BDX 124gr FMJ 9mm crimping issue

Event Horizon

Event Horizon

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Hey folks,
I have been reloading 9mm for a while now with no issues. I have used 124gr Hornady XTP and 124 cast LRN with no issues. Today I tried some BDX 124gr FMJ and no matter what I do the grip on the bullet is too loose and slids into the case. I use range brass for all the reloads but never had this issue until now. I am using a Lee factory crimp die for them. The issue is very noticable with Federal brass. Any thoughts?
 
What dies are you using? How much flair are you using? A crimp isn't a requirement. You need to return the case mouth to flush, and perhaps .0005 more.
 
I am using a set of four Lee carbide dies. I am putting hardly any flare on the case. Even after sizing only, I can push the bullet in with a small amount of pressure. I measure the bullets at 0.355, the company says they size them to 0.3555.
 
I suggest finding first finding the OAL that chambers in your firearm with these bullets. Then using dummy rounds, adjust the taper crimp accoringly. I think these projectiles may be a hair smaller in diameter and require more crimp. Remember a little crimp goes a long way.
 
I have been playing around and I seat them to 1.16" and add heavy crimp. The heavy crimp seems to hold them fairly well but I am crushing the bulett jacket. I pulled a bullet and it is squished to 0.350". This I am sure will negatively effect things
 
Event Horizon said:
I am using a set of four Lee carbide dies. I am putting hardly any flare on the case. Even after sizing only, I can push the bullet in with a small amount of pressure. I measure the bullets at 0.355, the company says they size them to 0.3555.
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If the bullet is .355, it's fine. 9mm is supposed to work with .354-.356 diameter bullets, although common current practice is .355.

If I was in your shoes, I'd try a Dillon sizing die, as they were designed to deal with thin brass.
 
Event Horizon said:
I have been playing around and I seat them to 1.16" and add heavy crimp. The heavy crimp seems to hold them fairly well but I am crushing the bulett jacket. I pulled a bullet and it is squished to 0.350". This I am sure will negatively effect things
Click to expand...

You bet it will. Heavy crimp is for revolvers using heavy charges of slow burning powder, not semi-autos.
 
Resize/de-prime a case (no flaring) and see if bullet goes in, if it does, it's either undersized bullet or your sizing die is out of wack.
Do you have calipers? Calipers in reloading is a must, measure bullet diameter.
 
Event Horizon said:
I have been playing around and I seat them to 1.16" and add heavy crimp. The heavy crimp seems to hold them fairly well but I am crushing the bulett jacket. I pulled a bullet and it is squished to 0.350". This I am sure will negatively effect things
Click to expand...

Stop over crimping. Doing what you are doing will actually loosen the fit rather than tighten it as the case springs out from the downward push in to the rim. 9mm like a number of pistol rounds relies on friction to hold the bullet in the case not a roll crimp.

Measure the diameter of the bullets. I suspect they are considerably undersized. They should be .355 or .356. If they measure less that .355 then take them back to where you got them or contact BDX for replacements. If they do measure out at .355 or larger then check your sizing die.

Take Care

Bob
 
I just measured a bunch of Frontier 115gr an Berry's 124gr both plated and Frontiers are perfect .355 where Berry's are perfect .3555.

Measure your bullets, if you say you had no issues with other bullets, then it must be out of spec BDX bullets.
 
OP has ststed
I measure the bullets at 0.355, the company says they size them to 0.3555
Click to expand...
so its doubtful if its the bullet. No way should it be moving back into the case that easily. Something definately needing adjustment
 
That being the case then the only other variable is your sizing die. Measure your sized case and let us know hwat you find. I'll measure some of my cases sized with the dillon sizing die fto compare.

Take Care

Bob
 
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