newbie with a 357 sig question
I recently started reloading and started off reloading 357 sig since that is what I use the most of. Being new to the process i set up my press and set my dies per manufacturer (rcbs) instructions. Everything went well right up til I went to seat the bullet. When i went to seat the bullet it would not sit in the case mouth merely sit precariously atop the case. I figured I would go aheadahead and try a few and see if i could get the bullet to go ahead and seat, which I did and it worked(mostly), about 1 in 5 would bend the brass or rupture it totally. Am I wrong in thinking that the bullets (.355 fmj) should at least sit in the case mouth to aid in getting them started or did i make a mistake else where? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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So did you champher the case mouths? A slight belling of the case helps too, tho usually only used with straight cases. 0 -
Turn the expander down slowly untill the bullet will sit inside the mouth, then lock it down.
357Sig is a bad one too start with [;)]0 -
No, I only deburred the casings. I will try that. Thanks. And depending on which site you go to I am either a genius or an idiot for starting with 357 sig. Although I am leaning toward the idiot part. But I figured if i can figure out this cartridge the the rest I have should be a breeze. 0 -
No, I only deburred the casings. I will try that. Thanks. And depending on which site you go to I am either a genius or an idiot for starting with 357 sig. Although I am leaning toward the idiot part. But I figured if i can figure out this cartridge the the rest I have should be a breeze. 0 -
IMHO, a straight-walled case like a .38 Spl or a .44 mag is easier to cut your teeth on when reloading, as the dynamics of a shouldered pistol case take a fair bit of know-how to understand and figger out. I started with those and the .45/70 before moving on to .257 Roberts and .270 Win.
HOWEVER, once you do master the art of the shouldered cases, reloading for a .38 will be childs play!0 -
bell the case as little as possible so the bullet will "stand" in the case mouth by itsself.. the bullet may be alittle "cockeyed" but that is ok...raise the ram slowly as the seater will true the bullet to the case mouth...fast heavy ram up strokes are not needed in the seating process...my 2 cents...reloader44mag 0 -
So, do I need to run the sizer die down a little bit further to bell the case mouth? I set it according to the directions that came with the dies. Or is there different way or process I missed? 0 -
quote:Originally posted by baldguy123
So, do I need to run the sizer die down a little bit further to bell the case mouth? I set it according to the directions that came with the dies. Or is there different way or process I missed?
No, just the case mouth expander inside of it.0 -
quote:Originally posted by dcs shooters
quote:Originally posted by baldguy123
So, do I need to run the sizer die down a little bit further to bell the case mouth? I set it according to the directions that came with the dies. Or is there different way or process I missed?
No, just the case mouth expander inside of it.And turn it down just alittle bit (1/4 turn) each time until you get the belling of the case mouth where you need it..over belling creates its own problems.0 -
AHA!! Now I'm getting it. I hadn't noticed the expander itself was adjustable. And being a typical guy, I just skimmed over the instuctions and I must have missed that part. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by baldguy123
AHA!! Now I'm getting it. I hadn't noticed the expander itself was adjustable. And being a typical guy, I just skimmed over the instuctions and I must have missed that part.
just take your time setting the expander...when you get it where you want it set it tight...I always turn mine back up after I am finished...reset the next time...have fun[:)]0 -
I assume that would be a good idea all the time right? Considering the slight variances in length from time to time. 0 -
After a few loading the cases will grow. Look into case trimmers. I like my Forster's. File trim dies work but ruin files. Lee style using the inside of the case head web as the datum work best if you stick to one brand of case. One lot is even better. 0 -
Yeah, a case trimmer is just one of many things on a long list of things I need to get yet. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by baldguy123
I assume that would be a good idea all the time right? Considering the slight variances in length from time to time.
I back mine off everytime...some here may not0 -
quote:Originally posted by baldguy123
AHA!! Now I'm getting it. I hadn't noticed the expander itself was adjustable. And being a typical guy, I just skimmed over the instuctions and I must have missed that part.
In reloading, this right here can get you mangled, maimed, and deaded. Nobody wants that.[;)]0 -
Yes sir. Point well taken. Better to learn my lesson this way than the hard way. 0 -
All very good advice above.
As said the Sig is not the best one to cut your teeth on as it is more finicky than most srraight wall cases.
Another thing I like to do with the sig is run it through a carbide 40 S&W sizing die first to avoid needing to lube the cases.0
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