This is my second round of 9mm. First round was awesome! Shot great... liked them better than anything off the shelf. The second round however, bullets have been just falling out of the case. I use the lee universal crimping die, and don't think I did anything different. Any suggestions or ideas on what's happening? They're literally just falling out.
Newbie again... 9 mil bullets are falling out of case (can't be good)
- Thread starter gbr7519
- Start date
Rocketvapor
Gold $$ Contributor
What sizing die do you use?
If you are crimping the top of the cartridge correctly you will see a small crimp where the brass meets the projectile. you need to adjust the crimping die until you see a crimp. One more thing is the overall size of each piece of brass, they all need to be the same exact size. If the brass is different on each one, you will be all over the place on crimping. Some will be too much crimp, some will be not enough. When you have the die adjusted correctly you will feel the press crimping the cartridges, just a tiny bit on each one.
The only way a seated bullet will fall out of the case is if the case is not sized . I mean there are many other possible reason but all include you doing something grossly wrong , We are assuming you are using the correct dies , they are adjusted correctly and you are using the correctly sized bullets .
Yes , like Metal God said something is not right with your resizing. A resized 9mm case should be too small to accept a bullet. What diameter bullets are you using? You are not trying to load and crimp unsized cases are you?
It is possible for a batch of cases to have thinner necks than most. About 20 years ago my Dillon sizing die would not size 9mm WIN cases enough to firmly hold a bullet. Cases with other head stamps were all right.
Which bullets and cases are you using? Are they the same as the first batch you reloaded?
Measure the diameter of a sized case at the neck and a loaded round at the neck.
You say your first batch was great. So that means your dies are adjusted correctly and locked down, right? So, did you forget to size them? That Lee final sizing die can squeeze a bullet down. The lead will remain sized down. The brass will expand a little. The bullet can then fall out. I never crimp 9.mm. Neck tension alone should hold the bullet in the case. Over expanding the case mouth can allow the bullets to have little or no tension. I've seen bullets that where undersize. These will also slide out of the case. Now go back thru your loading routine and check after each step to see which one is doing you in.
You only want to expand the case mouth enough to get the bullet started, not enough to allow bullet to seat deep. Jacketed 115 grain bullets don't have a lot of full diameter length, so watch out for that. And let us know what you find.
Frank
You only want to expand the case mouth enough to get the bullet started, not enough to allow bullet to seat deep. Jacketed 115 grain bullets don't have a lot of full diameter length, so watch out for that. And let us know what you find.
Frank
paperpuncher
Gold $$ Contributor
This should be simple for you to troubleshoot. Examine and scrutinize each step of your reloading process and determine at what point in the process the bullets become loose in the case.
As Metal God stated, a properly sized and expanded case is sufficient to hold the bullet in place. The crimp is used to prevent the bullet from moving under recoil.
If you are using the correct sizing die then expanding properly, the bullet should be held firmly in place. You need only to expand the case enough, so a small portion about 1/16 of an inch of the bullet enters the sized case. The only thing that I can think of that could cause this process to go sideways is a defect sizing die or undersized bullets which would be extremely rare.
Do you have access to an experienced reloader? This could help you a lot and prevent further problems.
If you are using the correct sizing die then expanding properly, the bullet should be held firmly in place. You need only to expand the case enough, so a small portion about 1/16 of an inch of the bullet enters the sized case. The only thing that I can think of that could cause this process to go sideways is a defect sizing die or undersized bullets which would be extremely rare.
Do you have access to an experienced reloader? This could help you a lot and prevent further problems.
SSL
Gold $$ Contributor
Please don't take this as a personal attack, it isn't, but I notice that you are asking about other loading issues on another thread. It appears you are loading .308. .223 and 9mm ammunition all with differing problems (clumped powder, squib loads and loose bullets). You admit that you are new to reloading (good for you!) but it looks like you may have a problem with basic grounding in the process. For your own safety, please try to find an experienced loader in your area who can walk you through each step in person on setting up your dies, loading sequence and possible issues that pop up from time to time.
Wish you lived closer...I would volunteer, but I also know that there are a lot of Texans on this forum that would be happy to help. Really hard to diagnose what we can't see or touch.
Wish you lived closer...I would volunteer, but I also know that there are a lot of Texans on this forum that would be happy to help. Really hard to diagnose what we can't see or touch.
Ok, lets walk through this, as some of the trouble shooting has me scratching my head.
1st step sizing die.
Ram up with shell holder in place. Screw in till the die touches the shell holder. Lower ram & go 1 full turn "tighter". Tighten lock ring.
The sizing die is used, well as sizing. Smoothes out any bulges, dings & such. Depriming should also be accomplished at this stage.
Then prime.
The second stage of your Lee die set is expanding & powder through. This one takes a little experimentation with. You only want to expand (flare the case mouth) enough to be able to get the bullet started into the case & sometimes different bullets require different setting on this die.
After you've added powder & set the bullet in place it's time to seat the bullet into the case.
With a 4 die set, that's all you are doing.
Next is the "Factory" crimp die. NOT the "Universal" crimp die. Lol
The easiest way to set this is with a factory round.
Put a factory round in the shell holder & raise the ram. Screw the crimp die in till it's snug on the factory round & tighten the lock ring.
Insert your round that your making & crimp it.
If you need tighter, or looser only turn the die 1/8 of a revolution & test.
Note, this is a taper crimp on 9mm, 40 S&W, 45ACP. NOT a roll crimp.
I've never been able to actually see a taper crimp.
1st step sizing die.
Ram up with shell holder in place. Screw in till the die touches the shell holder. Lower ram & go 1 full turn "tighter". Tighten lock ring.
The sizing die is used, well as sizing. Smoothes out any bulges, dings & such. Depriming should also be accomplished at this stage.
Then prime.
The second stage of your Lee die set is expanding & powder through. This one takes a little experimentation with. You only want to expand (flare the case mouth) enough to be able to get the bullet started into the case & sometimes different bullets require different setting on this die.
After you've added powder & set the bullet in place it's time to seat the bullet into the case.
With a 4 die set, that's all you are doing.
Next is the "Factory" crimp die. NOT the "Universal" crimp die. Lol
The easiest way to set this is with a factory round.
Put a factory round in the shell holder & raise the ram. Screw the crimp die in till it's snug on the factory round & tighten the lock ring.
Insert your round that your making & crimp it.
If you need tighter, or looser only turn the die 1/8 of a revolution & test.
Note, this is a taper crimp on 9mm, 40 S&W, 45ACP. NOT a roll crimp.
I've never been able to actually see a taper crimp.
DeerHunter82
Gold $$ Contributor
My advice is to stop what you’re doing and get a good book. The ABCs of Reloading is a classic reference. It’s thorough with regards to process and more importantly safety. It’s an excellent beginner book. Read it. Take notes. Then keep it next to your loading bench for reference as you begin the process.
Rocketvapor
Gold $$ Contributor
I agree. STOP.
If you are still around, tell us more about your reloding process.
If you are still around, tell us more about your reloding process.
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This is really good advice. This will save you a lot of anguish, prevent a hazardous situation, and save you money in the long run.
We all want you to be successful and safe. You are fellow shooter / reloader, part of our community. Most of us are more than willing to help - don't be ashamed or reluctant to ask for help. We all had to learn; I sure made my fair share of mistakes.
Check the diameter of your bullets with a micrometer....their is some variation, depending on manufacturer...and screw-ups when starting the process. .3535" to .3555" are in jacked bullets with lead and plated over .356"...so try a plated bullet with your dies. But also know we the diameter your expander ball is leaving in your sized brass. Also try a different brass manufacturer, lots of inferior overseas brass and components for sale in 9mm that do not match up together as a viable reload.
Hospital = BOOM !
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