.380 Case Bulge

djdasher · April 16, 2009, 02:49 PM

Hello all,

Some time ago, I decided to reload for my .380. My completed rounds almost always showed a slight bulge, as if the bullet was too big for the sized case. A competitive shooter-friend told me that the slight bulge was only cosmetic and that the rounds were perfectly safe to shoot. I can say that I never had a problem with the rounds, although it would be nice to do without the bulge.

Has anyone had the same experience? If so, is there a solution?

Thanks,

DJ

RidgwayCO · April 16, 2009, 02:59 PM

That bulge is evidence that your sizer die is indeed squeezing the case down to well below bullet diameter. This ensures a tight case-to-bullet friction-fit so that the bullet isn't seated any deeper in the case when it hits the feed ramp on its way to the chamber. You REALLY don't want that to happen, as the increased pressure resulting from the now too-short round could ruin your whole day... Remember, your "taper crimp" die is really just taking the bell out of the case. It adds little to nothing in securing the bullet inside the case.

Cosmetically imperfect? Perhaps... but I just take it as visual confirmation that the round will perform as I expect.

April 16, 2009, 02:49 PM	#1
djdasher Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Posts: 47	.380 Case Bulge Hello all, Some time ago, I decided to reload for my .380. My completed rounds almost always showed a slight bulge, as if the bullet was too big for the sized case. A competitive shooter-friend told me that the slight bulge was only cosmetic and that the rounds were perfectly safe to shoot. I can say that I never had a problem with the rounds, although it would be nice to do without the bulge. Has anyone had the same experience? If so, is there a solution? Thanks, DJ

April 16, 2009, 02:59 PM	#2
RidgwayCO Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2008 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 244	That bulge is evidence that your sizer die is indeed squeezing the case down to well below bullet diameter. This ensures a tight case-to-bullet friction-fit so that the bullet isn't seated any deeper in the case when it hits the feed ramp on its way to the chamber. You REALLY don't want that to happen, as the increased pressure resulting from the now too-short round could ruin your whole day... Remember, your "taper crimp" die is really just taking the bell out of the case. It adds little to nothing in securing the bullet inside the case. Cosmetically imperfect? Perhaps... but I just take it as visual confirmation that the round will perform as I expect.