bullet setback question (5.56)

[usmc0811]

Ive been reloading for pistol cartridges for about 20 years and have just been getting into rifle. I loaded a bunch of 223/556 ammo using once fired range brass all mixed headstamps. I use lee dies with a factory crimp. Some of my bullets can be pushed into the brass with minimal finger pressure after I completed the cartridge. How can I fix this issue? Is it because Im using mixed brass and the tolerances are different? I know I really dont need to crimp these but the lee die comes with the factory crimp so I just use it.

 

[Kaldor]

Something seems off. Can only be 2 things.
Measure the expander ball on your sizing die. Should be .222, maybe .221. If its more than that, then there is an issue with it. The FCD is meant to crimp only. and you only need to crimp lightly.
Measure your bullets. They should be .224. A number of years ago I got some cheap Amscor FMJs that were measuring .222-.223, which needless to say caused major issues.

 

[AJC1]

Brass thickness is all diffrent so neck tension will follow. You could anneal to try and restore hold and reduce springback. Sorting is the easiest fix.

 

[Kaldor]

Brass thickness is all diffrent so neck tension will follow. You could anneal to try and restore hold and reduce springback. Sorting is the easiest fix.

I have had issues like this, but never with once fired. Around 5-6 firings, I was getting bullets just dropping into the case post sizing. Was a major impetus to start annealing for me as it was just easier to anneal everything, than to mess with trying to figure out what cases needed to be culled.

 

[AJC1]

I have had issues like this, but never with once fired. Around 5-6 firings, I was getting bullets just dropping into the case post sizing. Was a major impetus to start annealing for me as it was just easier to anneal everything, than to mess with trying to figure out what cases needed to be culled.

One brand causing issues would definitely catch my attention.... if it's across brands the expander as mentioned would be highly suspect

 

[FROGO207]

Take your expander out of the die and size a couple of the offending brass. Then try seating those bullets in the cases. If they still go easy your die is not sizing the neck down enough. Either that or as above your expander pin is too big around/ too small diameter bullets. When things do not work get out your calipers and measure things. It is easy to figure out most times if you check things after each step and get the results you expect until you don't.
I see many reloaders without calipers these days. You really need a set even if from harbor freight, they are good enough for most reloading tasks and can be had on sale in the $12 range these days.

 

[lordpaxman]

I reload mixed brass and don’t see this issue, but tested the various headstamps before going further.
Start with one headstamp to develop your process and then later you can look at the other headstamps.
Froggie‘s got a good suggestion! (No offense @FROGO207, it’s a movie reference…)