Seating for 9mm

[dearslayer]

I tried loading some 9mm last night. These are HP 137.5 gr powder coated boolit dropped from a HP hollow point mold. All sized to 0.357. I using Lee carbide die set and Lee FCD. I really struggle to get the case mouth flared enough to get the boolit to sit just barely in the mouth and I could sometimes hear the boolit being scraped on the case going in. I have the powder through expander die set as per factory instructions but still can't get it to expand enough to have the boolit go in easily. I took the die apart and cleaned it ( it was pretty dirty ) re assembled and tried again with no difference. What the heck am I doing wrong? I have the die set to touch the case holder and instructions say to back it out one full turn and the adjust accordingly. I've even tried it without backing it out one full turn and it's still the same.

 

[yomomma]

Just need to flare it a bit more. Your ammo will more than likely look like an hourglass.

As long as the ammo passes the "plunk" test you should be OK

 

[45C]

I find the powder coating makes them a bit bigger. More flare works for me

 

[GimpyGolden]

I don't remember where I ended up with that Lee die but it was for sure less than the one turn out recommended.
No issue seating 147gr Campro RNCP's

 

[dearslayer]

I know I need more flare but the issue it seems is I can't get more. Seems to be at the max even without backing it out the one full turn. I'll take another look see when I have time. Perhaps I'm missing something. Never had the issue before using copper plated.

 

[45C]

Did you try resizing the bullets? After the powder coating.

 

[dearslayer]

Did you try resizing the bullets? After the powder coating.

Yes they were sized after PC. I tried leaving the expander die very close to the shell holder without backing it off the one whole turn and it managed to flare just a smidge more which is better than before. Is there a powder through expander plug available that would add more flare if needed aside from having one machined which I could have done by a friend if none available.

 

[Loyalist]

I have heard of guys using the 38 S&W p.t.expander (not 38spcl!) Plug in their 9mm die. I went a different direction and got a Lyman M die. Adds a stage but works well.

 

[dearslayer]

I have heard of guys using the 38 S&W p.t.expander (not 38spcl!) Plug in their 9mm die. I went a different direction and got a Lyman M die. Adds a stage but works well.

So I assume the M Die isn't a powder through hence the added stage?

 

[Loyalist]

Correct. It is a stepped expanding die.

 

[bigedp51]

Below a type "M" die and how it works. The expander at the top is approximately .001 to .002 larger than the bullet diameter.

[

Then the bullet is crimped.

Below is a type "M" die.

Below the expander is even made for rifle cases.