May 15, 2019, 12:16 PM | #1 |
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Mushroomed .223 cases
I am using a Lee Loadmaster that I recently got, and while on my first attempt to reload I am finding at the end of the process some of the cases are mushroomed below the shoulders. I also find that after decap and resize some of the necks are rounded in so that a bullet cannot sit in it.
Any ideas on what is causing this problem? And please don't tell my to go buy a Dillon. |
May 15, 2019, 12:28 PM | #2 |
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If I had to guess, I'd say that your bullet seater die is screwed too far in to the press. Not the knob on top of the die, but the entire die body itself.
I believe it is attempting to crimp the case, but FAR too much. Twirl it out one full turn, and turn the knob -IN- one full turn to compensate for the setting of the bullet seater.
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May 15, 2019, 01:08 PM | #3 |
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"...screwed too far in to the press..." Yep. Happens to all of us. The seater or the sizer die is down too far. That's likely the issue with the necks too. It's crimping when it shouldn't.
The shell holder should just kiss the bottom of the dies with the ram all the way up. Then you adjust the expander/decapper so it just pops the old primer out. The seating plug is adjusted to give the required OAL. Use the Max OAL given in your manual. You do not fiddle with the Off the Lands until you have a load.
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May 15, 2019, 01:20 PM | #4 |
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Read the instructions for the die set.
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May 15, 2019, 01:44 PM | #5 |
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Azul, your seating die is screwed in too far. It is applying a heavy taper crimp while you're seating a bullet.
Install an empty sized, trimmed case and very slowly lower the seating die on it without a bullet. Keep unscrewing the seating die until you no longer feel it contact the empty case mouth. This will stop the crimping action of the die, which is what is collapsing your cases. I'm assuming that all your brass does not exceed maximum case length. |
May 15, 2019, 02:32 PM | #6 |
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Another comment to say your seating die is adjusted in too far. Re-read the instructions, but it needs to be backed out.
Also, are you using the Powder Thru die to charge the cases when you find the case mouths won't accept bullets? I'm assuming the answer is YES. Again, it needs to be backed out. You want it screwed in far enough to just move the charge bar to the end of it's travel to charge the case, and no more. I've done exactly what you describe setting that die up on my PRO 1000. Just turning it out a bit should solve the issue. Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk |
May 15, 2019, 04:37 PM | #7 |
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I think your right, i'm working on adjusting the charging die now
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May 15, 2019, 04:39 PM | #8 |
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May 15, 2019, 04:42 PM | #9 | |
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Quote:
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk |
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May 15, 2019, 05:14 PM | #10 |
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Another question is, are you using a chamfer tool to debur the inside and outside edge of the case mouth?
" I also find that after decap and resize some of the necks are rounded in so that a bullet cannot sit in it." You have to remove the burs and rounding before trying to seat a bullet. The bullet should just sit inside the case mouth. |
May 15, 2019, 08:17 PM | #11 | |
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Quote:
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May 16, 2019, 05:26 AM | #12 |
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The 223 does not need to be crimped. Standard neck tension is sufficient (even desirable).
Soooo..... 1. With the seating die screwed out of the press (and seating stem also backed way off), put an empty/resized case in the press and run the ram up all the way. 2. Screw the seating die down until you feel it juuuuuust contact the case, then (w/ Lee) you can either just leave it there, or (suggested) back off at least 1/2 turn. Lock it down. 3. At this point fill the case w/ desired powder charge, run it up into the die, screw the seating stem down to seat bullet at desired OAL ... . and lock it down as well |
May 16, 2019, 07:54 AM | #13 |
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Thanks for all the helpful info. I seem to have corrected my case issues. Now, for a new post on other things that grind my gears.
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May 31, 2019, 04:00 PM | #14 |
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On Grinding your gears...Push in the clutch. If you have a non-synchro first,come to a stop before you try to put it in gear.
Actually,selecting proper gear oil can help your synchros. If you have a full crash box non synchro transmission You have to learn Love. You can use the clutch if you want. Or not. You can double clutch downshifting. But if you can do the Love thing...its all in matching the RPMs and timing and touch. Long ago I had a 52 Ford Pickup with a trans like that. |
June 1, 2019, 04:48 PM | #15 |
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The OP stated that, "Some of the cases have mushroomed etc." First thought that came to mind was some of the brass, if not all needs to be trimmed to the proper length. If the case neck get too long, it may not open enough to release the bullets resulting in potentially dangerous high pressure. Might be worth looking into.
Paul B.
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June 1, 2019, 05:29 PM | #16 | |
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Clean the brass (Optional)
Size the brass (setup your sizing die according to manufacturer's instructions). Trim your brass (223 Remington should have a trim to length of 1.750") You want all of the brass uniform, as uniform as possible. Quote:
What trim length are you using and are all of your cases the same length as only some are affected. Ron |
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June 1, 2019, 08:46 PM | #17 |
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I don't see how a case can be "rounded in" after the neck expander is dragged through.
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June 3, 2019, 07:37 AM | #18 |
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The problem was I am using the Lee Load Master Progressive press and the charging die was set too far down causing the mouth to push down.
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June 3, 2019, 01:46 PM | #19 | |
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Glad the problem is solved. However you clearly stated:
Quote:
Ron |
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