Running loaded rounds through sizing die

[cfullgraf]

With my 38 Special wadcutter loads, I occasionally get a round that will not chamber, maybe one or three out of 500 rounds loaded. The reason probably is that the case is too long and gets a slight bulge at the case mouth. I do not compete so I see no need to trim the cases to a uniform length for a uniform crimp.

I'd set those cartridges aside, take them home and run the case mouth up into a sizer die to iron out the case. The cartridge would only go in a very small amount. I'd keep them set aside and shoot them at my next range session.

Finally, I bought a Lee FCD for the task. Much better at ironing out any bulges at the case mouth.

It is the only use that I have for a Lee handgun cartridge FCD die.

 

[Walkalong]

Or…….you could trim cases.

 

[cfullgraf]

Or…….you could trim cases.

Right, uniform case length gives a uniform crimp with handgun cases. I learned to trim my 357 Magnum cases for IHMSA Silhouette competition for uniform crimp and reliable chambering.

 

[243winxb]

after the bullet is seated there is a small ridge which may be slightly larger in diameter than the bullet. , lee 3 die

The Lee seat crimp die is your problem, because it can do a "Roll Crimp". Bad for 380 or 45acp & 9mm when used in auto loaders.

Buy a rear "TAPER" crimp die like RCBS. Case length will be less important, with the better die.

Lee - There are two crimp shoulders in our pistol Bullet Seating Dies. The first shoulder applies a slight taper crimp and the second shoulder applies a full roll crimp. The closer the die is adjusted to the shell holder the heavier the crimp will be.

https://support.leeprecision.net/en/knowledgebase/article/bullet-seating-die-crimp-style

This means your simply Over Crimping on long trim length brass.