How do I fix this case bulge on a 9mm?

[abigger04]

I've been reloading with a Hornady LNL using the Hornady size die and Lee FCD.  My latest batch show a bulge near the top of the case (see the picture below).  How do I resolve this?  The bullets feed fine and fire without problem, but the cartridges look unusual.  Loading 124 gr at 1.165" for 9 major.

[George16]

That’s too much crimp. Loosen up your crimp die. You should set your crimp die to just remove the belling or flare or around .377”.

[abigger04]

Thank you

[kneelingatlas]

That's a good eye on the crimp George, I didn't catch that, but with regards to the bulge, you're undersizing the case with your size die, the the bullet is stretching it back out again as it seats, no problem there, it will help prevent setback.

[bowenbuilt]

You don't want to lose the bulge at the bullet base, that is normal and shows optimal case neck tension on the bullet to prevent bullet setback. 

[abigger04]

I see.  I'll check crimp shortly.  Thanks, fellas.

[Hi-Power Jack]

You said the cartridges "feed fine", and if they are still accurate,

then there's no problem.    

 

 

[tyman1876]

I posted a thread about this not long ago. My problem ended up being that bullets were being seated crooked with the hornady seating Die. I bought a Redding competition seating Die and 100% of my problems went away.

 

Here’s the thread if you’d like to read it.

 

https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/263232-problem-with-9mm-bulge/

 

[abigger04]

Thanks, I’ll read it. Conversely mine do not fail the plunk test and seem to gauge fine. 

[Jim Watson]

This is known as the "coke bottle" effect and only shows that your case ID was sized down to well below bullet diameter.

It is good because it prevents bullet setback, especially with light short bullets.

I use the EGW "U" die to generate the narrowing whenever loading bullets lighter than 135 gr 9mm or 230 jacketed/200 cast .45. 

[superdude]

If the bulge is asymmetrical - larger on one side than the other - the bullet is seated a little crooked. As noted, a Redding Competition seating die is one of the better ways to prevent this.

 

If the bulge is symmetrical, it's not crooked, and as noted, is normal and desirable to indicated good neck tension. 

 

FYI, crooked seated bullets don't appear to affect accuracy very much in some guns at typical pistol distances:   https://americanhandgunner.com/exclusive-crooked-seated-bullets-and-accuracy/   But crooked bullets might produce problems chambering in tight chambers, or if they are extra crooked. 

[tyman1876]

That was exactly what I was experiencing. There was no problem with accuracy but I had a large % fail case gauge because of being seated crooked. Not to mention it just made the rounds look like crap.

[Foxbat]

Round looks fine to me, I actually like the tiny chamfer on the case mouth, no problem there.

[muncie21]

posting before the  'FCD is the devil' crowd arrives :)

 

As others have posted, your cartridge looks fine.  Little bit of 'coke bottle' from your sizing die, but if it is accurate and feeds well, what is there to fix.

[abigger04]

I just wanted to make sure I was reloading correctly. This is my first year at it. Thanks for all of the helpful feedback. 

[4n2t0]

Normal.

[hceuterpe]

To whoever suggested Redding competition seating die:  Be careful with that.  he mentioned he's loading major.  Those seating dies aren't meant to load compressed charges, including the pistol seat dies.  Doing so can void the warranty.  They even include a slip of brightly colored paper in the die box, warning the buyer about that.

[zzt]

First of all, it is impossible to over crimp with a Lee FCD.  Secondly, all non-vertical bullet seatings can be eliminated by using a Mr. Bulletfeeder two-step expander/funnel.  It works much better than the Hornady PTX.  Just make sure to tell him you want one for a LnL, otherwise he'll send one for a Dillon.

 

The wasp-waist is precisely what Dillon sets their dies up for.  It helps feeding and resists bullet setback.  It looks weird but does not affect accuracy or performance.  As long as it drops in and out of the chamber checker, don't worry about it.

[abigger04]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. Reloading has not been so intuitive but with the help of the forum and YouTube I think I’ve got it right. 

[bigedp51]

Your wasp waisted cases are normal on a pistol case, lay a straight edge the length of the case and check the crimp. Below you can see the slight taper crimp, if the case is over crimped the straight edge will be resting on a bulge just below the case mouth and crimp. Meaning you would see more daylight around the bullet.

Wasp waisted, think of loose fitting pants that are too big and tightening a belt to hold the pants up.

 

Edited August 7, 2018 by bigedp51

[diversmith]

On ‎7‎/‎9‎/‎2018 at 2:26 PM, muncie21 said:

posting before the  'FCD is the devil' crowd arrives

 

As others have posted, your cartridge looks fine.  Little bit of 'coke bottle' from your sizing die, but if it is accurate and feeds well, what is there to fix.

 

I'll second this.  If they pass the gauge and feed in your pistol, and are accurate, there is nothing to worry about.

[Grandpoobah]

Hi:

 

The way to fix the case bulge on any round is a) to throw the case away, or b) use a Case Pro 100.

 

The inexpensive "U" die, etc., helps but the Case Pro rocks.

 

The other solution is to buy once reloaded brass from Kenny Marx and throw away the crap you pick up.

 

Good luck,

 

Grandpoobah