.357 buldge near case head...

[the86d]

I've got some bulging near the case head, on my .357 MAX reloads.





In doing some research I came across on other forums, this bulge is typically just resized.

I am using a Dillon XL 650, with RCBS carbide 38/357 dies, and since these are cylinder formed they are not having seating or dropping out issues. My crimping is done on a Lee Factory Crimp die, at the final stage (not using the RCBS crimp die). They all pass the plunk-test and drop right out of the cylinders, but my .357 reloads were bulging before max, after a few reloadings.

The primers looked good as I recall, and they all shot wonderfully with 158gr X-Treme plated loaded max.

Cause for concern?

['ol shooter]

Look inside the case for evidence of an impending failure, if it looks OK, roll with it. Here is a good reference on diagnosing case issues:

http://www.stevespages.com/diagnosingproblems.html

[tonyjr]

'ol shooter
Thanks for post . I already knew most of it , but I know I have not told my nephews / nieces most of it and it is easier for them to look at pictures [ hopefully more than once ] and ask questions .

[the86d]

Look inside the case for evidence of an impending failure, if it looks OK, roll with it. Here is a good reference on diagnosing case issues:

http://www.stevespages.com/diagnosingproblems.html

I'll paperclip them after this range trip.

Thanks!

[ojisan]

It kinda looks like the sizing die is not going all the way down.
The shiny area of the case has been resized, the lower areas not so much.
The area just above the rim is usually not sized, but it looks like there is too much of this.

[drkphibr]

Not sure if all .357 dies can handle the longer .357 Maximum casing. When I do a search on dies, I see some dies specific to .357 Max...others just say .357 and some say both.

[Divernhunter]

Looks like the carbide ring is not sizing to the case rim.
Also may check for future case separation but that usually does not happen to straight walled brass.
Be sure you are using the proper die(357mag or 357Max) and that it is properly adjusted.

Good luck

[Capt.Dunsel]

^^^ THIS^^^

Get a proper size die for the 357 MAX.

[Bumslie]

Looks like the carbide ring is not sizing to the case rim.
Also may check for future case separation but that usually does not happen to straight walled brass.
Be sure you are using the proper die(357mag or 357Max) and that it is properly adjusted.

Good luck

^^^ THIS^^^

Get a proper size die for the 357 MAX.

I, too originally thought he was describing a 357 maximum, but his last sentence reads

but my .357 reloads were bulging before max, after a few reloadings.

I believe seeing his prior post history about 357, it's just poor wording on the OP's part.

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[pacrat]

Gotta ask OP.

Are your pics "after sizing"?

Is your sizer properly adjusted for a "firm bump" between shell holder and die mouth?

Your pics appear to have 2 steps to the bulge. That is why I asked.

It is typical, and not worrisome for HOT .357 mag cases to show above web bulges. After firing.

It is also typical and unavoidable for that bulge to NOT be fully removed during sizing. The dimension from base of case to top of SH, added to the "radius" at the die mouth always leaves a portion of case unsized.

JM2c

In just shy of 50 yrs reloading straight walled pistol cases. I have never had a case separation issue. Mouth splits and loose primers galore, those have always been why cases were scrapped.

If your primers show no pressure signs and your loads plunk and eject fine. Not to worry.

[the86d]

To clarify, .357 Magnum, MAX loads worked up to in 4 work-ups... not .357 "Sig", or .357 "Maximum".

The RCBS decapping and resizing die is touching the shell plate-snug on the XL 650 with the ram all the way up, so it is as low as it can go...

I think after the paperclip test, I might take the bulging cases and run them through the single stage with the "vintage" RCBS resizing die I have.
The resizing die from my "vintage" set won't work with the XL 650, because it doesn't decap and resize in the same station.

[the86d]

Just for giggles, I took the resizing die from the "vintage" RCBS set, and ran one of the bulging cases through, and although it loosened up the bullet crimp, it took the bulge right out, IT IS... ONCE-AGAIN straight-walled!
I had to recrimp the bullet, as it subsequently spun after a resize with the projectile loaded, and the re-crimp was terrible. After this range-trip, maybe I'll take the funny-looking bulging cases and run them through this die, post-lube, as a separate step because the "vintage" die is not carbide.

I do have a dedicated XL 650 toolhead I use only to resize and decap .223... I think I might have to use this tool-head and do the same with bulging .357, but why cut myself short, just do them all, if I see the bulge, or not. The case feeder addition makes short-work of additional steps, w/just a simple handle-pull...

[Capt.Dunsel]

I, too originally thought he was describing a 357 maximum, but his last sentence reads



I believe seeing his prior post history about 357, it's just poor wording on the OP's part.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Oh , OK is he maybe using a die originally for 38 spl , that would cause the same problem . He did mention he used a different die to resize his loaded ammo with a different die ,and it went away.

HMMMMMMMMM?

[Dnele928]

Good info...thanks to all.

[the86d]

All dies are RCBS .357 Magnum dies, of course.