A .380 ACP reloading issue

[rvenneman]

I need help. All my prep was done correctly. The bullets are Berry Bullets, .380 ACP 100gn RN. These cartridges were NOT crimped, just seated within specs at .962. I am using a Lee seating die. Does anyone have an idea why I am getting these indentations on the side of the brass? It almost appears as if the bullet is too large or the case is to narrow? They are expanded to a comfortable flair. I gave done so many of these. I really need help on this. Any ideas?

[redhawk0]

You have your die body screwed in to low...do not screw it in until it touches the shell holder...leave a 1/8" gap...then adjust your seater screw for lenght.

[EDIT] - I have the same die set...that's how I know.

redhawk

[Outer Rondacker]

Rvenneman, Redhawk gave good advice. I would like to add some advice. The front of most reloading books talk about how to set up dies and trouble shooting issues that one can run into. I think you should give it a read if you have not already. Good luck.

[DerekP Houston]

You have your die body screwed in to low...do not screw it in until it touches the shell holder...leave a 1/8" gap...then adjust your seater screw for lenght.

[EDIT] - I have the same die set...that's how I know.

redhawk

yep, I had the same issue when first setting up my dies. back it off a tad.

[jcren]

Probably the die set too low and trying to crimp while you are still seating bullet. I also ran into a bunch of foreign brass that has a slight ridge inside the case that will hit on longer bullets before you get em seated far enough. Most of the time they just sweged the base of my cast bullets but a couple buckled the brass. Look inside the case with a bright light and you will see it that is the problem.

[Bayou52]

I concur as well. Appears the seating die is set too low. I make sure the seating die is high enough so that no case mouth touches the crimp ring. Then, I use a Lee FCD to apply the crimp in a separate step...

[OldBearHair]

Set the die for the crimp you want, lock the nut with allen wrench. Back off the die and put a penny under the nut and screw the die down tight. Bring the seating stem down slowly until proper COAL is attained seating all the bullets. Then remove the penny , screw down the die and crimp all. Does this sound about right?

[rvenneman]

Thanks for all the advice. I did have the die touching the adapter. I am usually so very careful in ever step I do. All is working fine. Thanks again.