Reloading question for cases

[soumya sarkar]

Well said, planning to go along the same lines, C.O.A.L, powder wt. primer etc are all within specs.

 

[Rez Exelon]

Well said, planning to go along the same lines, C.O.A.L, powder wt. primer etc are all within specs.

Just for giggles if you have any that are the same loading (powder/gr/bullet/etc) that you've already made without the belling, it might be interesting to run a string of three of those and then a string with the belling ones and see if there's any POI shift.

 

[soumya sarkar]

Neck reamer https://www.forsterproducts.com/product/standard-neck-reamers/

Neck turner https://21stcenturyinnovation.com/buy-online/ols/categories/neck-turning-lathes

My 2¢, if they chamber, shoot them.

Probably https://www.forsterproducts.com/product/outside-neck-turner/#&gid=1&pid=1
For outside case trimming

 

[soumya sarkar]

Thanks to JimP who hit the nail on the head, Skydiver, D.M.V, Ridge Runner and everyone else who shared their thoughts for the case belling issue.
Indeed it is the case neck thickness of the Federal Brass that caused the slight belling/bulging near the shoulders. I tried a variety of bullets, NF Cup point, Barns solids, Hornady DGX, Swift A frames, Woodleighs RNSN (all 500 grains) and new Norma and Hornady brass, which I did resize.

Just for change I used RCBS dies predominantly, with some dry lube as suggested. No belling this time around. All came out OK, need to further hone my skills at the Crimping and bullet seating part of the operation as I had to pull two bullets to confirm to the C.O.A.L.

 

[Rare Breed]

Looks like case bulging caused by the load being too compressed. I have experienced that with some powders and 500 grain bullets. My Barnes loads don’t do it because imo the TAC powder I use on those seems to compress easier. The bulging can affect chambering too. Good news is I have pulled the bullets, dumped the powder and resized them and have been able to then load a Barnes or different powder with that case so it doesn’t have to mean a scrapped case. I tried different powders and found combinations that don’t have that problem. Seating depth would prevent it as most grooves on popular bullets are shorter than max c.o.a.l. but I want a crimped case on the groove.

Interesting on compression. I have no problem up to 103%. People I respect go higher I just do not

 

[Vintageguy]

Interesting on compression. I have no problem up to 103%. People I respect go higher I just do not

I have only experienced it on loads at or over 105% of extruded powder on straight walled 458WM cases. After lots of testing with a chronograph I have found loads for 450 & 500 grain bullets that aren’t compressed as much while giving me the desired velocities and accuracy. I’ve never been a fan of compressed loads but I haven’t found a load that isn’t that makes the velocities I want. I originally thought I would simply ream it to 458 Lott but it’s accuracy is amazing and I have an “if it ain’t broke” approach.

 

[Ridge Runner]

@soumya sarkar ,

You need to inspect your completed reloads better.

First photo instantly caught my attention. Enlarged second photo and it confirmed what I saw in the first photo.

Second photo...3 cartridge left to right... is damaged. Look at the base of the neck it's crushed down.

 

[soumya sarkar]

@soumya sarkar ,

You need to inspect your completed reloads better.

First photo instantly caught my attention. Enlarged second photo and it confirmed what I saw in the first photo.

Second photo...3 cartridge left to right... is damaged. Look at the base of the neck it's crushed down.

Was crimped a little hard and at wrong place. It chambers so I’m going to fire at range and take care next time

 

[Ridge Runner]

The round may chamber but I wouldn't fire it. Just a suggestion you disassemble the cartridge, straighten the brass if possible, if not discard the brass, to prevent causing any possible problems.

 

[soumya sarkar]

Meant to say, not damaged just Crimped too much.

 

[soumya sarkar]

Fixed, thanks for the feedback, learning experience

 

[Wahoo]

@soumya sarkar ,

You need to inspect your completed reloads better.

First photo instantly caught my attention. Enlarged second photo and it confirmed what I saw in the first photo.

Second photo...3 cartridge left to right... is damaged. Look at the base of the neck it's crushed down.

Hi all. For my own education as a novice reloader and to further the discussion - this is the area of concern I’ve circled in red correct?

 

[Rez Exelon]

Hi all. For my own education as a novice reloader and to further the discussion - this is the area of concern I’ve circled in red correct?

Yupper. In that section it's crimping in and you can see it's a much more defined line there than the other cases compared to their smoother shoulder. Because of that when the powder explodes the pressures and characteristics will be different than other rounds, and no longer match book data for instance. It could be a total non issue and the brass would just plump back out to the right shape when firing, but it's probably not worth the dice roll, especially on a round with so much powder behind it.

 

[soumya sarkar]

Yupper. In that section it's crimping in and you can see it's a much more defined line there than the other cases compared to their smoother shoulder. Because of that when the powder explodes the pressures and characteristics will be different than other rounds, and no longer match book data for instance. It could be a total non issue and the brass would just plump back out to the right shape when firing, but it's probably not worth the dice roll, especially on a round with so much powder behind it.

Relax, these are not match loads, nor for match, these are to be used in a ‘hunting rifle’ for range practice at 25 to 30 yards not even in real hunting per se. In this circumstance impacts of such things in a such a high explosive round will be minimal. There could be slight variations in accuracy and velocity but my shooting abilities at present are far from perfect. Is a learning experience as I said before and unless I make mistakes I will not learn but I think the impacts of such things in a hunting rifle and the scenario defined will be minuscule. I do not intend to use my DB for long range either 50 yards max when I get to it, for distances beyond that I have my bolt.

 

[Rez Exelon]

Relax, these are not match loads, nor for match, these are to be used in a ‘hunting rifle’ for range practice at 25 to 30 yards not even in real hunting per se. In this circumstance impacts of such things in a such a high explosive round will be minimal. There could be slight variations in accuracy and velocity but my shooting abilities at present are far from perfect. Is a learning experience as I said before and unless I make mistakes I will not learn but I think the impacts of such things in a hunting rifle and the scenario defined will be minuscule. I do not intend to use my DB for long range either 50 yards max when I get to it, for distances beyond that I have my bolt.

I mean, no need for me to "relax" because truth be told if you blew yourself or your gun up it has no material effect on me. However @Wahoo asked a question about it being an area of concern, so I responded to them and included reasons why it might be of concern, because even if the risks are minimal, they are still present.

My personal policy for me and my safety is that I don't really approach max loads because I don't need to and it gives me safety allowance against all sorts of possible situations. I also will fail any rounds that have defects because honestly the minimal amount of time to make it or remake it, or even to scrap the components is cheap insurance against the cost of the rifle, or let alone a trip to the ER with the US Healthcare system pricing being what it is. For me, it's just not worth it.

 

[Rare Breed]

@soumya sarkar ,

You need to inspect your completed reloads better.

First photo instantly caught my attention. Enlarged second photo and it confirmed what I saw in the first photo.

Second photo...3 cartridge left to right... is damaged. Look at the base of the neck it's crushed down.

I had a similar problem with one of my RCBS dies. Even after cleaning them thoroughly it was not until I replaced my Bullet seating die did this problem go away. Mine was in the 500 NE

 

[soumya sarkar]

I had a similar problem with one of my RCBS dies. Even after cleaning them thoroughly it was not until I replaced my Bullet seating die did this problem go away. Mine was in the 500 NE

Mine was caused by over crimping, it has been fixed.

 

[soumya sarkar]

I mean, no need for me to "relax" because truth be told if you blew yourself or your gun up it has no material effect on me. However @Wahoo asked a question about it being an area of concern, so I responded to them and included reasons why it might be of concern, because even if the risks are minimal, they are still present.

My personal policy for me and my safety is that I don't really approach max loads because I don't need to and it gives me safety allowance against all sorts of possible situations. I also will fail any rounds that have defects because honestly the minimal amount of time to make it or remake it, or even to scrap the components is cheap insurance against the cost of the rifle, or let alone a trip to the ER with the US Healthcare system pricing being what it is. For me, it's just not worth it.

No point getting into a constructive discussion with you because you are exaggerating facts beyond reason.

 

[Rez Exelon]

No point getting into a constructive discussion with you because you are exaggerating facts beyond reason.

I mean, it's your choice how much to be aware to considerations of safety and process as you want.

My apologies if you didn't like my response that wasn't even directed at you to begin with.

 

[Wahoo]

I apologize to OP @soumya sarkar . Genuinely didn’t mean to derail thread just asking a question. For what it’s worth just found it interesting as I believe I created the same lesion when loading TSX into .375 HH hornady brass. I believe I created it by unknowingly setting seating die to deep probably allowing excessive crimp causing neck compression/collapse into shoulder. Adjusted die shallower and seems to have corrected.