So after doing some batches of .223 I can't help but notice that seating boat tail bullets take a lot less care than flat base bullets. I wind up setting the flat base on the case and sort of holding it on for the ride into the die to be sure it seats without falling off. Is this just how it goes with flat base bullets or do I need to chamfer the mouth way more? Makes me want to use nothing but boat tails if they were cheaper...
Reloading flat base rifle bullets
- Thread starter Soybomb
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ReloaderFred
Member
I chamfer all my rifle brass just as a matter of course. It expedites the loading of all kinds of bullets, including flat base.
Hope this helps.
Fred
Hope this helps.
Fred
Mike Kerr
Member
Yup!
Thats pretty much the way it goes. Beveled base bullets load easily but generally cost a little more. Flat base bullets are supposed to be more accurate because of technical considerations - but they are both cheaper and generally more cumbersome to load in volume.
So several things to consider
1. cost per round
2. accuracy trade off (hard to notice for volume loading)
3. Flare your cases a lot and they split sooner (maybe)
4. Guide the bullet all the way up - not cool if you are loading 500 223 for your AR every month.
Good luck.
Regards,
Thats pretty much the way it goes. Beveled base bullets load easily but generally cost a little more. Flat base bullets are supposed to be more accurate because of technical considerations - but they are both cheaper and generally more cumbersome to load in volume.
So several things to consider
1. cost per round
2. accuracy trade off (hard to notice for volume loading)
3. Flare your cases a lot and they split sooner (maybe)
4. Guide the bullet all the way up - not cool if you are loading 500 223 for your AR every month.
Good luck.
Regards,
That's why I like the Hornady bullet seating die. It has a sliding alignment sleeve that kind of takes over from your fingers holding the bullet. While it's not perfect it does help especially with flat based bullets getting them into the die and preventing them from hanging on the case mouth. Especially with the small .223 bullets and short bullets such as 9mm or 45acp pistol bullets. I bought Hornady seating dies for seating several cartridges. The Hornady seating die can be bought separately so you don't have to buy a set. I now seat some calibers with the Hornady seating die and use the other seating die to crimp in another press.
moooose102
Member
me too. chamfer everything. sharp edges are just trouble in anything mechanical, except knifes.
ranger335v
Member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2006
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- 3,797
EVERYONE should have a Lyman "M" expander die for every caliber they load!
Specifically made to make starting cast bullets without base damage, they also work very well for seating flat based jacketed bullets without damage.
Specifically made to make starting cast bullets without base damage, they also work very well for seating flat based jacketed bullets without damage.
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