I greet you from Argentina, problems with keyhole

[Ballester molina]

excellent when I have a chance to re-shoot I'm going to reload using your advice, and then comment the results

[Ballester molina]

I am very sorry I do not know the exact composition of the lubricant, I think it is grease from the beeswax but I am not sure. from what you all tell me and it is something in which the problem coincides is in the diameter of the bullet

[Petrol & Powder]

Ballester, your problem is far more likely to be a result of the bullet diameter than the type of lube used on that bullet.

[Ballester molina]

I just finished measuring the bullet that goes through the barrel and measures .354.33 ". take apart 7 cartridges and the bullet measures .354 "-355". I am resizing it by settling it!

[skeettx]

YES, that is why I mentioned that on my FIRST posting

[Ballester molina]

And now how can I solve the problem of resizing the bullet when it is settled?

[flounderman]

try a lighter bullet.

[Petrol & Powder]

And now how can I solve the problem of resizing the bullet when it is settled?

Use a slightly larger expander.

[Dusty Bannister]

Something to consider also is the maker of the cartridge cases. Not knowing your source, perhaps the brass cases are thicker, or you are using a variety of cases so some are thicker and that could also result in the bullet being made smaller as you seat the bullet in the case. Use only enough crimp to remove the flare as the case neck tension should be sufficient to prevent bullet set back when cycling from the magazine. It appears you are on the way to solving the issue, which most of us will believe is an undersized bullet. Is it possible that you can locate some bullets, similar in form and weight that have been sized and lube to .357"?

[skeettx]

Harder bullet, and bigger sizing die, and larger expander and larger seating die
What brand of dies are you currently using?

[Ballester molina]

I'm using dies lee and speer cases,

[skeettx]

do you have 38 Special dies?

[Conditor22]

do you have 38 Special dies?

The Lee 38 special "powder through die" will expand the case mouth more than the Lee 9MM powder through die; for less resizing the bullet when it is settled.

the bigger you expand the case before seating bullet - the less it resizes the bullet when you seat it.

NO crimp bullet too much, just to where it not move

[Ballester molina]

I have dies lyman for special 38 caliber

[Conditor22]

the Lyman dies won't have a Lee powder through expander for expanding the case mouth.

what you need is POWDER THRU DIE EXP 38 SPL / 357 MAG https://leeprecision.com/powder-thru-die-exp-38sp.html

or an https://leeprecision.com/pm-expan-plg-38sp.html for your 9mm powder through die.

You see the small end on the plug expands the case.

[skeettx]

Remember, he is in Argentina.

Try sizing them with lee 9mm dies
Expanding them with 38 Special expander die
Then if needed, powder them with the 9mm Lee die
Then seat some with the 9mm die and some with the 38 Special die
Shoot them and see what happens.
If you need to de-flair the case mouths, LIGHTLY bump them with the Lee 9mm sizing die
Mike

[Ballester molina]

I have a lyman monostation press, so I don't need the function of the powder passing through the die. i could use lyman's expander for 38 special and test what happens

[onelight]

When you use the larger expander just make sure you have enough tension on your bullet to prevent set back in the case when feeding or a malfunction .

[PositiveCaster]

It’s hard to believe that a difference of 0.001” to 0.002” would cause key holing. Leading, yes - but he is getting no leading (like a mirror) so barrel fit should not be the issue.

The OP is using a minimum load in a very short barrel (3.3”), the heavy bullet may simply be under stabilized. Increasing the velocity may solve his issue.



.

[Petrol & Powder]

It’s hard to believe that a difference of 0.001” to 0.002” would cause key holing. Leading, yes - but he is getting no leading (like a mirror) so barrel fit should not be the issue.

The OP is using a minimum load in a very short barrel (3.3”), the heavy bullet may simply be under stabilized. Increasing the velocity may solve his issue.



.

While that is possible; it is not likely. He is using a 124 grain bullet which should cause no problems in any barrel with a twist rate for a 9mm projectile.

Before we start throwing a LOT of different variables into the equation, let's rule OUT an undersized bullet.
In the words of President Lincoln, "One war at a time".