Bullet Crushing Brass

[jltapia]

Hi guys,
I was reloading some 45 ACP rounds using a Lee press and die set. Some of the shells (3 out of 50) got crushed like the one in the picture. Any ideas as to what could be causing this? I didn't do anything different for these shells.

Thank you.

[roadglide2003]

You need to adjust your flaring die just a little more to avoid this.


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[trackcage]

You need to adjust your flaring die just a little more to avoid this.


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Yep. A little more bell

[jwest]

You need to adjust your flaring die just a little more to avoid this.

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Yes, that is usually the #1 cause. Also make sure your brass edges where the bullet seats are smooth and have no burrs, etc. Even if it's new brass.

[Munny$hot]

If your using a progressive press and your bell is good take a look at your shell plate to see if you possibly have some media stuck in your holder where the shell plate holds onto your case rim

[jltapia]

Thanks guys! I will try adjusting my flaring die for a bigger bell.

[Psychbiker]

Bullet should be able to rest in the case hands free on the way up. Your crimp die will take the bell back out.

[noylj]

More case mouth flare and be sure the bullet is sitting straight. You should be able to place a bullet on a case by hand and turn the case upside down and have the bullet remain in the case. If the bullet tips going into the seating die, the bullet can catch the bullet edge.
More rounds have been ruined by not flaring the case mouth enough than cases have been ruined being over-worked by flaring too much. Flare enough to get the job done.

[croue]

More case mouth flare and be sure the bullet is sitting straight. You should be able to place a bullet on a case by hand and turn the case upside down and have the bullet remain in the case. If the bullet tips going into the seating die, the bullet can catch the bullet edge.
More rounds have been ruined by not flaring the case mouth enough than cases have been ruined being over-worked by flaring too much. Flare enough to get the job done.

THis^^^^
The flare is important, mostly to get the bullet seated just below the lip and straight. But if it tips as you pull the handle, it will shear the brass on one side or smash the bullet sideways. If you flare enough, AND seat the bullet well this should go away.

['ol shooter]

I use a separate Lee universal flaring die for some brass, it avoids having to go too deep with an expander die. It just flares the edge real nice.

[BEE]

Agreed with the others; put a little more flare, just enough so the bullet sits straight up by itself.

[nahpungnome]

We need to talk about your flare.

[Dnele928]

Once in a while, you just get a bad piece of brass. It happens. Pull it, save the powder, toss the bullet and brass and move on.

[jwest]

We need to talk about your flare.

Good one. Love that movie, "Office Space".

[jltapia]

Thanks guys for all your good advice.