Does anyone use the lee .9mm makarov die to run .9mm lugers through ? i do and surprisingly some are expanded enough to feel resistance running them though.
I've always used the buster on my .40 shells but you can visually see the bulge on them

Are you making 9mm Mak cases? I convert 9x19 to 9x18 all the time with the Lee die for my CZ-82. You're going from a .355 to a .365 diameter bullet. Expect some resistance. Any oddities to case shape iron out when fired.

I recently started using the 9x18 Makarvo die on 9mm Luger cases thru the Bluge Buster. I’m meeting quite a bit of resistance with some cases, to the point that I stopped and set those cases aside. They looked normal, so not sure of the problem. I ran some loaded rounds thru the Makarvo die because they didn’t pass my Wilson Case Gauge. All passed afterward but one which, on the second attempt, got stuck in the die. That was a trick and a half to remove. I’m not sure about using the Makarvo die for the 9mm Luger anymore. All other calibers seem to work well with the Bulge Buster, but the 9mm is a pain.

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"Your other right........."

Why? Are you having chambering problems?

Yes, I use the Makarov FCD for my 9mm luger. Some are very tight to run thru, but all chamber in both of my 9mm 1911's when finished.

I'm trying to figure out why you're running Luger cases through a Makarov die at all unless converting Luger cases TO Mak.

I use the old style Lee .45 bulge buster as I run .45 acp through several pcc’s that really bang up the brass. Then I can use my loads in my revolvers and semi’s. Mounted an old press on the wall for the die and did some mods to it to make resizing easier. The spring pops it into the small Dillon box when the next round pushes it clear of the die.

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SMSgt

The Makarov die is used for a bulge buster die on the 9mm.

I bought some bulk once fired Winchester 9mm military brass and ran them through the Makarov die. (as a bulge buster)

The problem is the rim diameter can be larger than the base diameter of the case above the extractor groove. And those cases with a larger rim diameter are hard to run through the Makarov die. Meaning you are sizing the rim diameter down smaller. "BUT" the rims still pass the min-max SAAMI diameter.

Bottom line, I did not find any 9mm cases that were bulged like some of the .40 S&W range pickup brass I find. Meaning the Makarov die might be overkill depending on the chamber and brand of brass.

I do not load my 9mm and Glock .40 hot and do not have any bulge problems.

I load my 9mm and .40 Glock just a little warmer than below. I like it when the ejected case fall by my right foot and I don't have to look all over for them.

I cannot tell you how many Win 9mm mil cases I've run through my RCBS 9mm Luger resizing die and never had an issue seating them in either my S&W 6906 or SIG 226 chambers.

The Mak case is .392 to .391 diameter, base to mouth; the Luger .391 to .380 but has a larger rim. I'm not sure why one would run what is supposed to be a smaller case diameter with more taper through a larger die with much less taper and then have to force the rim through it and thusly likely causing possible extraction problems.

Sounds like you're trying to solve a non-existent problem bulged Luger cases).

I bought the 9mm Makarov bulge buster die when I was having problems getting my loads to fit in the Wilson case gauge or chamber in my gun. What I eventually discovered was that the cases were not fitting because I wasn't crimping enough to completely remove the case flare. Once I corrected that, I've never had to use it again. Same problem solved with my 45 ACP rounds by increasing the taper crimp.

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What could possibly go wrong?

The best part about reloading is the person pulling the press handle decides how to do it.

And at one time Lee sold the Makarov FCD die as their 9mm bulge buster, and these dies have two carbide rings. (See the video below) I run the bulk 9mm once fired cases through my Makarov die because they were fired in a multitude of 9mm chambers. And I have no problem with any of the 9mm sized in the Makarov bulge buster. Is this overkill, it might be but I'm retired with nothing to do and all day to do it.


Aim High Air Force
MAC 1969-1973

I wonder if when you run a pot bellied 9mm hull(glock fired) through a bulge buster if the case is weakened in that spot. The firing blows the bulge out. You "size " it back into place. Which means the brass in that area of the hull is moved twice. Could weakness and stress cracks be induced? Especially if the former bugle ends up in the same place and that metal is blown out again the third time? For this reason. If I'm given any bulged brass I throw it in the scrap bucket. My fingers and eyes are worth more than that.

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S&W Accumulator

A badly bulged case should not be reloaded because the case "WILL" be weakened.

Slightly bulged cases can be safely run through a bulge buster die. And a good snug case gauge will tell you if the case is going to be a problem.

I do not load my reloads HOT and do not have a problem with bulged cases.

I run any range pickup brass in good condition or bulk brass I buy through a bulge buster.

Make Right With a ".40 Lite"
Make Right With a ".40 Lite"