9mm set back questions/problems

[maxxlara]

Hello all, Noob here,

I having problems with being able to push my 9mm bullets back in the case with my thumb and the bullet against the desk. Is this normal, or should I not be able to? I cant get my factory rounds to do so but the ones I reload I can. I am using the lee fcd. and I followed the instructions to the point that I have a fresh ring of brass at the top of the case. But I am still able to push the bullet in most of the time.. Any ideas on what Im doing wrong? could it be the bullets Im using? .355 115 grain everglades plated??

Thanks in advance
Maxx

[mjmagee67]

What resizing die do you have? Your brass could be shot too. I had some 45 cases that just would not resize down. But no you should not be able to push the bullet back it.

[NiMiK]

Too much flare on the brass? Have you measured the bullet and compared it to another brand?

[J-cat]

Your expander/flare die is to blame.

[pacrat]

You are dealing with tolerances that are measured in thousandths of an inch. It is time to start measuring stuff. Problem with bullet set back could be any of several problems compounding to create overall looseness.

Measure your case necks inside and out. Before and after sizing/expanding. Measure actual bullet diameter. Don't rely on the measurement stated on the box. Measure your inside die diameter and the expander.

Optimal neck tension should be .001". - .002" at most. Brass work hardens with use. Different makers use different alloys and different heat treatments. So the amount of work hardening also varies with each firing/sizing.

Once brass gets harder, it gets "springier" for lack of a better word. You can size it, but it doesn't really get smaller because it springs back a bit after it leaves the die. This can be helped by annealing it. Myself, I don't bother with straight wall pistol case annealing. I just smash and scrap.

If after sizing your necks are at .356" ID and so is your bullets OD. That is a "slip fit" not a "press fit". If your necks are at .356" and your bullets are .355" that is a fall in the hole fit.

Most instances of the trouble you are having is simply poor bullet QC.

Start your diagnostic process of elimination with simple common causes.

JM2c

[stilly]

The LAST problem someone had with this type of issue was because the DIE was not resizing properly. I think that was the issue anyways.

How old/what brand dies?

Also, looking at the rounds, .355 is supposed to be around there, but I wonder if you can do that with a .356...

[maxxlara]

Thanks guys,
My first dies are hornady and are 1000 rds old, I just bought and tried the lee factory die. Same results, the bullets are in there firm but I can still push on them with a bit of force and they will sink in. It's dosent happen all the time, I'd say 4 out of 10...

[J-cat]

How much did you flare the case mouth?

[maxxlara]

Not much at all, I even tried it without belling the case and just seated it, I can still push it in.

[J-cat]

Are you bottoming the sizing die against the shell holder when sizing the case?

[hambam105]

once your lee fcd die is adjusted for the plated bullet, substitute a real FMJ or quality cast bullet of same weight. Behold!

[stilly]

Thanks guys,
My first dies are hornady and are 1000 rds old, I just bought and tried the lee factory die. Same results, the bullets are in there firm but I can still push on them with a bit of force and they will sink in. It's dosent happen all the time, I'd say 4 out of 10...

I have noticed something. You mention Lee dies and people jump and say cheap, but some of the best pistol dies you can get. You mention RCBS dies and folks love them their RCBS and RCBS has a solid reputation... You mention Dillon and all the zombies jump up (and some not so zombies) and attest to how awesome Dillon dies are. You mention Redding and you get a few people that will pop up and tell you they are the best dies ever made and looking at their prices and features, I can believe it. BUT you mention Hornady and EVERYONE will tell you four other brands of dies to buy...

Honestly I do not know that I EVER care to own a set of Hornady dies now. I have not only seen people trash talk them all over the place, but some of those people have explained WHY and the Hornady CS blows apparently...

I wonder if you were to get a different resizer and see if your brass behaved differently.

I could be wrong. Anyone care to defend Hornady? The DIES are what I am referring to, not their press or other things.


Perhaps we should rule out what it can NOT be, if we can rule out everything that it is not, it can only be the things that are left.

Two different dies used, so it might not be the die set.
Brass? but it is 4 out of 10 or so? Maybe not the brass?
Brass is NOT cracked right? It IS brass right? Not steel or aluminum or plastic?

Bullets?

WAIT, you have not annealed your 9mm right?

What is your physical stature? Not 400lbs + and large and green right? (hey just checkin...)

[maxxlara]

ok, this is weired,, it only happens with blazer brass shells, everything else is fine,,, getting closer.....

[maxxlara]

ok, I just tried it out 20 out of 20 blazer with sink back in,,, 20 out of 20 other head stamps will not.... any ideas???????

[maxxlara]

found this,,,I guess someone else has the same problem..

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=178675