Seating lead rifle bullets

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MattE93

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I’ve loaded lots of lead revolver rounds before with no problems. The flare on the case mouth makes it easy to start the bullets. I’ve recently started loading lead rifle bullets for 6.5 carcano and have a problem. The bullets I got are .269 or 1 thou over groove diameter. The expander I am using is a .268 expander. When I go to seat the bullets they are shaving lead one case neck collapsed from the pressure.

Anyone have advice for seating lead rifle rounds?
 
Lyman M die in the right diameter should fix it.
It sizes the neck up and puts a second step/expansion at the mouth to prevent the lead shaving.
 
MattE93 said:
I’ve loaded lots of lead revolver rounds before with no problems. The flare on the case mouth makes it easy to start the bullets. I’ve recently started loading lead rifle bullets for 6.5 carcano and have a problem. The bullets I got are .269 or 1 thou over groove diameter. The expander I am using is a .268 expander. When I go to seat the bullets they are shaving lead one case neck collapsed from the pressure.

Anyone have advice for seating lead rifle rounds?
Click to expand...

and if a procedure works for lead pistol/revolver rounds, what makes you think it wouldn't work for rifle rounds? Flare the mouth, seat the bullet, light crimp . . .
 
rick357 said:
and if a procedure works for lead pistol/revolver rounds, what makes you think it wouldn't work for rifle rounds? Flare the mouth, seat the bullet, light crimp . . .
Click to expand...

I am aware it would work for rifle rounds but I don’t have a die that flares the mouth for the rifle caliber I am loading.
 
You are not loading thousands, SO. Grab a tapered punch from the tool box and by hand just tap it into the case mouth to give it a flare, you will figure out how hard with practice.
 
Below an example of the Lyman type "M" expander with the second step .002 larger than bullet diameter. I use this with jacketed bullets and bumping the case mouth onto the next larger step ensures straight inline seating. Bottom line, a type "M" expander will solve your problem.

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Thanks guys. I’ll pick up one of these Lyman dies. Is crimping after necessary or does it not flare enough for that?
 
If you just want to get shooting; set a tapered punch in the case mouth and tap the case on your bench. One tap for a light flare and two for a heavier one.

Edit: I should type faster :)
 
Do you have a 7mm decapper with an expander button? Use that to kiss the case mouth.

or try kissing it with a 308 expander button.

I used to use a 50BMG round as a general purpose expander. Just give each case a tap with it.
 
I've been using tapered expander plugs in a few different diameters to slightly flare the casemouths of my rifle caliber cast bullet reloads.Basically just lightly kiss the casemouth and away you go,nice and easy.
 
MattE93 said:
Thanks guys. I’ll pick up one of these Lyman dies. Is crimping after necessary or does it not flare enough for that?
Click to expand...

You can try it without and see if you have feeding problems. There will be that tiny lip on the mouth of the brass that can catch the edge of anything in the feeding area(s). As I wrote before, a light crimp is probably going to be necessary.
 
Lee Universal flare tool is good too and fits everything from 22 to 45 caliber.

You might not need to crimp as such but should remove the flare.
 
MattE93 said:
Thanks guys. I’ll pick up one of these Lyman dies. Is crimping after necessary or does it not flare enough for that?
Click to expand...

Crimping depends on the amount of brass spring back after expanding and if you go up to the third step of the expander that flares the case mouth.

The Lyman type "M" expander allows you to start the bullets straight into the case by hand. And with jacketed bullet reloads I apply a very slight taper crimp for smooth feeding, and a roll crimp with lead pistol reloads.

The advantage to the "M" expander is it does not overwork the case mouth and reduces case mouth cracks from over flaring.

Read the link below.

Lyman M-Die Expanding Plug Part Numbers
http://ps-2.kev009.com/ohlandl/Cast_Bullet/Lyman_M-Dies/Lyman_M-Die_Plugs.html

Below I normally only bump the case mouth onto step "B" that allows the bullet to be started straight by hand into the case mouth without tilting.

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