Problem after Seating Bullets

[wajm]

Having an issue with my cases swelling after seating 95 gr. vmax bullets over 31.0 gr. of 8208, which is a compressed load. To start, using Hornady dies to resize, then checking dimensions with a Sheridan case gauge, cases drop right in to the correct height. After seating bullets on the above mentioned load, the rounds won't quite fit back in the case gauge. I can push them in with a bit of force, but then have to push them out with a dowel. I'm not using any crimp and I suspect the cases are swelling as a result of the compressed load. They will chamber, but usually have to mortar them out. Haven't seen that in any other compressed load I ever used in any cartridge. Could the compressed load cause the case to swell like that?

[mongoosesnipe]

i have only experienced that with hornady dies but only when trying to crimp try backing the die out another 1/4 turn and lower the seating stem

[tackdriver]

I have had similar issues. Have you loaded many other projectiles with that set of dies or are you new to the grendel cartridge? When you tap the rounds out does the case show rub marks where the case wall meets the base of the shoulder? I have been told that me die could be run down just a hair to far. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to reload any new loads. If others could clear this up it would be great.

[Drifter]

try backing the die out another 1/4 turn and lower the seating stem

That would be my suggestion as well.

[wajm]

Thanks for the quick replies. I've been fiddling around with the Grendel for several years now. I'm not using any crimp, the seating die is backed off one revolution per the instructions IIRC in order to avoid any crimping action. I had the same issue using 100 gr. BT's as well. I don't recall having this issue when loading some 123 gr. Scenars tho... different load altogether. Can't think of anything else but the compressed powder bulging the case slightly. Doesn't look out of spec. Soft brass maybe?...

[mongoosesnipe]

well then dont use a compressed load then i guess

[wajm]

I think I will try to solve the problem, since that load shoots quite well. Too, there are a lot of compressed loads listed, I'm liable to run into this again. Tackdriver responded with a similar problem as mine. Might learn something in the process...

[45r]

I've read you can get powder to settle down a little by holding the stem of an ultra-sonic tooth brush against the brass.

I haven't tried it yet but sounds like it might work.

I think if half was poured in and settled and the other half put in and settled it might not be compressed when the bullet gets seated.

[mseric]

My thoughts.

I highly doubt you will be able to compress any extruded powder enough to bulge the case. Let alone 31gr of 8208 with a short little 95gr V-Max bullet.

I use a lot of heavily compressed loads in most of my rifles and I have Never seen a case bulge. I have bullets that back out of the case and have to be re-seated a few times, but never a bulged case.

I'm not using any crimp, the seating die is backed off one revolution per the instructions IIRC in order to avoid any crimping action.

Backed off from what, the shell holder or the sized case?

To set up the seating die you, put a sized(trimmed) case in the shell holder, screw the seating die into the press until you feel it make contact with the case mouth, Then back the seating die Out of the press at least on full turn.

Try This!

Take a few sized trimmed cases and seat your 95gr V-max into the empty(no powder) cases. Check them in your gauge.

If they don't fit you Know it's not the powder.

If they fit, then pull the bullets and load the cases with powder. Re-seat the bullets and gauge again.

[wajm]

That's a good idea, I'll give that a try. I do all the usual and required case prep procedures. The seating die is as I said, backed off a turn per the instructions to defeat the crimping feature of the die.

I agree about the compressed load not having any affect on the case. I've used a number of compressed loads for various calibers and have had no ill effects. I did check for bullets pushing out of the case after seating, no movement detected.

Damnfino what's causing it. More testing....

Again, thanks for the replies.

[Mav714]

I've had similar problems after I sized the case and then checked it it still would fit, getting stuck. I've read lots of info including running my sizing die all the way down. Do some searching in the forum using key words for more advice.
Merry Grendel!

[wajm]

Ok, the dust has settled from Christmas. I took two cases and sized and prepped them as usual and seated bullets without powder or primers. The necks measure .290, which jives with the Hornandy loading book. However, the shoulder to body dimension is .429, 4 thousands over the spec in the book. I don't know if that's too much or not. And they have to be pushed into the case gauge with a bit of force, but they will seat the the prescribed safe depth. I can't yet measure headspace, which will tell me if I can or should push the shoulder back some more. How many votes does the Hornady headspace tool get?

What thinks the horde?

[GMinor]

i have only experienced that with hornady dies but only when trying to crimp try backing the die out another 1/4 turn and lower the seating stem

Winner winner...

Do this..

[Zapp]

If you measured the case prior to loading, and the headspace was good, then the round will seat(with some effort) into the gauge, it sounds like the headspace is still good. It doesn't sound as if anything you did in the loading process would have changed the headspace. It sounds more as if there is a diameter after loading that is a little too large now, causing it to drag.

It sounds like you got one of the standard Sheridan gauges, because the slotted one would allow you to doublecheck that the shoulder is seated correctly, visually:



But I don't think you need another headspace checker. The calipers are the right tool . No rub marks on the bullets or brass anywhere?

You said earlier that the loaded rounds needed to be mortared out of the rifle, how about these dummy rounds?

[mseric]

Ok, the dust has settled from Christmas. I took two cases and sized and prepped them as usual and seated bullets without powder or primers. The necks measure .290, which jives with the Hornandy loading book. However, the shoulder to body dimension is .429, 4 thousands over the spec in the book. I don't know if that's too much or not. And they have to be pushed into the case gauge with a bit of force, but they will seat the the prescribed safe depth. I can't yet measure headspace, which will tell me if I can or should push the shoulder back some more. How many votes does the Hornady headspace tool get?

What thinks the horde?

I do believe you missed an important step in diagnosing your problem. Correct me if I'm wrong.

After you sized and prepped these cases, did you check them in your gauge before you seated the bullets. If not you need to go back and try this.

If they do not fit the gauge with no bullet then you Know you have a sizing issue. If they do fit the gauge with no bullet, then you know you have a seating issue.

My guess would be that you have the seating die screwed to far into the press and you are applying an unwanted crimp, thus buckling the case.

If you had a Headspace issue you would not be able to force the case into the gauge further. It would stop where it stops. Sounds like a crimp bulge to me.

If it is a sizing issue, then your die may be out of spec. My Forster was, had to replace it with an RCBS.