Unusual case bulge with certain headstamps

[Sandbagger123]

2 hours ago, abigger04 said:

I'm using a Dillon sizing die.  It appears to be set up correctly.  I may swap out this Lee FCD based on what I'm reading here though.  I have a U die in storage that I could use.

 

My JP5 will feed anything it seems -- even these out of spec Aguila reloads

lee dies are known to size lower than dillion dies.  that said, if those reloads ,besides not working in your gauge work in your gun, i would not worry about it.   if you are really concerned relegate them to practice round.  

 

those gauges are many times cut for the min specs of 9mm.  most guns chambers are not as tight .another question is why are you loading them so short. that profile should run at 1.15 easily

 

 

Edited June 9, 2023 by Sandbagger123

[Miranda]

ah Stick,  the love does exist for the FCD.

when I have Jacketed bullets, that die is worth using.

Buuuut, It does swage lead bullets. and that is bad.

the bullets will fall out and the few that don't will setback.

use the taper die on Lead coated and plated. your life will be better.

ETA,  I have tested this very carefully.  please believe the others who have said the same.

I was very frustrated during the process of sorting that out.

 

To the OP, use that brass for other bullets  the inside taper of the case is the problem.

said to reinforce what was already said.

If they plunk into your pistol, run 'em.

 

miranda

Edited June 9, 2023 by Miranda
marked with ETA

[dansedgli]

How can the FCD which sizes the fat side of a 9mm case swage a bullet which fits into the skinny end?

 

It's tapered. 

 

In 40 it might, but 9mm? Doubt. 

 

 

[HesedTech]

5 minutes ago, dansedgli said:

How can the FCD which sizes the fat side of a 9mm case swage a bullet which fits into the skinny end?

Because the sizing ring resizes the entire cartridge and if there’s a bulge caused by a deep seated bullet it resizes the brass and the bullet at the bulge. 
 

 

[Miranda]

5 hours ago, dansedgli said:

How can the FCD which sizes the fat side of a 9mm case swage a bullet which fits into the skinny end?

 

It's tapered. 

 

In 40 it might, but 9mm? Doubt. 

 

 

HesedTech covers it well. 

If you want to test it yourself...

get a thick 9mm case like the A USA case mentioned. S&B are similar in my experience.

Then repeat what the OP did.  Use a lead bullet if at all possible.

Slowly press the bullet and case into the FCD.  Stop when you feel any resistance.

If your setup is like most, this will be the removal of the bell.

mark the case with a sharpie after you remove just the bell.

a black case is the goal here because you will need to see where the FCD

crimps the case.

now do the crimp and note the next place where you get resistance.

the sharpie marks should still be on the top of the case, a ring near the base of the bullet

and usually, a ring near the bottom of the case.

With my lead bullets, it was rare the bullet did not fall out of the case.

Try that test. 

If you used .356 or larger lead base bullet you will see the same result I had.

 

Oooooof when you can't figure out why you have loose bullets in your cases,

you start checking every little thing to sort out what is causing the problem.

miranda

[abigger04]

OP here

 

Just wanted to say thanks for all of the helpful comments and information.  I swapped out the Lee FCD, installed my Dillon dies, and slightly increased my OAL. Everything is dialed in now and my rounds are case gauging fine, even the "A USA" and "Aguila" brass.