Newbie.

Stewie333 said:
I am asking for a big favour here.:redface: Is there anyone west of the Ottawa area that can give me a hand on how to re-load my ammo. I have read the LEE handbook and followed the instructions provided, but I am experiencing some things that have really freaked me out. Such as the bullet falling out of the case whem I extract it from the chamber!:runaway: I'm not too proud to ask for help.
Lunch is on me.:)

Thanks

Stewie
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I am a little far from you to help out, but there are some things we can get out of the way right here to get you on track. If anything, I can first say that if you follow the example of Mr Cereal83 right here on CGN, don't give up or shy away from questions here, even if the answers you get are some times a little on the strongly-worded side! You will find nothing but help here, and the only stupid question is the one you did not ask.

Now first and foremost it would be important to know

1) what caliber you are reloading for
2) semi-auto? bolt?
3) what tools/press/dies? Make and model pls
4) what kind of brass (new, once-fired)
5) your procedure (full sizing, neck sizing only, crimp or no crimp etc)

After that, I will contribute what little knowledge I have, and many others will gladly share their opinions as well.

And, if anyone in your area can show you the ropes, kudos in advance!

Good luck!
 
Stewie333 said:
Ok, I think I figured out why the bullet was coming out of the case. The LEE diagram shows an OAL (over all lenght I assume) of 3.150 but for the powder and bullet combo I am using, I am supposed to have an OAL of 3.00. This is a huge difference! After trying it with this seating depth the bullet does not come out. I am loading for the 6.5 Swede does anyone else hand load for this caliber that can confirm this? I only have the LEE manual as a guide.
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just as I was typing my response you went ahead. I also load the 6.5x55 and enjoy doing so greatly. So what about those tools? ;)

Do your bullets have a crimping groove? What kind of brass are you using? Is this for a bolt-action or semi?
 
Stewie, what components are you using?
A bullet falling out is usually bad crimp, but...
As far as OAL lenght and load data are concerned, there are many reloading manuals out there. I like Lyman personally, but it not have what you need.
In any case, post the components and I'll see what I can dig up.
I'm not in Ottawa, but if you want to drive to the GTA, you're more then welcome...
 
Your trim length is almost fool-proof using the Lee trim gauges. The COL seems to be the issue.

3.150 is the max SAAMI length. The COL (OAL) varies from manual to manual. From as low as 2.850" for 100 gr's to 3.050" for 140's. I load my 107's to 2.90" and the 120's to 3.00". Both are Speer HPBT. I also put a light crimp using Lee's factory crimp die.

When you say the bullet falls out, do you mean it literally falls out of the case (lack of neck tension) or it is being pulled out (COL too long, getting stuck in the throat)?

If you're just loading these for the one rifle, you don't have to full length size every time. They have already been fire formed to your chamber. Get a neck sizing die. Extends the life of the case.

(E) :cool:
 
The reason I lightly crimp is so I have a common starting point. While neck sizing gets the brass to the roughly the same neck diameter, different bullets might have different neck tension. I first noticed a marked difference in my 223's from non-crimped and the crimped ones, so I started crimping all of my bullets. You don't really need to crimp your bullets in a bolt action, but its not hurting it either.

(E) :cool:
 
Stewie333 said:
OK, thanks for the info. Here is what I have done.. The brass has been prepped, full length formed, and deburred. I put in the CCI primers using the LEE tool provided (wearing safety glasses). Then after I calibrated the scale using the brass dial to zero the powder cup I set the scales to measure 41.5grns of H4350. I then set the powder thrower to thrown slightly less powder and then trickled up to 41.5 by hand. I placed this charge in the case and it came to roughly to where the neck and body meet. I then seated the bullet to an OAL of 3.006" I figured this would allow some compensation for variations in the bullets. The scale is surprisingly sensitive with visible movement with the addition of one piece of powder. If I shake the round, I can clearly hear the powder inside is this OK? I figured this is a conservative load to begin with.
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That all looks fine to me. Hearing the powder shake inside is no problem. Common occurance.
Be careful using some brass. Internal volumes differ. I have some Igman that fills up real quick. A moderate load in the book turns into a compressed charge :eek: . The same load in Winchester brass and I can hear it shake inside.

(E) :cool:
 
Stewie; I don't load any jacketed or 6.5 either and usually look to simplify things, the first test of newly reloaded ammo is to push your loaded round(bullet end) against your reloading bench, use all your weight....if the bullet moves....you do not have enough neck tension and may have to get a smaller expander or switch brass!! Real simple.
 
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