9mm Lock n Load question

[shane8168]

Okay guys, I'm relatively new to metallic loading (been loading skeet shells for years) and am trying to set up my Lock n Load AP to turn out perfect 9mm bullets.

Loading:
4.2 grains Unique
124 grain lead (.357 cast bullets)

When I get my Hornady bullet feed die set (buffed out to run the .357 bullets through it properly) to drop bullets in the cases with a good bell on top, I find that the bullet will spin in the case and then even can be pushed into the case.

Before I upped the bell on the case to activate the bullet drop, I didn't have that problem... Obviously that is the problem, but is there a way to fix that?

I'm using the powder drop system that comes in the new Lock n Load AP presses. Maybe I just don't have the "belling mechanism" set right???

Thanks!

 

[cfullgraf]

Normally, cast bullets used in 9x19 measure .356" diameter.

Are you using the correct PDX expander tube? Hornady sells two, one for 38 Special.357 magnum bullets and one for 9mm. The latter should be marked 355.

No or little neck tension is an indication that you are expanding the mouth of the case too much.

My preference, I use the standard expander die on my Hornady progressive. I have custom made powder tubes for the powder measure that do not expand the case.

But many folks use the Hornady PDX tubes just fine.

 

[silicosys4]

^ +1
I never use the expander option of my powder drop, I just never felt It was as consistent as using a separate expander die, and to me dialing in the expander of the powder throw was a tedious step in changing calibers, when quick caliber changes is the LnL's forte.
Or maybe I just didn't get the powder throws expander option down well enough

 

[Blue68f100]

I use the PTX on all my hand gun loads. Once they have been polished out they work just fine.

I did not have any luck with Unique metering consistent in my Hornady LNL powder drop. You don't get to do the tap dance on a AP. I was getting a ±0.2gr swing which is way too much. I switched over to WSF as my main powder for 9mm, 231 works good too. It's a ball powder and will give you a more consistent drop.

 

[shane8168]

Will 231 or wsf take up less case space? I'm tired of spilling powder just by pulling the handle because of the bulk!

 

[Blue68f100]

WSF is more bulky powder than 231. What I have found is if the indexing is off just a tad and your not consistent on the speed you get more shake/pop in the shell plate. Work on this with no powder and you can hear the difference. Now if you were to rest your little finger (LH) on the sell plate while your positioning the bullet (station 4), this dampens the shell plate and kills all of the spills. I do this mainly for stability of positioning the bullet, makes it easier to set the bullet in.

 

[BYJO4]

I use the Hornady PTX expanders for the 9MM and 45 ACP with no problems. It sould to me as if you have too much expansion or flare as the case should prevent bullet movement once the bullet is seated (tapper crimp should only remove the flare). Rarely you might find that a sizing die is not returning the case to proper dimensions. I use Bullseye and Unique for all my handgun calibers and have no problem with powder spillage.

 

[Walkalong]

My preference, I use the standard expander die on my Hornady progressive

Same here. No re-adjusting.