LSWC questions

[maxxpower]

Today marks my first reloading attempts. I was able to find some 158 LSWC at Grafs so that's what I bought to start. I'm reloading with used Winchester brass. My questions are many but I'll start with my main questions/issues:

1. I need NO bell in the case to get the bullet seated easily. Any bell seems to make the bullet slip into the case too far.

2. When I crimp it I am able to turn the bullet in the case with my fingers fairly easily.

Is this normal for LSWC?

I'm worried that unfired bullets in the cylinder will unseat with each shot. I've had this happen with some Sellier & Bellot ammo. No fun.

 

[Schofield]

Sounds to me like maybe the brass has not been run through the proper resizing die.

You might measure the bullet diameter just to make sure you have what the label on the box specifies. The diameter should be .358

A 158 gr. LSWC is a common bullet for .38 Special/.357 magnum. You ARE loading one of these calibers I assume?

 

[Skip Sackett]

Did you get new brass? If you did, they need to be run through the sizing die first. I know they are new but they are big to start with and need to be sized. If you need no bell and the bullet turns when crimped, either the bullet is too small or the case is too big, period.

In a normal situation, if you didn't bell the case, you would shave lead.

I can't tell you the thousands and thousands of rounds I have run in 38spl with 158gr bullets that had no crimp at all. The bullet was seated to the edge of the front driving band and the case closed to the bullet. With target rounds I have never had a bullet jump or set back with that configuration.

Are your dies new? If not then the possibility that they have the carbide ring gone or been modified.

Pictures will help us help you too.

 

[maxxpower]

Okay... I'll admit it when I'm REALLY stupid. I wanted to "practice" before putting any primers in so I was skipping that step... just putting the case in the bullet seating die.

So, doh! The case had never been sized. If this is the dumbest thing I do I'll be in good shape.

 

[shovelwrench]

Yep,
If you want to "practice", resize em first.

We're here when you have more questions.

 

[nitesite]

Isn't it great when a problem can be solved so easily?

You're going to do just fine. Just remember to not get in a hurry or skip something as a shortcut.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Think about how I found out about it though!

Okay... I'll admit it when I'm REALLY stupid. I wanted to "practice" before putting any primers in so I was skipping that step... just putting the case in the bullet seating die.

So, doh! The case had never been sized. If this is the dumbest thing I do I'll be in good shape.

Some things we learn by inspiration, some by observation, some by experimentation!

Guess how I learn about this!

You will do many more silly things in life, period! Learn from them, share with others that ask, and move on!