Armory Sponsor
Posted: 3/13/2011 12:00:33 PM EDT
|
I just started loading for a Ruger #1 in 218 Bee. I am having issues crushing cases during the seating process.
I have been recommended to use a Hornady seating die because it will keep the case straight and true during the process of seating. Anyone have any advice? Greg |
|
Are you using RCBS dies?
If you are, and your trying to seat/crimp with in one press stroke, all brass must be trimmed to the same length. An improperly adjusted die will also crush cases. Purposely size the die improperly than run the case through the die. I did it it just to see what an improperly adjusted die does to cases. Never seen a crushed shoulder before. |
|
Chamfer the mouth of the case. You may need to readjust the die again. And, measure and/or make adjustment to the expander button (as the case maybe).
Or/then...... IF, you really want a crimp. Perhaps a FCD is in your future. http://leeprecision.com/xcart/Factory-Crimp-Die/ Aloha, Mark |
|
I don't load for the 218, but the only issues I've had with crushing brass is when I try to seat the bullet and apply a crimp in the same operation. If you try to crimp too much, or if the brass is not all the same length, the crimp will crush the case shoulder. The solution is to seat the bullet and crimp in separate operations. Try backing off your seating die a half turn, then adjust the stem to the correct seating depth. Changing die brands will probably not solve your problem, but a separate crimp die (like the Lee FCD) may.
|
|
Run the die down as far as possible without contacting the crimp ring - touch, then back off a tad. This will help support the case a little better. Make sure the crimp ring does not contact the case mouth while seating the bullet.
Chamfer the inside of the case mouth with a Lyman VLD tool if you have one, that will help ease the bullet into the case. You might also try seating a boat tail bullet first, for now. .22 Jet gives me similar problems with some bullets. My Contender will shoot a .224 diameter bullet, but getting one seated is a trick. The only thing I have't tried is turning the case necks, and they are so thin that will continue to be my last desparate move. |
|
Quoted:
I don't load for the 218, but the only issues I've had with crushing brass is when I try to seat the bullet and apply a crimp in the same operation. If you try to crimp too much, or if the brass is not all the same length, the crimp will crush the case shoulder. The solution is to seat the bullet and crimp in separate operations. Try backing off your seating die a half turn, then adjust the stem to the correct seating depth. Changing die brands will probably not solve your problem, but a separate crimp die (like the Lee FCD) may. IMHO - this is the case 95% or more of the time |
Armory Sponsor