Loading coated bullets for the first time

[Texas10mm]

Don’t bother with 155s. Not enough bearing surface for accuracy. Like trying to make a plate fly without tumbling.

I'm guessing you've never tried them.

I've got several good 155-160 SWC loads that work just fine and deliver great accuracy out to 25 yards. I like them so much I have six different molds that cast them.

 

[TonyAngel]

I'm guessing you've never tried them.

I've got several good 155-160 SWC loads that work just fine and deliver great accuracy out to 25 yards. I like them so much I have six different molds that cast them.

Why would I make a comment like that without having tried them? Yes, I've tried them and I think they suck.

 

[Ej3]

do yourself a favor and get a lee universal expander and noe expander plugs. it doesn't flare the case but evenly expands it.

they are cheap and it really is the best (only) way to expand your brass so you don't shave the powder coat.

https://noebulletmolds.com/site/product-category/expanders/expander-plug-pistol

So for loading .452” diameter coated bullets, would I want to get the .456 x .452 (P) Exp. Plug?

 

[DukeConnor]

So for loading .452” diameter coated bullets, would I want to get the .456 x .452 (P) Exp. Plug?

your best bet would be to call or email noe

 

[Ej3]

I called and for the .452 coated bullet it was recommended I use the .452 x .448 (P) Exp. Plug Auto Pistol. The first number is the mouth of the case for which the bullets seats down about 10th of an inch. I also ordered the .453 x .449 (P) Exp. Plug. The LEE Universal Case Exp. Die and two expansion plugs was less than $40 shipped. Looking forward to seeing how it performs.

 

[Ej3]

I received the NOE expander plug and LEE Universal Case Expander and loaded some .452" polycoated RN bullets using the NOE .452 x .448 (P) Exp. Plug Auto Pistol. Very nice and smooth as butter! Once set properly, the bullet sits evenly/plumb and seats nicely. Well worth the small investment. So for 45 ACP I use the original LEE expander set for .451" FMJ, etc. and have the NOE expander set for .452" polycoated bullets.