Reloading .38 special flare

woodenpigeon

woodenpigeon

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Just got a gp100 and I can't seem to get my lee powder through die to flare the case enough to expand nickel plated brass to seat lead swc without stripping some of the lead off the bullet when I seat them. I loaded some .357 hornady xtp's with no issue at all. Just problem with lead bullets. Any suggestions?
 
Is it only nickel plated causing issues?

Slowly screw in the die ⅛ or ¼ of a turn until you get the flare you want. Also make sure the die is clean.

If none of that works take apart the die and take some pictures then post here.
 
Spawn-Inc said:
Is it only nickel plated causing issues?

Slowly screw in the die ⅛ or ¼ of a turn until you get the flare you want. Also make sure the die is clean.

If none of that works take apart the die and take some pictures then post here.
Click to expand...

I have only tried nickel plated so far. I have turned in the die to the point that the ram can't make full stroke and I assume that must mean that I have all the flare that I can get?
 
woodenpigeon said:
I have only tried nickel plated so far. I have turned in the die to the point that the ram can't make full stroke and I assume that must mean that I have all the flare that I can get?
Click to expand...

Does your die have the nut on the die like in this picture?
339390.jpg



If it doesn't that's your issue, that nut or the lee powder measure needs to be in there to prevent the flaring portion from moving up.
 
Below are exaggerated flaring drawings, with lead bullets you are better off using the Lyman "type" M expander. This type die makes it "MUCH" easier to seat lead bullets without damage. The type M die flares and creates a "step" in the case the same diameter as the lead bullet. This allows the lead bullets to seat straight and not shave lead from the bullet. It also helps to have the correct shape seater plug that centers the bullet when seating. The Lyman patent for the M die expired and many die manufactures now use this type expander.

bulletseatingflaresands_zps1aff9c57.jpg


mtype_zpsd7a1881f.jpg


Crimps_zps0907602c.jpg
 
Spawn-Inc said:
Does your die have the nut on the die like in this picture?
339390.jpg



If it doesn't that's your issue, that nut or the lee powder measure needs to be in there to prevent the flaring portion from moving up.
Click to expand...


I took the nut off so I could mount the auto disk powder measure on top. Looks like this without measure on it.


 
I'm not at home right now to check, but I don't recall that nut being threaded on both ends to be able to put the measure on top of the nut. With the measure on and no nut I have screwed that die in till it had reduced the stroke on the press lever and still not enough flare. Never had a prob with 9mm lead using the same procedures. Anyone else able to check theirs at this time?
 
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woodenpigeon said:
I'm not at home right now to check, but I don't recall that nut being threaded on both ends to be able to put the measure on top of the nut. With the measure on and no nut I have screwed that die in till it had reduced the stroke on the press lever and still not enough flare. Never had a prob with 9mm lead using the same procedures. Anyone else able to check theirs at this time?
Click to expand...

You use one or the other, not both. If it still didn't work with the powder measure screwed down properly, perhaps you lost the flaring insert inside the die?
Lot perhaps you mixed it up with the 9mm die.

When I get home I will take pictures for you comparing the 9mm vs 38 vs 357mag.
 
Spawn-Inc said:
You use one or the other, not both. If it still didn't work with the powder measure screwed down properly, perhaps you lost the flaring insert inside the die?
Lot perhaps you mixed it up with the 9mm die.

When I get home I will take pictures for you comparing the 9mm vs 38 vs 357mag.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the help, but I think the link above shows I have a problem that will require either modifying these dies or buying a .38sp only set. I did try everything before I posted my problem, but I know I didn't lose any parts and I've adjusted my 9mm dies to increase or decrease flare as the instructions show and results were as expected. One thing I have thought about is just not resizing the cases as the bullets seem to fit snug enough in a spent casing from my gp100. Thinking that the crimp will do enough when seating the bullet. I guess I'll have to try that on a couple and see if they hold the lead tight enough and still fit in the cylinder properly. Can you see anything that might be an issue with this idea. I only have the one revolver so I'm thinking it shouldn't be a problem?
 
That would make sense, but there was only one insert in my set. I've emailed lee to see what can be done. I couldn't even find the .38/.357 combination 3 dies set as being available anymore on their site.
 
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