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1/2/2009 9:42:00 AM EDT
I'm new to reloading and this weekend was tinkering with some loads.  I currently have a set of the Lee .223 dies.  When seating the bullet, I sometimes get the ring on the bullet.  I was reading around and I guess that this is caused by the bullet not reaching the top of the die, so the edges are pressing into the bullet.  Sure, I was slightly puzzled when this first started happening, but it's not really my main concern.

My main concern is that about 10% of my loads end up with a different COL.  For this load I was going for a 2.25" COL.  The majority fell within 2.251 and 2.25, but then I got some that were 2.24" and sometimes less.  Anybody know the possible cause of this?  I'm thinking it might be some inconsistencies with the bullets themselves that are causing them to contact the die at different points.  Should I just pull and reseat with adjustments to the seating die to achieve the 2.25" COL?
1/2/2009 9:54:58 AM EDT
[#1]
I'm thinking it might be some inconsistencies with the bullets themselves that are causing them to contact the die at different points.


Ding, ding!!

IF you're talking about 55 gr. military style FMJs..........don't worry about it.  They aren't known for consistency like Match bullets.

And, .01" ain't much, when you think about it.

They should fit your mag.........so, go shooting.

Just my .02.

Aloha, Mark



1/2/2009 11:14:54 AM EDT
[#2]
Stupid question but, you are trimming your cases to minimum or at least all the same before reloading correct?  

If so, then the problem is the projectiles most likely.   If not, well get a bullet puller out...
1/2/2009 11:20:54 AM EDT
[#3]
Yup.  Run it through the full length sizer and then trim them.  I've been busting out the bullet puller and then adjusting my seating die to get them the same length.
1/2/2009 11:36:31 AM EDT
[#4]
I had the same problem one time - had mixed manufacturers projectiles.  Both were 55gr FMJs but one brand cut the cannulure in a differant spot.  Sort through your bullets and set them upright and you may see a differance in height or cannulure - sort as appropriate then set up and load.
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