Loose bullet seating- 7.62x39

[BrokenWheel]

Im reloading for my AK47 (7.62x39 ) using a hornady .310" fmj bullet. Resizing and reloading some winchester and some Remington cases that I shot gave me a several that the bullet was loosing in the neck. So I pulled them out and reset the Redding die (tightened it down). the resizing die now cams over on the shell plate- I think its reached its max but the brass neck seems to have enough tension for the bullets.

Then I resized some Laupa 7.62x39 brass that I had bought a while ago. The necks on this brass is way loose after resizing - I can literally turn the bullet once seated. Suggestions?

I can't turn the die down any further, like I said its already camming over.

Edit: I just measured the expander it measures .309" there was another one that was included it measures about .3065-307". I assume the second expander was for 308" bullets and the first one was for the russian .310 (but honestly .309 seems big)

Now I'm confused.

 

[winchester1886]

I had the same problem with a SKS. I bought a Lee factory crimp die and the bullet in the mag after firing would be loose even after max crimp. I never did get it to work !

 

[jimbeaux82]

I would use the smaller expander. That will probably solve the problem.

 

[FROGO207]

You could try the smaller expander if you want. Make sure that first round still fits into the rifle. You could crush the shoulder if it is too small. The other option would be to chuck the expander into your drill and using sand paper or a file GENTLY take down the outside of the expander button to get a good fit. That expander button was made for the .312 sized bullets and should be .311 now IIRC. You should have a good set of calipers so go and measure the button now and see. While you are at it measure the bullets. I like a .001 smaller than bullet sizing button on my die for best results.

 

[BrokenWheel]

Thanks for the suggestions. After a little reading the original bullet was .312, so instead of trying to make a Hornady .310" bullet fit, I think I will buy .311 Sierra bullet instead and solve this problem. Of course in this frenzied climate, I'll be be waiting until winter for the Sierra stock to appear.

Im not sure why Hornady advertises .310 " as an AK47 round- it seems as if that diameter is .001-.002" too small.

 

[243winxb]

Remove the expander, FL size a case, Will it now hold a bullet?

 

[rcmodel]

I would use the smaller expander. That will probably solve the problem.

+1

Some die sets come with two expanders for both .308" and .312" bullets.

Use the .308" expander button and your .310" bullets should have plenty of neck tension.

rc

 

[joneb]

Remove the expander, FL size a case, Will it now hold a bullet?

That's a good idea, maybe the sizing die is not resizing the case neck enough.

 

[BrokenWheel]

resized without the expander - tried to seat the .310 again and the bullet did seat. There is a bulge in the brass neck where the bullet begins.

But doesn't this just confirm that the resizing button is too large for the Hornady .310"?

So I had some Sierra .311" pro-hunter bullet- tired them - perfect fit in the resized bullets.

 

[highlander 5]

I load for the 7.62x39 and my dies came with 2 expander balls and I used the smaller one exclusively till I could track down a .308 carbide expander,haven't had any problems with loose bullets.

 

[243winxb]

But doesn't this just confirm that the resizing button is too large for the Hornady .310"?

Yes, it seems you have a resizing button/expander problem. Try using the .3065-307" smaller one. Different brass brands may have different wall thickness in the neck area.