Inconsistent bullet seating

[LJW]

Hello again,

I am thankful for the .38 super Lee die input and have found that it works well. Some of the range brass that I have been resizing seems to be too large an id for the bullets I am using (montana gold 124gr JHP). The bullets can be easily hand pushed into the case. I have been checking each case before primer stage. This takes extra time but worth not wasting primers on cases I throw away.

I have a new question. I am using a Redding seating die (with the micrometer) and am getting an OAL ranging between 1.240 and 1.220. My goal is 1.220 OAL. Is this common and acceptable differences? If not how to I improve these numbers???

Thanks for any input, LJW

[yoshidaex]

Did you get the standard Lee sizing die or the undersize die?

[LJW]

Standard

 

[Hi-Power Jack]

Are you loading the rounds with all the stations filled?  If not, that can affect OAL.     

[GregJ]

Get the undersize die.  I had the same problem years ago with 45ACP, had to sort the brass.  I went to the EGW-U die, never had a problem again, with any brass.

Not what you are currently asking, but it may help in the long run.

[yoshidaex]

+1 on the EGW.

The EGW die is manufactured by Lee but with a slight mod to the opening.  Very slight but it will size as far down as possible. 

Is it possible the brass has been used so much its exhibiting symptoms of work hardening?

[LJW]

I am loading with all stations full. And yes I agree that the "range brass" may be overstressed and hardened. Are you saying that the EGW die will help with the seating issue?

 

[yoshidaex]

The EGW should help size the brass more than the standard Lee die.  That should help with bullet set back issues.

On a related note, MG bullets can sometimes run a bit smaller than .355" 

[al503]

If you're running a compressed load, that can definitely affect OAL.  

[LJW]

Not running compressed loads...currently loading 6.0 grs. of Autocomp 124gr MG JHP with an OAL of 1.220