First 9mm loads need help.

[djmike]

I just loaded my 1st batch of 9mm and have discovered something is wrong. I did these on a Dillon 550b with Dillon dies and did what I thought was the same exact thing each time. The cases were lubed. As you can see by the pictures, when I put them in the case gauge about 3 out of 10 did not sit flush. I now see a small buldge at the bottom of the case which was not there when I inspected the brass. Could this be a sizing problem? Maybe I didnt pull the handle down all the way? I am confused because some worked and some didntt. I DID NOT SHOOT THESE but am able to load them through my weapon smoothly without problem. I wont shoot them unless someone can tell me if they are safe to shoot or not. These are obviously unacceptable to me so I would really like some input on ideas of why/how this happens. I am using once fired brass that is mine and I know it has only been fired once before if that helps at all.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Muddydogs]

Same or different head stamps? Probably just need to set your sizer die down a little or maybe you are squashing the case during crimping. If they feed and chamber I would shoot them. Basically throw the case gauge away, set your dies right and test fit new bullet combos in your barrel. If dies are set right there is no need for a case gauge and as you have seen the problem rounds won't fit into the case gauge but they will fit in your barrel so is there really a problem?

 

[larryh1108]

The one on the right seems to have the "bell" still on it where you load the bullet. It does not look like it got any crimp. The one on the left has less bell. It looks like a crimp issue to me. Others who know more will probably chime in.

 

[Bush Pilot]

If they chamber in your gun I'd shoot them. Make sure you don't short stroke your press, it may be the problem with these rounds.

 

[Walkalong]

In the pics the bell is not completely removed. That will stop it from going all the way into the gauge every time.

I also have 9MM chambers that will accept rounds that fail the gauge, but good reloads should pass the Wilson gauge. I also have an EMP with a SAMMI minimum chamber, so my reloads have to pass it.

 

[Mike 27]

As Walkalong said the flare looks like has not been removed fully and could be your issue. Have you done a plunk test in the barrel of your gun? if it passes the plunk test it is fine as unless it is at the tight end of sammi specs it will probably work and load into battery. I would run them through and work the flare out and re-inspect from there.

 

[jwrowland77]

I'd have to agree with everyone as well. Looks like a crimp issue. The one on the right doesn't look like its been crimped at all with as much flare that's still there. The one on the left looks better but still looks like it has a little flare to it.

 

[rcmodel]

Adjust your taper-crimp die down so the finished rounds case mouth measures .376".

I think that will fix your problem.

rc

 

[beatledog7]

Yep, you need to remove that flare. Just don't overdo it.

In all likelihood, you wouldn't have needed to flare at all.

 

[djmike]

Thank you to everyone who responded to this post. I went back and adjusted my crimping die maybe an 1/8 turn and it took out the flare. It was a very minor adjustment that made the difference. Even though they cycled through my gun, the piece of mind knowing they are correct is really what matters.
Thanks again,
Mike

 

[elwoodm]

another thing don't over flare the mouth just enough to get the bullet in will do. the seater die will do the rest. after a few more loads check the case length and trim if needed remember headspace is on the mouth.

 

[goon]

Yep, don't overflare. Some of my first .357 reloads looked like a trumpet after I ran them through the expander die, but that just puts unnecessary wear on your casings. Just flare enough to allow smooth seating of the bullet.

 

[gamestalker]

I kind of thought the one on the left appeared to have a bit too much crimp, (.376") as per RC, being the target number. And the one on the right definitely appeared to still have some bell remaining on the mouth. And the amount of belling appeared to be a little excessive, I think I see what might even be a split on that right one?

And if I were you, I wouldn't waste time lubing cases, no need to with carbide dies, and other similar dies. Just give them a quick tumble to knock grit and debris off, and re-size. I would avoid adding the task of cleaning lube off the brass to your process.

It's good that you are asking questions, and appear open minded to sound advice also. But you might be over thinking it slightly, in that, if you know the load is what you intended, the rounds fit your chamber, then you are perfectly good to go. Your chamber is actually the best case gauge to use. Pull your barrel out and do the plunk test. If the cartridges pass the "plunk"test they are perfectly acceptable to shoot from that firearm.

GS