reloading error...or gun problem?

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theCZ

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Ok folks, here's the dealio:

Been reloading 9mm for a few months now for my CZ75bd. Loaded 500 rounds of Laser-Cast 124grains with 4.2grains w231. COL was 1.100. I had no problems with these and they functioned fine. Now I'm using 115 grain Meisters with 4.3grains of w231. Same COL. Now I'm having problems with the slide not going all the way back when loading a new mag or when the slide recoils after a shot. The slide locks up and it's hard to get the round out. While practicing for IPSC the bullet has been getting stuck in the barrel while I "unload and show clear".

What the heck is happening here!?!? If there a problem with my gun, is it the reloads? I'm also using primarily winchester brass.
 
theCZ: To make sure I understand the problem, you're having problems without firing the weapon, is that correct? Cartridges not extracting? Cartridges not chambering? Sounds like bullet or case width problem, maybe. I'd put calipers to the bullet and case. That's my first guess.
Anybody else?
 
From what you say in your message, the first bullets chamber perfectly, and
are probably smaller diameter than the second ones (Meister).

Those second ones are too thick to chamber in your pistol.

You observed that yourself, and typed a message about it. So I don't understand your question, exactly.
 
I also have a cz75B the chamber seem a little more tight then most 9mm,
I had some problems with mine chambering a west coast 124gr flat point,
Cz offered to polish chamber however I did not want anything to harm
the great accuracy of this pistol. I purchased a Lee factory crimp die and
now seat and crimp in two stages works great.!!!


Side note: try AA5 powder in your 9mm for mild low recoil accuracy.
 
Either the chamber is tight, or you are leaving flare in the casemouth, either of which the Lee Carbide Factory Crimp die will handle. But that would likely have shown up with the Laser Cast, being unrelated to the bullet design.

OR the Meister bullets carry their full diameter farther forward than the Laser Cast and they are seating hard into the origin of the rifling, which makes them hard to extract. Seat them to where the round will chamber freely in the barrel (clean and out of the gun.) COL is not a constant of the laws of physics, you have to match bullet and barrel. Adjust powder charge to get reliable function.
 
Is the bullet itself getting stuck in the barrel, or is the entire cartridge?

If the former, I'd suspect your COAL is a tad long for the newer bullets' ogive & you're hard engraving the bullet into the lands. Back off some on the COAL, use a clean barrel for a gage, load just a few (for function check & so as not to have a 500-round run go south).

'Nother though. Have you changed your crimp. Prehaps a more agressive crimp could be applying a slight bulge causing a hand-up.

Curious to know the outcome.
 
The load doesn't sound too light for the bullet, but it seems to be acting like it is. Are you sure the powder charge is what you think it to be? If it is then you might want to up the charge some.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm going to dry seating some deeper and using my clean barrel as a gauge. I had thought that my charges might be a little too light as well after reading other people's 9mm recipes. I have recently started using a more aggresive taper crimp, I can't see any distinct bulges, but I'm going to measure cases anyway.

Expect to hear from me soon with the results!
:cool:
 
Found out the problem. Bullets were seated too deep, causing the case to bulge out oh so slightly. So there ya have it, operator error!
 
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