Coating Gets Stripped Off During Seating

[anonymouscuban]

Hey all. Hoping you can help me solve a recent issue I've been having.
*
The coating on the bullet is getting stripped off during the seating process. Mostly on one side of the bullet. This occurs with about have the cartridges I make. This is a new issue. It's never happened before in thousands of rounds.
*
I'm running Brazos Precision 135gr .356 projectiles. My own mixed range brass. Using Lee carbide dies on a Hornady LnL press. Nothing changed leading up to the issue. Same bullets. Same dies. Same press. There also doesn't seem to be any consistency with the brass head stamp. Happens with all of them.
*
I've tried adjusting the amount of bell on expansion and that doesn't seem to help. I've expanded the case to the extreme but still happens.
*
The only change I've made recently is I switched from dry to wet tumbling. Can't imagine that's it but thought it worth mention just in case.
*
By the way, I have a PTX expander that I've never used. I can try it if you think it may work better. Again, just wanted to mention it.
*
The rounds chamber well, shoot well and are not causing any leading issues so far. I've been using the problem rounds in practice and the good stuff in matches but would like to solve for this.
*
Any help is much appreciated.

Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk

[croue]

[Tommy Gun]

Only time I had projectiles get stripped was when loading 9mm without belling the case. Rifle rounds for the most part are boat tail which helps prevent that.

Or your dies are dirty.

[checkenbach]

^^^^ This. Clean your dies with your spray cleaner of choice, and use a Q-tip and cotton ball to get the brass shavings out.

[sofbak]

"Mostly on one side of the bullet."

I'd go with the dirty die theory as well. And also suggest you remove and clean the shell holder too. Sounds like bullet and case are not on the same axis for some reason.

If that doesn't solve it, try adding some car wash-n-wax soap to your wet tumbler. A little carnuba wax clings to the brass and provides a small amount of lubrication between bullet and brass while seating.

[sofbak]

I guess it should also be asked -What is the coating thats shaving off?
-hi-tek
-DIY powder coating
-copper plating
-other?

[bohoki]

sounds like too much crimp back off the seat die and twist down the seat plug

[kramynot]

I'd check the depth of your bullet seating die to see if its crimping in the brass just before the bullet is fully seated. Maybe back off the seating die a bit and see if that helps.

[tawadc95]

I agree with seat die adjustment.

[BajaJames83]

give the dies a good cleaning like the others said. It could also be happening at crimp?
Are you crimping while seating of later?

[anonymouscuban]

sounds like too much crimp back off the seat die and twist down the seat plug

I'd check the depth of your bullet seating die to see if its crimping in the brass just before the bullet is fully seated. Maybe back off the seating die a bit and see if that helps.

I agree with seat die adjustment.

This is what I think it may be. Makes sense and I now remember removing and cleaning the seating/crimp die before this started. I probably didn't set it correctly.

Will report back.

Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk

[croue]

[sofbak]

"Makes sense and I now remember removing and cleaning the seating/crimp die before this started."

AHAAAA!

[anonymouscuban]

Man. I wish I could buy you all a beer. It was the crimp die. I raised out of the die bushing several turns and then adjusted the seating depth dial to the OAL I want. Ran a few through and no more issue!!

Gonna load about 1000 rounds tonight. Will know for sure if its 100% resolved but looks good so far.

Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk