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7/14/2011 3:07:35 PM EDT
I've just started reloading .223 on my Lee turret press for an AR. I full length size the brass. The universal rifle powder charging die doesn't flare the case mouth for easy starting of the bullet like on the handgun cartridges I'm used to. I have a hard time getting the bullet to start straight with the seating die. I've messed up the jacket on a number of rounds which defeats the purpose of loading for accuracy.

I read where you can adjust the sizing die to not crimp the neck down as far. But, I also read where this is a no no and messes up the head space.

What am I doing wrong?
7/14/2011 3:18:29 PM EDT
[#1]
It sounds like you might need to chamfer the inside of the neck a little more after you trim your cases. I don't know how you would reduce the amount you size the neck. Some guys reduce the diameter of the sizing ball on the stem to reduce the ID of the neck, but you want to do the opposite, it sounds like.
7/14/2011 5:10:25 PM EDT
[#2]
This is a big reason so, many of us shoot boat-tail bullets. A properly sized case neck is 2-thousandths smaller than the .224 bullet.
7/14/2011 5:37:24 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
I've just started reloading .223 on my Lee turret press for an AR. I full length size the brass. The universal rifle powder charging die doesn't flare the case mouth for easy starting of the bullet like on the handgun cartridges I'm used to. I have a hard time getting the bullet to start straight with the seating die. I've messed up the jacket on a number of rounds which defeats the purpose of loading for accuracy.

I read where you can adjust the sizing die to not crimp the neck down as far. But, I also read where this is a no no and messes up the head space.

What am I doing wrong?


Debur the case mouth inside and out for easier seating. Hold on to the bullet as it starts into the seating die, then it will start straight.

The sizing die does not crimp. That feature is on a seating die.



Hornady dies have a sliding bullet guide as part of the seating die. Makes seating bullets easy.

Top die on the left side of the die is the bullet guide.

This feature is one of several reasons why I prefer Hornady dies.

7/15/2011 2:44:38 AM EDT
[#4]
Thanks for the input guys.
7/15/2011 6:26:47 PM EDT
[#5]
Let us know how it goes.
7/22/2011 5:58:38 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
It sounds like you might need to chamfer the inside of the neck a little more after you trim your cases. I don't know how you would reduce the amount you size the neck. Some guys reduce the diameter of the sizing ball on the stem to reduce the ID of the neck, but you want to do the opposite, it sounds like.


Chamfering was the answer. I forgot that I needed to chamfer the rifle cases. I checked the case length and they were OK so I didn't trim them. I've loaded almost exclusively pistol ammo up until now and I never had to chamfer those. I did this and the bullets seated a lot easier without damage to the jackets.

Thanks again guys!
7/22/2011 6:09:07 PM EDT
[#7]
Glad we could help.
7/22/2011 11:51:20 PM EDT
[#8]
Glad it worked out for you. Usually someone here can help when it comes to a handloading problem. There are some very knowledgeable handloaders that frequent the site.
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