Case bulge on one side when seating?

[Walkalong]

Consider that 0.001” miss alignment between shell holder and centerline of die will result in a “big” bulge because the brass is smooth and shiny. It stands out like a turd in the snow.

I can't see a .001 misalignment in a round. Heck, I can't see a .005 misalignment. That why I use a concentricity gauge to troubleshoot sizing and seating in rifle rounds.

I don't check pistol rounds with a concentricity gauge, I just eyeball them, it's easy to see a gross misalignment and fix it without one, and that's all that's needed, because a .001, or a .005, misalignment isn't going to hurt a thing.

 

[buck460XVR]

Do the bulged rounds fit in your chamber? If so, there's no harm done.

Even crooked seated bullets don't seem to affect accuracy at normal handgun shooting distances.

https://americanhandgunner.com/gear/crooked-seated-bullets-and-accuracy/

So, you might be able to ignore it. Lots of us do.

^^^This.

 

[rfwobbly]

That's my exact problem with the micrometer die, it shaves off the coating on the bullets. So I had to go back to the Lee.

Your problem seems to be that you simply don't understand how dies function and which piece does what action.
• If you are shaving the lead, then you simply need more belling. Belling helps the bullet enter the case. Shaving is evidence of not enough help from the belling.
• For straight seating, you'll also need a seating stem or seating anvil that precisely fits the ogive and meplat of the bullet. Better bullet support during seating is paramount.

Hope this helps.

 

[Ru4real]

I can't see a .001 misalignment in a round. Heck, I can't see a .005 misalignment. That why I use a concentricity gauge to troubleshoot sizing and seating in rifle rounds.

I don't check pistol rounds with a concentricity gauge, I just eyeball them, it's easy to see a gross misalignment and fix it without one, and that's all that's needed, because a .001, or a .005, misalignment isn't going to hurt a thing.

Sure you can. You’ve posted photos showing a 0.001” roll crimp, which are clearly visible in your photos. The case bulge misalignment in the OP photo is on the order of 0.0005”, I’m guessing.

I agree, some case bulge won’t matter if it passes the plunk test for the intended gun. I’ve had bulged cases pass a plunk test in my Rock Island and then fail testing in my Kimber, for example.

 

[Walkalong]

I use magnification to see light crimps like a .001 taper crimp, which I cannot see with the naked eye. Blown up in a pic helps.

Nor would I call a .001 misalignment, even if i could see it, as "a “big” bulge because the brass is smooth and shiny. It stands out like a turd in the snow.".

Maybe it is to you, dunno.

 

[Ru4real]

I use magnification to see light crimps like a .001 taper crimp, which I cannot see with the naked eye. Blown up in a pic helps.

Nor would I call a .001 misalignment, even if i could see it, as "a “big” bulge because the brass is smooth and shiny. It stands out like a turd in the snow.".

Maybe it is to you, dunno.

That’s why “big” was in quotes. Some people think it’s a big deal, and it isn’t, usually.

I think we are on the same page.

 

[rfwobbly]

...which I cannot see with the naked eye.

Don't make us call the Moderator on you for discussion of scantily-clad eyeballs.
I'll thank you to keep your eyeballs fully clothed on this forum, sir !

Decorum, please !

 

[Otto]

I’m loading 180gr acme hi-tek rnfp
4.6/4.8/5.0 -> Vv n320
@1.126 oal

Any insight on this bulge and how to fix it if needed is greatly appreciated

Acmes have a tendency to run oversized. Suggest measuring your bullet’s diameter. If it’s exceeds .401” you’re likely to experience issues.

 

[jcerillo70]

Well let me elaborate because I might have mixed up the order I posted things.

mat first I used a lee sizing die, Lyman multi expand powder charge die, Redding micrometer seating, and Redding taper crimp die.

now I know this is on me because it’s a high line setup, but anything short of a MONSTER bell on the expanding die which barely fit in the sizer would cause the coated bullet to shave. I don’t remember if there was bulge because I stopped because of shaving.

In my frustration I went back to the lee 4 die setup, I never used. I set up as per directions. But the seating die needed more depth that I couldn’t get from only the stem which I bottomed out. (In this step it wants me to touch neck of casing in shell holder) so I had to lower it another 3-4 turns. Stem up, then mininadjust to (oal) through stem. Which seems like a lot compared to other cartridges.

I just measured a couple of the bullets. They come in at .400 1/2 & .401

 

[AJC1]

Well let me elaborate because I might have mixed up the order I posted things.

mat first I used a lee sizing die, Lyman multi expand powder charge die, Redding micrometer seating, and Redding taper crimp die.

now I know this is on me because it’s a high line setup, but anything short of a MONSTER bell on the expanding die which barely fit in the sizer would cause the coated bullet to shave. I don’t remember if there was bulge because I stopped because of shaving.

In my frustration I went back to the lee 4 die setup, I never used. I set up as per directions. But the seating die needed more depth that I couldn’t get from only the stem which I bottomed out. (In this step it wants me to touch neck of casing in shell holder) so I had to lower it another 3-4 turns. Stem up, then mininadjust to (oal) through stem. Which seems like a lot compared to other cartridges.

I just measured a couple of the bullets. They come in at .400 1/2 & .401

How round are they. That's another way to get shaving.

 

[jcerillo70]

How round are they. That's another way to get shaving.

I would say not as round as jacketed, that’s a good point.

 

[jcerillo70]

I got to test them today, gun is brand new never fired I will add so tightness is against me
4.6-4.8- 5.0 gr vvn320

all failure to feeds. Plunked them and ran every one through egw gauge. I t

 

[Ru4real]

I got to test them today, gun is brand new never fired I will add so tightness is against me
4.6-4.8- 5.0 gr vvn320

all failure to feeds. Plunked them and ran every one through egw gauge. I t

It might be the bulge, but in my experience I’d look at OAL, bullet nose shape, magazine and feed ramp. I’d start with changing OAL.