Reloading PMC Brass - Question

[Steve in Vermont]

I've been reloading .38 mixed brass (148 gr DEWC) and started noting severe bulging in the middle of some of the reloads. I finished 100 rounds and noticed all the bulging brass was PMC (previous fired 130gr FMJ). Every other case, Winchester, Rem, Spear, etc, was perfect so it's not the die. Reloaded a few more, same result. I suspect it's the brass. I've ordered a Lee Factory Crimp Die and hope this will allow me to use the brass (now using a RCBS). Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[nrb]

Brass length

Have you checked the brass length after resizing??
I have seen this problem on pistol cases that are too long. The PMC may have been longer as a group and when crimped develop bulging.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

I checked the specs and all the brass falls within acceptable limits, there's no difference between any of the cases whether PMC or the others so that doesn't appear to be the problem.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Being snowbound today gives me time to experiment. I tried adjusting the seating depth (I was seating level with the top of the case). I raised the seating depth to allow crimping at the top bevel and this reduced the "bulging" to a minimum. The case now slides perfectly into the cylinder. There's still no sign of bulging on the other cases, only the PMC, so I guess it is the brass (to hard?). I might order some SWC the next time and see how they work.

 

[Jellybean]

They might have thicker brass near the web/base area than the other brands. Did they have problems chambering before you adjusted the seating depth? As long as the bulge will clear the cylinder there shouldn't be a problem, using the Lee FCD might not be a good idea if you're looking for match accuracy.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Only problem with chambering was with the bulging of the PMC brass. Now that that's resolved I'll just shelve the Lee FCD for now. Thanks to you both for the replies.