I am doing something wrong and need advice. Sorry I have not learned how to post pictures but here is my problem. I am reloading some test loads before making up a 500 round batch for a rifle course I plan to take this summer. I am loading Fl sized Federal 223 cases, 50 grn Hornady V-max's using my Lee Challenger and Lee die set. I have loaded 50 grn Remington HP's in the past without problems so presumably the die/press are OK. I am "squashing" the shoulder of the case when I seat the bullet. There is a visible "ring" of crunched metal at the case body/ shoulder intersection. The resulting cartridge will not chamber in the rifle. When I pull down on the press lever, then is a noticeable final 1/4" or so "hard spot" when I seat the bullet. I assume this hard spot is the shoulder being squashed. Logically, I am trying to force the casing too far into the die but I have adjusted the die so it just meets the shell holder. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Help Needed- Squashed Shoulders, 223
- Thread starter hiredgun
- Start date
wapitiwhacker
CGN Regular
- Location
- East Kootenay B.C.
Are you chamfering your inside case necks? If not it should help.
The Lee die is designed to be able to put a little crimp on the case mouth as it seats a bullet with crimpring groove. As pointed out above, this is controlled by how far down the die body is screwed. If you don't want any crimp, turn the die down until it just touches the case, then back it out 1/2 turn. If you want crimp and have a crimping groove in the bullet, turn it in 1/4 turn from touching case mouth.
Thanks guys. I am chamfering the insides of the necks. I will try to adjust the Lee die to the case and then back 1/2 turn. Since I finish with the Lee Factory Crimp die, I do not need any crimp at the bullet seating step. Tomorrow is my last chance to prepare the test loads as I am off to the range (200 km drive) on Thursday. I will report back with tomorrow's results. Thanks again.
Hiredgun,
1) With an empty and resized case in the shell holder, raise the ram in your loading press to the top of the stroke.
2) Screw the seating die into the press and down over the resized case until it contacts the case.
3) Back the die out about half a turn, and lock it in place.
Your die is now properly set up in the press, and you will have no more crushed necks.
Ted
1) With an empty and resized case in the shell holder, raise the ram in your loading press to the top of the stroke.
2) Screw the seating die into the press and down over the resized case until it contacts the case.
3) Back the die out about half a turn, and lock it in place.
Your die is now properly set up in the press, and you will have no more crushed necks.
Ted
