303 bullet moving after seating

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newfie36

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I am loading some 303 british once fired brass with a hornady 174 grn RN bullet and after seating the bullet to the cannelure, the bullet can still be easily moved. Even after crimping I can still move the bullet with a little bit of effort. This cant be normal. I resized using the same method with 7mm-08, is there something special about 303?

Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks
 
303 Bullet

What dies are you using. I had the same problem with Lee dies, bought a set of RCBS and no problems. (these were the neck sizing only dies)
Tick
 
A full length sizing die squeezes the neck down a bit further than necessary. The expanding button on the decapping stem is then drawn out through the neck and brings the neck up to the correct size. Sounds as if your cases are having the necks expanded a bit too much.
As SuperCub has suggested, a smaller diameter button could cure your problem.
 
The dies should resize so that the bullet is no different than you 7mm-- something is wrong for sure. I reload 303 as well and use Sierra 174 gr HPBT with no movement whatsoever. It could be a problem with the die... maybe bring them back to the store to exchange?
Where did you get your brass? Is it maybe brass that has been shot too much and is stretched too thin in the neck area maybe?
I think what SuperCub is saying is to try another die on your brass that is made for 308 instead of 311/312 to see if you can neck down the brass to hold your bullets tight.
 
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Mic the bullets to ensure the box is not mislabeled, or the bullets are grossly undersized. Check everything before you make too many trips to the store.....:)
 
.. One other suggestion, and it's perhaps a bit of a "long shot" ... try backing off your sizing dies a "smidgen"
, just enough, that you're not pushing the case shoulder back quite as much. ... David K.
 
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