38 Special loading question(s)...

[XDRoX]

Bah...same thing happened again today, not RP brass this time. I ran them throught the FCD and they seemed ok after that, but still don't like it. If I were to adjust my sizing die, how much more should I turn it in?

Thanks for reading....Steve

Lots of guys turn them as far down as possible until the die hits the shell holder. Many books explain to do it like this. I was taught that carbide is brittle and making contact with he shell holder isn't a good idea. So I lower it as far as possible without making contact for carbide dies. I use a flashlight to make sure there is a small place between the shell holder and the die.

[sjg1966]

Sizing die.....

Lots of guys turn them as far down as possible until the die hits the shell holder. Many books explain to do it like this. I was taught that carbide is brittle and making contact with he shell holder isn't a good idea. So I lower it as far as possible without making contact for carbide dies. I use a flashlight to make sure there is a small place between the shell holder and the die.

Chris....

I just checked my sizing die. With a case in it and all the way up into the die I can shine my light and just see a sliver of light pass through. It being carbide, I did not turn it in further. I am guess it is adjusted properly? Must just be a few overly thin cases.....if you think of something else, I am all ears (or eyes, lol)....

Steve

[mjmagee67]

I have gone to throwing out all R-P pistol brass. Their rifle brass works great but pistol not so much. When I read the OP I was thinking R-P.

[Bill Steele]

What brand sizing die are you using?

[XDRoX]

What brand sizing die are you using?

He's using Lee dies.

Steve, it could also be that the bullets are slightly undersized. What bullets are you using. I load LWC's and they are big. You can see the bulge in my cases they are so big. I'm betting that's why I don't have this problem. I only use .358" diameter bullets. Always lead for 38spl and 357.

[Revoman]

While all of the above suggestions are good and valid, have you done the simplest of steps and assured that the brass is not split at the case mouth? If they are, that would explain the issue....along with the R-P thin brass that is.

[bandook]

Soon you'll be able to tell the brass manufacturer by the feel of the sizing and flaring operations.
RP is indeed the thinnest.
I did have 5 win cases not fit in one lee shellholder but it in a second (older) one.

[sjg1966]

I've been using Montana Gold 125gr JHP so far. Cases are not split at the mouth. I check them before I put them in the press to seat the bullets. Funny it was mentioned about brass not fitting in the shell holder. I've had a few like that too. I'll start noting what brand they are. RP were the ones with no neck tension and one of another brand.

Thanks again for the input guys.

Steve

[gunboat]

perhaps you just missed sizing those cases --

[sjg1966]

hmmmm...

perhaps you just missed sizing those cases --

I never really thought about that at all. I don't think so though. I am on a single stage press and do batches of 50 each time and start with an empty loading block....still makes me wonder....

Thanks for the input guys....Steve