45 ACP and the Square Deal B

kbsrn · May 18, 2002, 10:08 PM

I am using a Square Deal B to reload my pistol rounds. The 45's seem to have a slight bulge at the bottom of the case that the resizing die does seem to reach. What am I doing wrong?

Chemistry · May 18, 2002, 10:26 PM

Bulges at the bottom of the case can be formed during the seating and / or crimping stages, especially if you are using harder brass.

Brass with the A-MERC headstamp is notorious for being like this.

First of all, look at your brass headstamps. Throw out anything from A-MERC or Norinco.

Check the completed cartridges with a cartridge gauge. I would suggest getting the Dillon ones, since they are stainless steel.

If the cartridges slide in and out easily, you don't have to worry, as long as the bulge is not really noticeable.

If you are having chambering problems, you may want to buy a Lee Challenger press (30-40 bucks), and a Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die, which will resize the completed cartridges.

Dave P · May 20, 2002, 07:27 AM

Checking your brass seems like the right idea, but I would hate to see you adding a whole nother press and action to re-size. That's why I got a Sq Deal, cause it auto indexes.

Call the factory too, I'm sure they will help.

jjmorgan64 · May 20, 2002, 08:35 AM

I use an RCBS partner press, this will improve your loads.

that being said i get the feeling that your seeing the line where the sizing die stops, this is completely normal. The sizing die has a tapered interior, not all of the brass will reach in far enough to be completely resized. As long as the sizing die is screwed down to where it almost touches the shell holder, this is how the die is designed.

If it is a balooning or a crinkle you have other issues, however as long as the brass is within specs, you are all set.

Biathlonman · May 21, 2002, 09:20 PM

I just had the exact same problem with mine! Don't know if it is the correct fix, but I just tighten the final die that does the crimp, solved the problem. I think my problem came from bullets that were .452, but I am very new at this so I don't know for sure.

Give Dillon a call.

Master Blaster · May 22, 2002, 07:48 AM

A few things to check or try,

You may want to check the sizing die is it all the way down to the shell plate if not screw it down further,

The Belling/ powderdrop, is the bell sufficient to allow the bullet to set on top of the case, and slightly in?

You may want to increase the belling slightly very slightly to reduce the pressure needed to seat the bullet.

What is your crimp dimension is it .471 at the case mouth?

If its .472 or .473 you may want to increase the crimp.

You could also try using a little case lube eventhough you dont have to with carbide dies, lube makes life easier.

May 18, 2002, 10:08 PM	#1
kbsrn Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 2002 Posts: 128	45 ACP and the Square Deal B I am using a Square Deal B to reload my pistol rounds. The 45's seem to have a slight bulge at the bottom of the case that the resizing die does seem to reach. What am I doing wrong?

May 20, 2002, 07:27 AM	#3
Dave P Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 1999 Location: North Florida Posts: 1,346	Sq Deal Checking your brass seems like the right idea, but I would hate to see you adding a whole nother press and action to re-size. That's why I got a Sq Deal, cause it auto indexes. Call the factory too, I'm sure they will help.

May 20, 2002, 08:35 AM	#4
jjmorgan64 Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2001 Posts: 519	A second press with the Lee FCD is a good investment I use an RCBS partner press, this will improve your loads. that being said i get the feeling that your seeing the line where the sizing die stops, this is completely normal. The sizing die has a tapered interior, not all of the brass will reach in far enough to be completely resized. As long as the sizing die is screwed down to where it almost touches the shell holder, this is how the die is designed. If it is a balooning or a crinkle you have other issues, however as long as the brass is within specs, you are all set. __________________ The Forty-Four spoke and it sent lead and smoke And seventeen inches of flame. -Marty Robbins JM

May 18, 2002, 10:26 PM	#2
Chemistry Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2001 Location: Central Alabama Posts: 158	Bulges at the bottom of the case can be formed during the seating and / or crimping stages, especially if you are using harder brass. Brass with the A-MERC headstamp is notorious for being like this. First of all, look at your brass headstamps. Throw out anything from A-MERC or Norinco. Check the completed cartridges with a cartridge gauge. I would suggest getting the Dillon ones, since they are stainless steel. If the cartridges slide in and out easily, you don't have to worry, as long as the bulge is not really noticeable. If you are having chambering problems, you may want to buy a Lee Challenger press (30-40 bucks), and a Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die, which will resize the completed cartridges.

May 21, 2002, 09:20 PM	#5
Biathlonman Member Join Date: February 4, 2001 Location: Kentucky/Ohio, both Posts: 98	I just had the exact same problem with mine! Don't know if it is the correct fix, but I just tighten the final die that does the crimp, solved the problem. I think my problem came from bullets that were .452, but I am very new at this so I don't know for sure. Give Dillon a call.

May 22, 2002, 07:48 AM	#6
Master Blaster Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 1999 Location: One of the original 13 Colonies Posts: 2,281	A few things to check or try, You may want to check the sizing die is it all the way down to the shell plate if not screw it down further, The Belling/ powderdrop, is the bell sufficient to allow the bullet to set on top of the case, and slightly in? You may want to increase the belling slightly very slightly to reduce the pressure needed to seat the bullet. What is your crimp dimension is it .471 at the case mouth? If its .472 or .473 you may want to increase the crimp. You could also try using a little case lube eventhough you dont have to with carbide dies, lube makes life easier.