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Thread: First time reloading lead projectiles. Some Issues, help

  1. #1
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    First time reloading lead projectiles. Some Issues, help

    during lock down i brought some 35 Cal 220 gr bullets, gas checked and lubed.
    Aiming for a subsonic load to complement my medium load 158gr XTP pistol bullet and my heavy load GameKing 225gr.
    I only loaded 15 to start with.
    I feed all the brass back into the sizing/de-capping die about 2-3mm, just enough to try and open the neck to add bullet seating. Often it took a lot of force to start the bullet into the case and sometimes it would shave off some of the gas check, on a couple the bullet did not go in straight. The worst i binned, others I picked off the lead swarf from around the case neck.
    Some bullets were quite loose. So I did use the crimping die to set the case into the crimp ring on the bullet.
    Also had problems with the bullet grabbing in the seating die and getting pulled out of the case.
    Ended up seating the bullets in 2 steps. First with the seating die wound a long way in, then winding it out and taking it down to my required OAL.
    Z

  2. #2
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    Check out Handloaders Manual Naramore 1943. i found a lot of empirical sense in this book when I went looking for answers to some of the questions you have - it is freely available on the internet.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by ZQLewis View Post
    during lock down i brought some 35 Cal 220 gr bullets, gas checked and lubed.
    Aiming for a subsonic load to complement my medium load 158gr XTP pistol bullet and my heavy load GameKing 225gr.
    I only loaded 15 to start with.
    I feed all the brass back into the sizing/de-capping die about 2-3mm, just enough to try and open the neck to add bullet seating. Often it took a lot of force to start the bullet into the case and sometimes it would shave off some of the gas check, on a couple the bullet did not go in straight. The worst i binned, others I picked off the lead swarf from around the case neck.
    Some bullets were quite loose. So I did use the crimping die to set the case into the crimp ring on the bullet.
    Also had problems with the bullet grabbing in the seating die and getting pulled out of the case.
    Ended up seating the bullets in 2 steps. First with the seating die wound a long way in, then winding it out and taking it down to my required OAL.
    Z
    You need a special die to open up the first part of the neck to seat cast lead. Also shout yourself a copy of the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook. Its all in there.
    Grandpamac.
    mikee, Kiwi Sapper and ChrisW like this.

  4. #4
    Member Marty Henry's Avatar
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    A case flaring tool is what you are after. Lee used to make one that did from 30 to 45 cal, they might still do.
    Another trick that i have employed is to deprime and reprime cases without resizing seat the bullet by hand and then use a lee crimp die to hold it in place. The rounds chamber and fire perfectly well.
    I see you mention gas checks, for the bullet speeds you are aiming for these are unnecessary only above 1600 fps do they become important. They won't do any harm though you just won't get any benefit.
    The advice on getting the Lyman book is really valid especially if you are off "down the rabbit hole"
    Tertle, nevereadyfreddy and ChrisW like this.

  5. #5
    Member zimmer's Avatar
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    For years I have used Lyman's M dies.
    They create just the right amount of flare to start cast projectiles.
    Also work for flat based jacketed projectiles.

    Some dies have the flaring function eg my 32/20 CH Dies.

    Probably hard to get locally though in your calibre.
    Weren't super expensive at the time.

    The Lee version seems to be available still.
    https://www.amazon.com/LEE-PRECISION.../dp/B000N8N538

  6. #6
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    thanks guys. At least I'm not the first with this problem. Just the first time I have not used copper jacketed and generally boat tailed as well.
    Have followed up those links and if I decide to continue down this path I will go shopping.
    Z

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by zimmer View Post
    For years I have used Lyman's M dies.........................The Lee version seems to be available still. https://www.amazon.com/LEE-PRECISION.../dp/B000N8N538
    Not available via Amazon and other USA are listing it as "Back order". Reloaders (listed in theri catalogue $3+but not on the web site) are also nil stock but tell me that they have a Lee order arriving via ship in about 2 months time and it may be among that batch.
    .

  8. #8
    Member zimmer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kiwi Sapper View Post
    Not available via Amazon and other USA are listing it as "Back order". Reloaders (listed in theri catalogue $3+but not on the web site) are also nil stock but tell me that they have a Lee order arriving via ship in about 2 months time and it may be among that batch.
    Most of what Reloaders have in their catalogue is not available from the mometn the catalogue comes off the press. I suppose it is a good reference book though. Their redeemer is their website is up to date, not like many.

    In the past I got a lot of Lee stuff from Titan. This was when most of the locals couldn't supply. Also got a Lee crimping die from Julian when he owned Workshop Innovation. He got it in special and didn't charge the earth,

    Titan appear to have the expander but I didn't do a test order to check stock. Wouldn't be worth buying just the expander.

    https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-p...reloading-dies

  9. #9
    Member zimmer's Avatar
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    Aaah, just did a dummy order and also OOS.

  10. #10
    Member Marty Henry's Avatar
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    As an aside the expander in the 30 m1 carbine set will do the business as well so if you happen to have a set your sorted. Not many m1 carbine bolt actions I'm picking but I have heard of a ruger Blackhawk revolver in it.

  11. #11
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    @ZQLewis You can download a FREE PDF format file copy of the "Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook Third Edition" from here

    https://tinyurl.com/y9b7x5ze

    It is over 360 MB so if that causes you any problems, PM me and we can arrange to get a copy to you via "snail mail."
    rupert and Micky Duck like this.
    .

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by zimmer View Post
    Aaah, just did a dummy order and also OOS.
    "Oh ye of little faith"..............
    .

  13. #13
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    I use the Lee die, it looks like Gunworks and Workshop Innovation have them in stock.
    zimmer and Kiwi Sapper like this.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cigar View Post
    I use the Lee die, it looks like Gunworks and Workshop Innovation have them in stock.
    Well spotted............ Their system accepted my order and as they claim that it will not if "Nil Stock"...Cracker.

    My thanks .
    .

  15. #15
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    Great, Have started to download that Lee manual. Thanks Kiwi.
    Found the die at Gunworks $30 + fr
    Z

 

 

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