223 taper crimp issues. Loose projectiles.

[Kevin M.]

Need a hand working through an issue I am having.

I am setting up my Dillon 1050 to load 223 for the first time. All Dillon carbide dies. Good quality LC once fired brass. 55gr projectiles with cannelure.

Bullet seating die is set to correct depth, however bullet is still loose enough that a light amount of pressure can push the projectile deeper in the case, like finger pressure light. This issue also continues even though I am using a taper crimp die, which I initially set for the 2 thou crimp as per recommended, but when that did not change the tightness, I worked it down till it maxed out, with still no results. The cannelure is just deep enough that my dillon dies just don't seem to be able to put enough tension on the projectile to stop it from easily moving.

What can I do? I need to load around 10k brass up, so I need it to be a good long term solution. Should I look into a roll crimp, or should I be looking at getting a FLS die that has more neck tension to start with?

 

[yomomma]

Expander bitton out of spec?

 

[Mystic Precision]

Put it a standard FL sizing die and the neck tension issue should be resolved.

Jerry

 

[bigedp51]

Check the diameter of the expander, it should be .002 to .003 smaller than bullet diameter for proper bullet grip.

There is a chance you might have a defective die that is not reducing the neck diameter enough. But most dies reduce the neck diameter more than needed and then the expander expands the neck to the proper diameter.

You should never depend on any type crimp as the only thing holding the bullet in the case neck. The main thing that controls bullet grip is how much smaller the inside diameter is than bullet diameter.

NOTE, pausing at the top of the ram stroke for a few seconds reduces brass spring back when sizing once fired brass. Meaning your cases may have been fired in a chamber with a larger chamber neck diameter.

Below a Lyman expander die has a .221 diameter expander to increase bullet grip. And with jacketed bullets the case mouth is bumped onto the .226 section to help align the bullet during seating.

Inside Diameter Measurements for 5 different sizing dies.

 

[Kevin M.]

Will check in on all this info asap. Thanks gents. I'll be back shortly.

 

[just having some fun]

you should not even need to crimp 223 if your dies are correct (in spec)

Did you by chance get some under size bullets 223 should be .224

Are you using a expander die ?

 

[just having some fun]

are you using the dillon 3 die rifle set ?

It comes with 3 die (taper crimp)

 

[Kevin M.]

are you using the dillon 3 die rifle set ?

It comes with 3 die (taper crimp)

Yes, that is the set I am using. Bullets mic in at 224. I swapped to a Lee FLS die and the issue has been solved. Have not torn the dillon FLS carbide die down to mic it yet, but I will do that when I get back to the basement.

 

[Boomer686]

Yes, that is the set I am using. Bullets mic in at 224. I swapped to a Lee FLS die and the issue has been solved. Have not torn the dillon FLS carbide die down to mic it yet, but I will do that when I get back to the basement.

Inform Dillon: they will make it right.
I run their 3 dies carbide set as well: never had an issue with it.

 

[Ganderite]

Neck tension alone should hold the bullet tight. I use the crimper to turn down the slight mouth flare I put on the brass to reduce bullet scratching.

If you are using ball powder, tight neck tension plus a crimp is a good idea to help ignition.

My 308 ammo out of my Dillon is sized with no expander. Lots of neck tension.

 

[Kevin M.]

Swapping the die worked a treat. Once I get some time I'll open it up and figure out where the issue stems from.

 

[Death]

For bulk .223 I've been cheating the debur process by using a neck sizer followed by a expander mandrel and finishing it off with a Lee factory crimp die. works great