Loading issue

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MattE93

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I am trying to load for .38 S&W with 200 grain SWC. They are .361 diameter which is correct. However, upon seating and crimping they seem to be swelling to .3625 to .363. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem but in my Enfield No.2 Mk.1 revolver this makes them slightly to large to load in the cylinder. They fit but I have to jam them in the cylinder. Should I size these to .360 so that after loading they are .3615-.362? Or am I doing something wrong in the loading process?
 
That is what I am using too, but I am new to reloading so maybe I am crimping too much and applying too much pressure, the rounds seem to swell ever so slightly towards the nose.
 
I just took a very quick look on Hodgdon's reloading data site, and it gives .358 and .359 dia. for 38 S&W lead bullets.
 
Seat and crimp in separate operations, seating and crimping in one operation will cause the longer cases to bulge more below the crimp.

The Lee factory crimp die with the carbide ring in its base will size the crimping bulge smaller. This lee die is a cheat for those reloaders who do not trim their cases to the same length.
 
I just sized and measured a piece of unloaded Dominion .38S&W brass which measures 0.380" outside neck diameter.
I also checked an old WRA Co. loaded 38S&W round which measures 0.383" just below the roll-crimp.
I guess you slugged your bore and cylinder throats to determine 0.361" is correct for your revolver ??

I will no doubt get 'finger wagged, OMGd and tut-tutted' for this but what I would do (and have done in similar circumstances) is remove the de-cap rod and bushing from the Lee sizing die, and slowly and gently re-size the loaded round just far enough to allow it to chamber correctly and easily.
Then check to make sure the bullet is still held securely by the crimp, and if not, set your seating die to use the built-in roll-crimp just enough to securely hold the bullet.
I have never owned, used or felt the need for a Lee Factory Crimp die for 38S&W, but that's just my opinion.
I first started with a Webley 38S&W in 1969, have been reloading for about 45+ years, have owned several 38S&Ws including Webleys and Enfields, and currently shoot a 1934 Colt Police Positive 38(S&W) which has an 0.357" bore, which is very convenient as I also reload .38 Special and .357.
 
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I slugged the bore at .361 yes. The cylinder tapers though and must be slightly smaller near the barrel as the rounds go into the cylinder about 95% of the way and stop.
 
what brass are you using I constantly had this problem when I used ppu 38 S&W brass. I found that they made the wall to thick at least for the stuff I got. I got a few old Winchester brass that was was fine for me
 
I have had "bullet swell" with an aggressive crimp (LFC) for light powder charges & powder puff loads while using too soft of lead. I was Casting a blend soft lead and clip-on wheel weights. No issues with the same crimp and straight cast clip-ons though.
 
Is the crimp required?

38 S&W loads are mild. Try loading some with no crimp and then shoot them and watch for the bullets migrating forward out of the cases on recoil.

If they don't move, skip the crimp.

Failing that, crimp less.

The Lee Factory would solve the problem, if they make the die in that caliber.
 
Might cut back on the crimp. I also ordered a .359 sizing die and .360 bushing. The weird thing is they chamber fine on my S&W pre victory in .38 S&W so the cylinder on the No.2 must be a little tighter on the cylinder
 
A bore size of .361 is immaterial if the chambers won't allow bulged .38 s&w ctg.. Some brass has thicker walls(and bulges), so I use .358-.359 cast bullets with good results in a Webley and 2 Enfields.
 
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