready to move to the crimp die, but not sure I wanna do that for practice ammo. The bullets I seated aren't going anywhere, at least in non-live fire.As has been said. Flare just enough to start the bullet. It ain’t rocket surgery. No need to over think it.
So I think I'm ready to move to the crimp die, but not sure I wanna do that for practice ammo. The bullets I seated aren't going anywhere, at least in non-live fire.
Usually you need to crimp enough to remove the "flare" of the case mouth from expanding it. If you don't you could run into feeding issues. The easiest way to tell is when you run them through your case gauge...that will pick up any cases that were bulged by crooked bulletsSo I think I'm ready to move to the crimp die, but not sure I wanna do that for practice ammo.
Okay, so I just seated (I assume it was the seating die, as it was the shape of a bullet inside, and was fairly consistent. Lee die instructions suck ass) 10 bullets with no primer/charge. The flair was barely enough to hand seat them mostly straight. I did a few that were not so straight. The seating die made them straight. I sat them at a target of 1.150, as my factory ammo ranges from 1.13 to 1.58. Load data for Unique powder states min OAL of 1.35 for 115gr. FMJ, I am using plated 115gr.. All my 9mm guns shoot all the varied OAL factory ammo literally flawlessly (Good guns though). So I think I'm ready to move to the crimp die, but not sure I wanna do that for practice ammo. The bullets I seated aren't going anywhere, at least in non-live fire.
My long winded point is thanks for all the responses, this was a great learning thread for more people than me, and I will reference it often.
Glad to hear the seating went well. I've generally found the seating die (I use RCBS for 9mm) will straighten out the bullet if it's not quite right. I have had occasions where that wouldn't happen where I'd get a bulge. I bought the Lee Factory Crimp die to resolve exactly these types of scenarios. This die has its detractors, but I really like it. (Some say if that die is needed something is not being done right......so fix the root cause.) I've used the FCD for probably 4,000 rounds and it increases my confidence in my ammo.
I hope I'm not jumping to an inappropriate conclusion, but have you read or heard about the plunk test and have you performed that with your test ammo in the pistols you'll be using? Your comments above lead me to believe you're choosing your target OAL based on what factory ammo measures and the load book is stating. Even though factory OALs work in a given gun it doesn't NECESSARILY mean the same OAL, using a different bullet, will fit in a gun. Bullet profiles can be different and this can impact cartridge fit in a barrel. To test: Take the barrel out of the pistol. Hold the barrel vertical with the chamber up. Drop the test round into the chamber. Then turn the barrel over so the chamber is facing down. The cartridge should fall out easily and freely and drop into your hand. If it does this it means the bullet is not touching the lands....which is what you want. If the cartridge DOESN'T fall out on its own, then the bullet needs to be seated a bit deeper. If I need to go shorter than min OAL than is in the load data, then I reduce my starting powder charge.
I had an experience in this space that scared the you-know-what out of me.
OR
Since you flared the case I think you should at least use the Lee Factory Crimp die to put some crimp on the cartridges. Follow the instructions on the Lee Instructions that comes with your set and put a 1/2 turn crimp on the cartridge case. A 1/2 turn crimp is minimal and shouldn’t hurt a thing.
Once again, CRIMP DOES NOT HOLD THE BULLET. Adding excess crimp lessens bullet hold. Neck tension holds the bullet.
Just use your std Taper Crimp die. Adj it to just remove any flaring. The longer cases will get more taper crimp than the shorter cases. Your you calipers to check your crimp. Less is better as long as the flare can not be detected.
Just did this, and have good news. Yesterday after I test seated about 10 bullets, I noticed that 4 would not go into the 9mm bullet checker round tool all the way. The last millimeter (Primer end) was above the acceptible plane. I could get them all the way in if I pushed hard with my thumb.I have found that the 9mm Lee Factory Crimp die adjusted to 1/2 turn in does exactly what you are saying here. It crimps the flare.
Yes, sounds like you are almost there. Don't get frustrated concentrate and fix one problem at a time and you will get there.Just did this, and have good news. Yesterday after I test seated about 10 bullets, I noticed that 4 would not go into the 9mm bullet checker round tool all the way. The last millimeter (Primer end) was above the acceptible plane. I could get them all the way in if I pushed hard with my thumb.
After crimping, all rounds now just quickly drop into the gauge. So they do get resized. Yea!
If you are still talking 9MM, you are checking to see if you have enough neck tension.Yeah I did the plunk thing yesterday thanks. I just learned about the crimp push test today. To test if my crimp is enough, I pushed the bullet end of crimped dummy rounds into my workbench hard, no OAL change. I banged it into the bench with one hand, OAL dropped .002. That's gotta be enough.
Cool, thanks.If you are still talking 9MM, you are checking to see if you have enough neck tension.
I don’t have the same press, but use a PTX as well. Since I wet tumble, the brass is really clean and I use One Shot case lube just to smooth things out a bit. Good luck!Based on this, it may be functioning correctly.