I've started my journey in reloading for my 38S&W 33-1. My first 2 groups of 5 were running from 469 to 538 FPS with a standard deviation of 18. I'm using 2.2gr titegroup and using the max oal length to start. I know I have to adjust both eventually.

My issue is I'm using the Lee 38 S&W 3 die set and when I tried to load the round in the cylinder the last 1/10th of an inch I had to give it a push to go in. After firing I had to give the ejector rod a good tap to remove them. I've never used a seating/crimping die before and tried to follow the procedure to set up online. I've always used 4 die sets.

I don't believe that I'm getting a good crimp on my rounds and it seem that my expansion die is not giving me enough flare to seat the bullets easily. I've messed around with the die and went from no flare straight to crushed case with no real in between.

I'm using new PPU brass and Missouri Bullet 148gr coated. Any tips or tricks to help would be greatly appreciated.