Reloading 308 for an Autoloader - Crimping problem.

PoFF

PoFF

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Yet another reloading problem - *Insert curse words here*

I've recently started reloading 308 Winchester for my M14S with this recipe :

Cases : Winchester
Trim Length : 2.006" to 2.008"
Primer : CCI #200
Bullet : Speer .308" 150gr SPFB
Powder : Hodgdon H335, 42.0 grains
COAL : 2.750"

Problem : No matter what amount of crimp I put on the completed cartridge, (at some point, I've bulged some cases), the damned bullet sit themselves deeper in the cartridge when being cycled/chambered. I'm already at 2.750" length, which is quite short, so I really doubt that the bullet gets stucked in the rifling's lands and pushed further in the case. I'm using RCBS dies (FL sizing die) on a Lee turret press.

Any tips?
 
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Never having loaded .308 for anything other than my bolt action, I have a question. Why do they need to be crimped?
 
pmt said:
Never having loaded .308 for anything other than my bolt action, I have a question. Why do they need to be crimped?
Click to expand...


Generally no, but it's a matter of action type. Semi's often will try and set the bullet back into the case, causing erratic and possibly dangerous pressure differences.

Poff, what die set are you using? If you can get a slightly undersized mouth expanding ball, you can get increased neck tension.
 
Hmm, Lee Factory Crimp die seems to be the general consensus. I'll give it a try, thanks guys (and gals, if there is any ;))
 
It could be a problem with your sizing die or the brass. Here is a quick and easy test.

Load a bullet into an empty case but don't crimp it.

Take this dummy round and push the bullet tip against your reloading bench.

If the bullet pushes into the case easily the problem could that:

1) Your die is not sizing the necks down far enough; (very possible)

2) or your expander ball is slightly too large; (unlikely but still possible)

3)or your brass has thin necks; (unlikely unless you have brass with turned necks)

4) or your bullest are undersized. (possible)
 
PoFF said:
Problem : No matter what amount of crimp I put on the completed cartridge, (at some point, I've bulged some cases), the damned bullet sit themselves deeper in the cartridge when being cycled/chambered. I'm already at 2.750" length, which is quite short, so I really doubt that the bullet gets stucked in the rifling's lands and pushed further in the case. I'm using RCBS dies (FL sizing die) on a Lee turret press.

Any tips?
Click to expand...

It sounds like the problem are that the cases need trimming. Or that you have the seating die down too far. Or that the expander ball is stretching the case neck.

Check the length of the cases with a dial/vernier/electronic caliper.

Lube inside the necks.

Re adjust the die.

RePete.
 
I will chime in on the Lee Factory Crimp Die. You won't get a stronger crimp any other way, but you will require the following.
1. Cases trimmed to the same length.
2. Bullets seated to the proper length.
3. Bullets with a crimping canelure.
Good Luck
bigbull
 
I want to repeat what Boo said...winchester brass tends to be excessively thin. Which when you crimp, could not provide enough brass thickness in the neck, to lock the bullet in place.
Especially if this brass has been reloaded a few times. Try R-P or Federal brass....

Just my 2 cents.
 
Do your bullets have a cannelure?
Sorry but I never used the type you describe.

Have you tried the small base dies?
One more thing: What if one is to use the sealer with seating the bullets?
That should provide a modicum of strength .....

Please chime in if I'm saying something wrong here.....
 
Try a different brand of brass. I've never had to crimp at all for my semi'd M-14 or my M-1(.30-06, but the same principles apply). Your expander may be a bit too big too.
 
I load for a couple of autos as well as several bolt, lever and pump guns.
After I size my brass I wash the brass to get rid of the sizing lube especially the lube inside the case neck.
I haven't had any bullets move in the case after I started washing the brass after sizing.

Good Luck
John
 
Well, it seems that that Lee Factory Crimp Die was the thing to get. Bullets are firmly crimped and won't move at all when being chambered. That's with Winchester cases, I have yet to load another brand, but it seems that F-C and R-P cases really have a thicker neck, as some guys said.

But it'll probably wear the brass faster on the long run... all that extra work on the metal can't be good.
 
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Use bullets with cannelure, crimp bullet in a seperate step from bullet seating, if this doesn't help get a smaller expander ball.
 
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