lee reloading kit

22lr

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I got one of those inexpensive "everything in a box" (except mallet) reloading kit for 9mm. I think I figured pretty much everything out except sizing cases. I tried to hammer cases fairly deep but ended up with primer pockets being way too small for primer to go in. Tried to ease up a little bit and cases don't seem to be sized and bullets when I am trying to sit them just fall through. I am pretty sure everybody tried those and Lee wouldn't be selling so many of those if they weren't good. What is the trick here?
 
I have several Lee Loaders. Are you using the correct primers? I have never had any problems with any of mine except maybe the .30-30 set. (It would sometimes bend the necks)

You need to pound the cases in till the base is flush with the top of the die. Then use the rod to pop it out of the die. It shouldn't affect the primer pocket unless your deforming it when pounding it in. But to be honest, for the amount most guys shoot 9mm, you would probably be better to invest in a progressive set up.
 
I use one in .38 Special. No problems. (does take some pounding though). No insult intended but do you have pistol primers of the correct size? I tried priming rifle cases with pistol primers just by mistake. Took a second or two to figure out the problem.

regards, Darryl
 
Use the right sized primer.
Resizing the case does not affect the primer recess.
You must be trying to put a large primer in a small hole.
The only other thing that is possible, is that the cases you have, had crimped primers, that's typical of some military cases, but not commercial cases, as far as I know.
Check the box, and see if they are large, or small sized primers. I don't shoot 9mm, but my manuals say they use "small pistol" primers.
 
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those were small pistil primers. I never pounded it flush with face of sizing die. I think I am better off investing in set of dies for "normal" press, nuff pounding already.

I am loading for Beretta Storm carbine, want to see all bullet sizes and try different powders and develop target and hunting ammo types.
 
What brass are you using? If it's milsurp, you likely need to remove the primer crimp. Resizing with a plastic mallet has nothing to do with the size of the primer pocket.
"...never pounded it flush with face of sizing die..." The primer has to be flush or a bit below the case head, not the die. The case should be flush with the die.
Don't use the dipper either. They can vary the powder charge plus or minus a full grain. Buy a scale. CC's aren't a normal unit of measure either. You'll never see them in any manual.
"...investing in set of dies for "normal" press..." Yep. Think carbide. It'll be far faster too.
"...and hunting..." The 9mm is suitable for small game only. Nothing bigger than a close in coyote.
 
I recently used a Classic Lee kit for 7 X 57 mauser; the cases had to be lubed before I pounded them for resizing. Otherwise I would have deformed the cases. If you have the right primers, maybe that's why the pockets got too small in your case?

Lou
 
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