Recently I've noticed a case here and there start bulging when I'm pressing in the bullet... such that the cartridge is too wide to feed. Is this just an indication the case is spent? Problem with my reloading? It's not all of them. Maybe 1 in 20.
Case expansion
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OP
I've just been chucking them downrange when I'm at the range and they don't feed. Forced one in that was tight and it shot without problems or signs of overpressure... didn't think a crimping die would size....
OP
This one is EVER so slightly. The ones I threw away had more expansion around this area to the point of not feeding. This round would not have a problem but I think it's weakening and might not work next load.
Oneofsix
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I've created a few like that by having the crimp die set a hair low, essentially crushing the case. How does the OAL compare to the one sitting next to it? Might just be the angle, but the one on the left doesn't appear seated as deeply as the right one.
………… thinking out loud......
1, - If they were wet tumbled, maybe they need to be lubricated.
2. - Even if they weren't wet tumbled... they might need to be lubricated, being it such a long case.
3. - Maybe not enough case expansion before seating the bullet? That could cause the bullet to push down on the case (possibly causing a slight wrinkle) somewhat while being seated.
4 - Maybe the die wasn't quite aligned properly with the shell holder.... thus causing the bullet to be harder to seat, extra force causing wrinkle? (You might see some copper scrapings around the mouth of the case with these last 2 possibilities).
5 - Are the dies new or haven't been cleaned in a while? New dies have a coating to protect them from corrosion that needs to be cleaned off before their first use. Either of those 2 conditions would probably make it feel like it you were having to use too much force with the press handle. Excess force - possibly causing a wrinkle in the brass.
6 - Is the brass worn out.... I wouldn't imagine you would get many loadings from the 500 mag.
1, - If they were wet tumbled, maybe they need to be lubricated.
2. - Even if they weren't wet tumbled... they might need to be lubricated, being it such a long case.
3. - Maybe not enough case expansion before seating the bullet? That could cause the bullet to push down on the case (possibly causing a slight wrinkle) somewhat while being seated.
4 - Maybe the die wasn't quite aligned properly with the shell holder.... thus causing the bullet to be harder to seat, extra force causing wrinkle? (You might see some copper scrapings around the mouth of the case with these last 2 possibilities).
5 - Are the dies new or haven't been cleaned in a while? New dies have a coating to protect them from corrosion that needs to be cleaned off before their first use. Either of those 2 conditions would probably make it feel like it you were having to use too much force with the press handle. Excess force - possibly causing a wrinkle in the brass.
6 - Is the brass worn out.... I wouldn't imagine you would get many loadings from the 500 mag.
OP
I was going for a deeper crimp that might be my main problem. Didn't think about that. I could ease up on that. I've been using case lube conservatively but I could stop being so stingy with it. And I really haven't trimmed a single case yet... I do check OAL but usually only once loaded. I'm relatively new to all of this, only been reloading 500 for a year now and haven't even tried my hand at rifle casing yet although I have the dies for 7mm I figure I'll set my learning curve on straight cases for now.
Lack of lube would probably cause it to stretch more than without lube...… Sometimes you don't have to lube every case...…. You can but don't always have to. Lube the first case before sizing but not anymore. If you notice it getting harder by the 3rd unlubed case, then you need to lube every 3 cases. If it gets stiff on the very next case, then lube every case, it just depends.
OP
This is my last batch with jackets. Switching over to gas checked. Still should loosen the crimp though?
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Perhaps you might not have to loosen the crimp if the gas check bullets have a deep crimping groove into which you can roll the crimp. The cannelure on that jacketed bullet is probably nowhere near as deep as the crimping groove on the gas check bullet. You probably will, however, since the crimp pictured is a rather heavy crimp. It would be wise to start with a very slight crimp and increase it if necessary until you get the right crimp for the bullet you are using. Enough crimp is enough. More is not better.
OP
I'll get that out. They are Hornady custom Grade dies
OP
Might need a new seating die. The only thing that changes about mine is whether the bullet is flat or angled
You mean crimping die, not seating, unless you’re seating and crimping at the same time in which case you should stop doing that with long cases and heavy taper crimp cause the variations in length will cause case crushing.
Also, look into a Lyman M die or RCBS cowboy die for expanding, it’ll help you seat lead bullets without squeezing them down.
OP
It's definitely a seat and crimp all in one sort of deal that I have. I'll look into new dies
OP
Not a revolver though.. which is why I was trying to go a little heavier.
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OP
It's a cannon mixed with a bit of something else! Hitting coke bottles at 100 yds today without thinking! This would be my "one gun" if I could only pick one!
I usually like to seat and crimp separately. For my magnum handgun cartridges, I swear by the Lee collet style crimpers. They do not depend on having all the cases trimmed to the same length, and they will not cause the cases to buckle, even with strong crimps. Unlike their normal FCD dies, they do NOT have the carbide resizing ring, so they will not resize the lead bullets smaller.
https://leeprecision.com/custom-500-s-w-collet-style-crimp-die.html
BTW, Love that rifle! I would like to have one like that in 460, but they want a LOT of money for those!
https://leeprecision.com/custom-500-s-w-collet-style-crimp-die.html
BTW, Love that rifle! I would like to have one like that in 460, but they want a LOT of money for those!
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OP
Bighorn Armory Model 89
I just lucked out and got their 10 year anniversary 10% discount plus a 10% military discount.... still ended up nearing $3k but worth every penny in my opinion. Never been this confident in any other rifle.
OP
I think I'll end up giving this a shot! Sounds like the convenient way!
Very Nice! Thanks.