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Chambering issues in 9mm

Loaded round, bulge at base of bullet & not seating the bullet straight. Plus brass wall thickness. 3 problem areas for 9mm Luger when using 147 gr bullets.

Fix - RCBS dies.
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9mm Luger in Taurus G3C.
Bullet- 163 gr lswc, Saeco #382, .3568" sized diameter. Length .707"
Loaded COL 1.026" Head to Shoulder .778"

Load data found for HS-6. Start 3.0 grs to 3.7 grs for 160 gr coated bullet. Fed 200 Mag Primer used. Worked up to 3.7 grs, shot 5 rounds, standing, 2 hands, 7 yards.

Ok with Blazer range brass. Jammed with 1 USA brass that measured .001" to large in the case body. Right at the bullets base.
A known problem with some brass, bullet combinations.

Not a loading i would normally use. JUST A TEST.
 
RCBS® has two different styles of expanders; the Tapered
Expander, standard on die sets dated before 2010, and the Stepped
(M-Style) Expander, standard on die sets made after 2010.



But on a progressive press, a funnel type expander in M type is needed. They are available. Here There are other custom brands, i think?

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Would I resolve this issue if I purchased the Lee crimp die as @Rank Amateur sudjested?

I understand what everyone is recommending, and I will try those adjustments. But it’s so random, that I’m unsure I have resolved the issue. I typically load a 100 every time, it may not have any rounds that don’t chamber. Next time, it could have 1 or 2.

I will load the problematic cases with the 115gr for now.
 
XL105 said:
Would I resolve this issue if I purchased the Lee crimp die as @Rank Amateur sudjested?

I understand what everyone is recommending, and I will try those adjustments. But it’s so random, that I’m unsure I have resolved the issue. I typically load a 100 every time, it may not have any rounds that don’t chamber. Next time, it could have 1 or 2.

I will load the problematic cases with the 115gr for now.
Click to expand...
They are decent and cheap enough to try as part of what will likely turn out to be a multi process fix. Your primary issue is the skew bullets after seating, so you might need to get a different seater/seating stem too to help with “square seating”. The RCBS dies, and in particular the flare die with the step is another good suggestion to help with the flaring. So that might just mean biting the bullet (pardon the punn), and getting that RCBS set and cry once- other benefit with that set is it’s carbide, so no lube necessary for sizing step, just clean brass…
 
XL105 said:
Lee crimp die
Click to expand...
I would try it with jacketed, but no plated or lead bullets.

I have not used one, because I load cast lead bullets. This die may size the bullet smaller in diameter. Not good or wanted.

A jacketed bullet may be a better fit for the die. Bullet jackets spring back more then lead, after sizing.
If sizing a jacketed bullet down, more then .005", the difference in spring back between lead & jacket will leave the lead core loose inside the jacket.

More of an issue in high powdered rifles then pistols.
In rifles, the lead core becomes liquid , because they are spinning at different speed. Friction.
 
XL105 said:
Would I resolve this issue if I purchased the Lee crimp die as @Rank Amateur sudjested?

I understand what everyone is recommending, and I will try those adjustments. But it’s so random, that I’m unsure I have resolved the issue. I typically load a 100 every time, it may not have any rounds that don’t chamber. Next time, it could have 1 or 2.

I will load the problematic cases with the 115gr for now.
Click to expand...
I think several suggested issues may be in play leading to your random finding of bulged cases. Do continue to see if adjustments to your current dies will resolve the issue, but the randomness is an issue itself. If it was a specific head stamp, or a specific seating stem, etc. you might see this more consistently with the same bullets.

Yes, the Lee Factory Crimp die will address this as it resizes the case to factory specs AFTER the bullet is seated. No intention of arguing with @243winxb above, but the Lee die should not be an issue with bullets other than jacketed. Millions of Berry's and X-Tremes have been loaded with Lee Factory crimp dies without issue. Even softer, I've loaded thousands of Blue bullets and other Hi-Tek coated lead bullets on a Dillon with the Lee Factory crimp as the final stage as well. Soft bullets require a significant flare to prevent shaving, and the Lee reduces/straghtens that with ease.
 
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Thanks guys. I will try the suggestions. More then likely I will try the 124gr, but I have another 1000 147gr to use up.
 
As Timberyote asked, what are the case manufacturers? More specifically, some cases have an internal ledge where the ID is reduced nearer the case head. If you're contacting that ledge with longer 147 gr bullets you might get a bulge. Of the top of my head, I don't recall who made those kinds of cases.
 
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Krogen said:
As Timberyote asked, what are the case manufacturers? More specifically, some cases have an internal ledge where the ID is reduced nearer the case head. If you're contacting that ledge with longer 147 gr bullets you might get a bulge. Of the top of my head, I don't recall who made those kinds of cases.
Click to expand...
A-merc
FC
Win
CBC
PMC
RP
WCC
YVX
S&B
Its random, because those same manufacturers will chamber with other cases
 
My competition s&w is a really tight.
I use a chamber checker on every round.

The ones that do no pass go to my sig 228 which will eat anything.

Range brass is cheap. Glock bulge ruins allot of cases.. (that's what i call them regardless !)
 
JMayo said:
Range brass is cheap. Glock bulge ruins allot of cases.. (that's what i call them regardless !)
Click to expand...
Glock bulge can really cause issues in none Glock pistols. I shoot Glocks primarily.
When reloading with range brass I used a Dillon case checker and then went to using the barrel to test the loads. Drop the load in the barrel, if it is good it will shoot in anything. If you drop the load in and need a very slight pressure to seat in the checker, probably a little Glock bulge and will shoot in a Glock And probably other pistols. If you drop the load and it will not seat, do not use it in a Glock.
 
I set the flare die so the case just drop fits a Lyman ammo checker after sizing/flare. I do it by backing the flair off from a flaired case that drags as it drops into the checker. Last step is the Lee tapered crimp die, all ammo will then drop in the ammo checker and my Glock match barrel.
 
There’s a fine line between a good crimp to remove the flare and too much crimp that causes a bulge in the brass below the bullet. Adjust for just enough crimp to close the bell.
 
Lots of good advice above.
I have had some of the same issues with reloads in my H-Power chambered in 9mm, the barrel is a custom chambered Bar-Sto in the minimum side. I segregate all my brass and only feed it quality brass that is wet tumbled, then use the Lee Precision undersize sizing die (903313) see Amazon link below. The things that everybody mentioned may need to be addressed as well. Inspection and using a chamber checker (i use a Dillon) or your barrel will ensure a good fit.


Just my .02
Tim
 
All of you have missed the real issue. See the cannelure on the brass? That is there to stop a bullet from going any father into the case. The case gets thicker at that point. Notice how it bulges? The brass is made for 115gr bullets. Also lots of the European brass is WAY thicker than USA made brass and it makes it even worse.

You need to segregate your brass and stop loading whatever you find on the range.

And if you can find a set of steel dies this hour shape will not be as noticeable. Carbide dies do not size a tapered case well at all. There is no taper in any carbide die. Just straight. Steel dies will have the correct taper but you will have to lube the brass to use them. That is a deal breaker for some but not me
 
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