Help needed on a 38spl load.

[Falcore]

I need a little friendly advice. As you can see by the photo, the 38spl case is buldging out on one side. I am using new Starline Brass, Hornady 110gr xtp bullet. Equipment wise, I’m using Lee deluxe 4 die pistol set on a Lee classic ss. Everything is fine until I seat the bullet and I have tired changing the expansion die as well as numerous adjustments with the seating die. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Grandpa Shooter]

I have had similar problems in the past. In my case, the bell wasn't big enough and the friction of the bullet created enough downward pressure to buckle the brass. I suspect you have a similar problem. Since the 38sp needs a good crimp into the cannelure, expanding the case mouth just a touch more won't hurt.

 

[joneb]

What kind of seating plug are you using, Flat or concave ? What is the diameter of the expander ?

 

[Falcore]

The die has a concave seating plug.

 

[joneb]

For XTP HPs I use the flat one. Does this happen on all of the rounds ?

 

[Falcore]

These are the first on the Lee dies.

 

[joneb]

expanding the case mouth just a touch more won't hurt.

+1
The bullet should stand freely and inline on top of the case.

I would try a flat(SWC) style plug as well, and seat the bullets slower.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Looking at your cartridges I really see nothing wrong except no crimp...Almost all of my bullets seat looking like that (.357 mag, .38 Special, 9mm X 19 and .45 ACP).

Check to see if they chamber. If they do chamber without any resistence (crimp'em first)...Shoot'em...

I'm using one of the older 3 die Lee turrets and have never changed out my seating plug. On the contrary. I drilled the plug out so it would quit smashing the nose of SJHP. Now it leaves a discernable ring on the exposed lead. I figure it's my mark to insure they are mine...

 

[Jacka L Ope]

As I heard it explained before, when resizing straight-walled cases in a carbide die having an annular sizing ring, the case will be reduced to a uniform diameter from mouth to web. Cartridges must be smaller than their respective chambers after loading so the sizing diameter is designed so the mouth will grip the bullet but will be smaller than the chamber dimension after a bullet is seated thus producing a perceptible step (or bulge) in the loaded cartridge. Upon firing, the case will likely expand to fit the chamber. My Dillon carbide die produces the same effect yet not as pronounced.

Cheers!

 

[Falcore]

Great call Grandpa Shooter! You made me rethink the situation, due to the nature of the XTP bullet (long bored center) it requires an exaggerated case mouth opening. I cranked it down and that solved the problem. Thanks!

 

[Grandpa Shooter]

Great call Grandpa Shooter! You made me rethink the situation

You are very welcome. Isn't that what Grandpa's are for?

 

[Falcore]

I am afraid I may have you there, I used my first BAR in 1948!

 

[Walkalong]

Looking at your cartridges I really see nothing wrong except no crimp..

Agreed. Many bullets with tight neck tension look like that.

 

[joneb]

the 38spl case is buldging out on one side.

I am assuming the other side of the case is not bulged, and that the bullets are seated cattywampis