223 Seating Issues

[CJ6]

Is the seating die also taper crimping the neck. You may be CRIMPING the neck before the bullet is seated properly. Back the die out and screw the seater plug in farther.

 

[digrazir]

My eyes are probably playing tricks because the bullet is seated crooked, but it looks like the bullet diameter is bigger. Have you checked with a micrometer to make sure the diameter is correct? I don't think Hornady has a 60 gr. HP but they do have a 75 gr. HP in .243 if I remember right. Just throwing it out there.

I am seeing the same thing. It looks like the bullets being seated are oversized. Ray

 

[DanS]

My eyes are probably playing tricks because the bullet is seated crooked, but it looks like the bullet diameter is bigger.

My eyes saw the same thing. Looks like his dies are way oversizing the necks.

 

[dabibbee]

WOW! I run a RL550 Dillion also and have run thousands of flat based bullets in 223 and never had that happen. Because we use lube on the case, only a very small amount of course, and on the chance that you may have used an extruded powder, could small grains of this powder stuck to a bullet and could have possibly been deposited into the bullet seater? Each new bullet would then pack it maybe all to one side? I suggest as others that you clean the main base, progressive shell plate, and seating die.
Then I would follow the Dillion instructions on proper seating of that die. Please let us know what caused the problem. That's how we all learn to help each other. Thanks

 

[Lapua40X]

I realize that you use the Dillon RL550 for its progressive features but I'd like to offer something for consideration when youre loading FB bullets.
You could take your cases through each step on the Dillon and then set them aside for bullet seating with a Wilson seating die.
http://www.lewilson.com/products.html
With the Wilson die the bullet and case are in perfect alignment before the seating stem even comes into contact with the bullet. Additionally, the Wilson seating die now offers bot a standard stem and a stem machined to accommodate the steeper secant ogive for greater control over seating depth.
http://www.accurateshooter.com/ballistics/tangent-vs-secant-vs-hybrid-ogive-bullets/
Although the Wilson dies work best with a good arbor press (or a cheep arbor press available through harbor freight for under $40) they can be used to seat bullets without an arbor press. I sometimes have to use hand pressure when I've forgotten to pack the arbor press on a trip to the range.

 

[Old Navy]

I made a few rounds like that on my Dillon. Found out I can't seat the bullet deeper after crimping. Adjusted the die and all was well. Later! Frank