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Post by bigjim on Nov 23, 2008 23:04:38 GMT -5
I'm new to reloading and had my experienced friend help me reload my first batch of 270 WSM. He has been reloading for years and has reloaded over 60,000 rounds but I'm still unsure of his method. First, cases were shaving brass off the bullets when loading. Second most of the cases are too tight and I can't hardly close the bolt. Third and most awful when I went hunting this weekend most of the bullets fell into the casing trying to chamber or just picking them up. Anyway I'm gonna buy my own equipment as this isn't cutting it. How do you crimp or hold bullets firmly in the case. Never had this problem before from other reloads others made. Is it common for the bullet to get shaved during seating.
Thx for any help.
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Post by RAF on Nov 24, 2008 14:12:10 GMT -5
The problems you describe are NOT usual and I've never heard that before. Something isn't right with the dies you're using IMO.
You say you're going to buy your own equipment. That's good. Lots of different brands out there to chose from and they all work, some better than others.
My first suggestion is buy a good manual and read it. I got the Lyman 47th edition and the first 1/2 of it describes reloading methods. The 2nd has load descriptions for different powders and info for different calibers. There's now a 48th edition out which now includes some of the newer calibers included Short magnums. I can't stress too much about reading the manual and becoming familiar with it. Don't cut corners. Safety is the #1 thing.
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Post by bigjim on Nov 24, 2008 20:22:21 GMT -5
Thanks Raf for the advice. Went back to my friends this afternoon and found the problem. We were loading 140 accubonds in the short mag and the bullet is seated too far in the case. He went off some factory rounds I had for length. Problem is the clip on the rifle won't accept much longer loaded bullet and currently were just starting to get into the curvature of the bullet nose. I think we can bring the bullet forward maybe 30 thousandths and still fit the clip. Hopefully this is enough to hold securely as this combo shoots incredible. If not we tried a hornady interbond 130 and it loads and clears clip with no problem, I was just trying to stick with the 140 for more long range horsepower as I have some real long shots. Anyway we will correct the problem one way or another in the morning.
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Post by RAF on Nov 25, 2008 2:03:18 GMT -5
Your short mag wouldn't happen to be a Tikka would it?
My Tikka mag doesn't leave much room for bullet length.
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Post by wilmsmeyer on Nov 25, 2008 5:31:01 GMT -5
Did your friend trim the Cartridge cases? Long cases cause tight loading. If he trimmed, did he clean off the burrs from the trimmer? New brass fired once will stretch a lot on the first firing. Did he neck size only or full length resize? Full length resizing brings a case back the factory specs and insure cycling in most guns.. Neck sizing is used if the loads are to be used in the same gun they were fired from. If you aquired brass from somebody else and neck sized only this could cause a bad fit. There should be no crimp needed as the sizing dies should provide a tight press fit.
Take RAF's advise and get your own manual at a minimum. Understanding the steps, issues and logistics is the first step at diagnosing problems with handloads. Good luck.
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Post by bubba on Nov 25, 2008 19:44:50 GMT -5
the reason the bolt wouldnt close is ( I BET ) that the shoulder needs to be set back alittle, i.e. I bet that your sizing die needs to be turned in some more, not much, but some. I found those dang short mags to be a bugger to reload for compared to the old 308's/270's/30-06's anyways.
good luck.
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Post by bigjim on Nov 27, 2008 0:15:48 GMT -5
Yes it is a Tikka. An awesome gun except for the clip, I don't love the clip. Anyway we full length sized the cases and brought the 140 out as much as the clip would allow and they're beautiful now. They shot one holers at a hundred before so I'm sure I'll get some good results. Going to try to get a shot at a buck on my new 160 acre cutover, maybe I can get close to a 300 yarder for a little test run.
Thx for the advice.
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Post by RAF on Nov 27, 2008 9:37:45 GMT -5
Thought that it might be a Tikka. The mag is a little short IMO and had to make bullets shorter than I would have liked. Wasn't impressed with the plastic mag but they are sturdy. Be careful and don't loose it. They are expensive to replace.
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joe21a
Eight Pointer
Posts: 215
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Post by joe21a on Jan 5, 2009 11:18:42 GMT -5
The first time I reload ammo for a rifle I always do one round and make sure it fits the chamber. This will show if you need to lower your sizing die in the press. I have also started to use the Lee Factory crimp die. This gives you a consistent crimp and there is no chance of bulging the neck or collapsing the shoulder. Also gives you a solid crimp.
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