Issues Loading 300WM w/180gr TSX

[NorthernPF]

Hey Guys!!

I'm trying to load up some 300WM loads but I seem to be having a hard time.

The first time I tried to load some, I FL sized the case which was brass that I kept that was shot out of my rifle. I think I may have used the chamfer/debur a bit too much on the inside of the case neck. I put in 63gr of IMR4350 which is the minimum load in the Barnes manual. I seated the bullet to 3.340" and used the Lee FCD. Once put through the FCD I checked COAL and now it's shorter. Now for my COAL to be at 3.340 the bullet lined up right in the cannelure which I thought was great. Turn out that I could easily push the bullet in after it was crimped and I could spin the bullet in the case. I'm thinking that because I might have taken aff a bit too much brass in the neck it didn't allow a good crimp.

Today I try it again. I took another case FL size another piece of brass that was shot out of my rifle but this time I didn't touch the neck at all with the chamfer/deburr. Seated bullet to 3.340". Used the FCD and now the COAL is 3.323". I can't spin the bullet in the case but if I put the tip of the bullet on my bench and put pressure it slides in the case stopping at the end of the cannelure and now COAL is 3.311"

How safe are these to use? Should I be able to push the bullet in a bit even after the FCD?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[308BAR]

Your expander ball on your FL die is probably not the right diameter mostlikely giving you loose neck tension. I can't see chamfering affecting the neck that much unless you're really laying into it with the chamfering tool. If youre seating without deburing the the bures/case material is holding the bullet in place. At any rate I would not fire any of these in a rifle.

Just for info if this brass is fired from your rifle you don't need to FL size it. Trim as needed and neck size it.

 

['Boo]

This is a common problem with the TSX, especially with short-necked cartridges like the 300 Winchester. The grooves remove a lot of contact area between the case neck and bullet as you have noticed. A solid crimp has helped a bit for me.

 

[Dogleg]

I've seen it over and over with TSX bullets. Taking a thousandth off the expander ball fixes it.

 

[Rembo]

had to do this once with a Lee 6mm die...chuck the expander ball into your drill press or hand drill and take some very fine, about 400 grit emery cloth or wet/dry paper and polish it down a bit....a thou should do...that will give you .001 more neck tension....

I've seen it over and over with TSX bullets. Taking a thousandth off the expander ball fixes it.