seating die causing ring around bullet

[theseacow]

I am building a starting load for .223 with winchester brass (new), 24.8 grns of hodgdon benchmark, WSR primers, and 50 grain .224 diameter nosler partition bullets. OAL=2.26"

I am using a Dillon 550b, with the Dillon 3 set carbide dies. I am using Dillon case lube before the size die, then the powder die, then the bullet seater die. Once the cartridge goes through the seater die, the bullet comes out with a ring around it. This does not happen with FMJ bullets. It seems to me that combined with tight brass and a lightly constructed bullet, the seater die really needs to push the bullet down hard for seating causing the ring. This does not happen with FMJ bullets, only these light 50 grain nosler ballistic tips.

Also, I used 1 piece of brass that had been fired and sized numerous times, and the ring was not present in the bullet seated. Perhaps this is due to more flexible brass and easier seating?

Any ideas, as this fat ring can't be too good for firing? Also, my OAL with this load is ranging from 2.26" to 2.36". I don't believe this is a pressured load since there is still room for the bullet after the powder drop.

[-hanko]

Any ideas, as this fat ring can't be too good for firing? Also, my OAL with this load is ranging from 2.26" to 2.36". I don't believe this is a pressured load since there is still room for the bullet after the powder drop.

What's the neck diameter (inside) after you size & trim??? Should be around 0.220-0.221", assuming your bullets measure 0.224". Sounds like you may be neck sizing the brass a little too much.

OAL is all over the place...suggest you proof your reloading steps on a single stage press before you get progressive; or run a single case at a time through the dillon before you get into production.

-hanko

[Alanski56]

What's the neck diameter (inside) after you size & trim??? Should be around 0.220-0.221", assuming your bullets measure 0.224". Sounds like you may be neck sizing the brass a little too much.

OAL is all over the place...suggest you proof your reloading steps on a single stage press before you get progressive; or run a single case at a time through the dillon before you get into production.

-hanko

I agree! 2.26" OAL should be your maximum. 50 grain bullets are short. Hell, at 2.36" OAL you could probably pull the bullets out of the case with your fingers.

The jackets on the Ballistic Tips are probably thinner tha FMJs. That may be why you are seeing this ring.

I suggest starting over and searching for the flaw in your process.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

It's also possible that your seating stem has a sharp edge on the inside of the cone that the bullets goes in......

[PLINK]

I have the same press and I am also using all Dillon Dies except for crimping (Lee factory crimp die). I am loading LRN .45 ACP and all of my bullets have rings on them after going through the seating die. I have a few of Cal Guns member Wulf's loaded LRN .45 ACP and the bullets have the same ring on them. He is also using Dillon Dies and the 550 press.

Not sure if that helps but I bet you only see the ring using lead or something softer than FMJ.

[theseacow]

oops. I just re-read my post. I meant to say that the OAL ranges from 2.260" to 2.276"