Since you felt resistance when sizing then the bullets as dropped from the mould must be larger than the sizing die. That being the case and given that the bullets seem to be an honest .355 I would say the sizing die is undersized and incorrectly marked.
) and check often to make sure you don't open the die up too much. Run test bullets through the die until you get up to the desired diameter. Remember you only have to remove 1 or 2 thou so don't go all Schwarzenegger on this process.If you don't know a machinist many people have increased size die diameters by judiciously polishing the die interior with fine emery cloth tightly wrapped around a shaft and chucked in a drill. Just go slow, use lots of lube (always a good strategy
I purchased this die from Higginsons. I just called them and the only option is to send it back to them ( my cost for shipping ) and they would send it to Lee for assessment/repair. That means I'd have to order another one of desired size and wait to be shipped ( again my cost ). My best option is to either hone it myself or take it to work and have my tool and die friends spec it out. I'm thinking for how much has to come off I might be better off to polish it myself.This. Essentially what PC'ing does is create a bullet jacket similar to but not as hard as a copper jacket or plating. It protects the bullet from gas cutting and thereby decreases leading. My guess is that your .355 PC'd bullets will worked pretty well assuming your gun barrel is to spec at around .355.
Your questions about bullet weight were correctly answered by vagrantviking. Weights well always vary a bit depending on the alloy used and the PC does add a bit.
Now that you know the sizing die is the issue you have to deal with that. Your options are:
1. return it to Lee for a replacement (be prepared for a long wait)
2. see if where you bought it will take it back (don't hold your breath on this one as they will pobably refer you to Lee)
3. buy another one (seems more expensive but by the time you have paid for return shipping of the original it might be more cost effective)
4. if you are or happen to know a machinist the die could easily be reamed to .356 or .357. Personally I would go with .356. Some 9mms have short/tight chambers (think CZ) and .357 bullets may not reliably chamber in them. Before you go the .357 route (remember you can always increase the die diameter size but you can't reduce it) see if you can track down some actual .357 sized 9mm bullets to test load. If they work then fill your boots as regards your size diameter size. However, if they don't you still have a die you can use to size to .356.
If you don't know a machinist many people have increased size die diameters by judiciously polishing the die interior with fine emery cloth tightly wrapped around a shaft and chucked in a drill. Just go slow, use lots of lube (always a good strategy
The post by yomomma (#92) shows you all you need to know. It will give your fingers a workout but the chances of taking off too much material will be greatly minimized. As I said previously, use some unsized bullets to run into the die to test for how much you have removed & how much further you have to go. if you take your time you will be able to get it to exactly the diameter you want. Finishing off with some very fine grit wet silicon carbide paper or similar abrasive will give you a smoother finish that what comes from the factory.
This. Essentially what PC'ing does is create a bullet jacket similar to but not as hard as a copper jacket or plating. It protects the bullet from gas cutting and thereby decreases leading. My guess is that your .355 PC'd bullets will worked pretty well assuming your gun barrel is to spec at around .355.
Your questions about bullet weight were correctly answered by vagrantviking. Weights well always vary a bit depending on the alloy used and the PC does add a bit.
Now that you know the sizing die is the issue you have to deal with that. Your options are:
1. return it to Lee for a replacement (be prepared for a long wait)
2. see if where you bought it will take it back (don't hold your breath on this one as they will pobably refer you to Lee)
3. buy another one (seems more expensive but by the time you have paid for return shipping of the original it might be more cost effective)
4. if you are or happen to know a machinist the die could easily be reamed to .356 or .357. Personally I would go with .356. Some 9mms have short/tight chambers (think CZ) and .357 bullets may not reliably chamber in them. Before you go the .357 route (remember you can always increase the die diameter size but you can't reduce it) see if you can track down some actual .357 sized 9mm bullets to test load. If they work then fill your boots as regards your size diameter size. However, if they don't you still have a die you can use to size to .356.
If you don't know a machinist many people have increased size die diameters by judiciously polishing the die interior with fine emery cloth tightly wrapped around a shaft and chucked in a drill. Just go slow, use lots of lube (always a good strategy
Aw ok...thanks for that simple yet informative answer. Well my bullets fired ok mind you I'm not the greatest shooter and I'm sure the Shadow can outshoot me any day of the week. I loaded 3.2 gr of Titegroup with OAL of 1.092 as per recommended by fellow member. Shot them at 25 yds. Haven't checked the barrel yet to see what it's like inside ( leading ) but will later. I think with some sleep and not working the nightshift before shooting might improve accuracy....hahaha maybe.
Duh...dummy me. What the heck am I thinking. Thanks. The couple of holes on the left hand side of that Target look a little ragged. Would that be bullet tumbling? If so would increasing the charge perhaps fix that?
