Help Please! 500 NE 3 Inch bulging when I put the bullet in

[uplander01]

Are you using a neck expander die to uniform round and flare case mouth? That step and using graphite lube on the base of the bullet when seating should solve this problem if your press and dies are straight. Too much tension at the case mouth will always give crooked ammo. Hornady dies (3 die set would be the way I would go).

 

[fourfive8]

Check Buffalo Arms for custom two-diameter neck expander plugs. They show plugs for a couple of die manufacturers. Commonly used for loading BPCR cartridges but work equally well for smokeless high power.

Using a two-diameter plug to expand the neck to proper diameter for bullet while at same time expanding a short section at mouth is the superior way to size prior to bullet seating. Judging from your pics, looks like there is too much difference between neck ID and bullet. Using the bullet during the seating process as a neck expanding plug commonly shows these symptoms.

Then as a final touch look into getting a Lee (custom made?) FCD for final touch.

 

[fourfive8]

And of course the whole issue begins and is exaggerated if the chamber is on the large side and the sizing die is standard spec or on the small side. Might try adjusting the sizing die to minimum required for resistance free chambering but no more. The “plunk” test is best way to check for resistance fee chambering. …. Where a complete cartridge goes “plunk” against the headspace stop if dropped vertically into chamber.

 

[_Decay_]

I had a similar problem with my 416 ruger. the cases would bulge when seating the bullet. I figured out that the dies were so temperamental that if I had the bullet seating die a little too low or a little too high that it would do that. It was very finicky. eventually I change to redding dies and a separate crimp die and I was able to get it to be more consistant.

I never really figured out what the problem was, so I am not sure if this is that same issue.

good luck

 

[deewayne2003]

As stated above the the factory crimp die is definitely worth it; and they started taking custom doe orders again.

You get the order form off the website and send them a dummy round, you get the custom die after processing payment.

FYI you will need a press that can take 1.25” dies for the magnum calibers like the .500NE

 

[Rare Breed]

As stated above the the factory crimp die is definitely worth it; and they started taking custom doe orders again.

You get the order form off the website and send them a dummy round, you get the custom die after processing payment.

FYI you will need a press that can take 1.25” dies for the magnum calibers like the .500NE

Thanks. The thing is I have no problem loading Swift A Frames with no buckle at all. I have the large RCBS press with no problems. Only the Woodleighs in identical 570 grains cause this problem

 

[fourfive8]

Here's a two-diameter neck expander plug. The longer, minor diameter should be about .002" less than bullet diameter. The major diameter should be about equal to bullet diameter. The larger diameter should enter the case mouth about 1/8-1/4". Then place bullet in the case mouth by finger pressure and finish seating with regular seating die.

 

[Rare Breed]

Again so appreciative for everyone’s help!!! I think I have the answer. I was using Redding two long die set for my Swift A Frame in .509 diameter with no problem. I believe when I went to the Woodleigh .510 diameter with the two die set there was not an expander die thus it was crushing the brass. I have ordered a RCBS 3 die set that will have an expander die unlike the Redding. I just watched the video from RCBS on how to use the expander die and coupled with the silica I hope fixes the problem. I will let everyone know when they arrive

 

[krish]

Good luck.
Krish

 

[fourfive8]

Sounds like a good approach. After learning how to load for BPCR and other cast bullet loads in a multitude of cartridges, including many, big straight walls, I completely changed my methodology for ALL reloading. I use a separate decapping die. I take the decapping pin with neck expander out of all my sizing dies and use the sizer as a single step after decapping. I then use a die made for only neck expanding with a two-diameter neck expander plug specific to the bullet diameter. I then prime, charge and seat the bullet. For most hunting cartridges I finish the process with a Lee FCD.
Good luck!

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

Flare the case mouth and you will be fine

 

[fourfive8]

Putting a flare or trumpet shaped funnel into the mouth of the cartridge will shorten case life by over work hardening the brass near the mouth. Also, flaring just the case mouth will not help prevent the excessive bulge as described in the OP particularly an offset bulge or canted bullet bulge. The best method is a two-diameter expander plug that expands the entire bullet seating depth to no more than about .002" smaller than bullet diameter while expanding 1/8" of the mouth entrance to approximately bullet diameter to better align the bullet base for entry during the seating process. Any smaller neck ID in relation to bullet diameter will not increase neck tension. It will only decrease case life and increase the offset, uneven or canted bulge as shown in OP.

 

[Luvthunt]

I use mica inside of neck and a slight flare to achieve smooth and less required seating pressure to over come neck and shoulder push back on my 416 Rigby. Then crimp with the Lee.

 

[Philip Glass]

I know it is fun but can not recommend reloading for DG. There have been too many incidents. Ask the PH's.

 

[Rare Breed]

Here's a two-diameter neck expander plug. The longer, minor diameter should be about .002" less than bullet diameter. The major diameter should be about equal to bullet diameter. The larger diameter should enter the case mouth about 1/8-1/4". Then place bullet in the case mouth by finger pressure and finish seating with regular seating die.

View attachment 508855

cant find one that fits .510 diameter...thoughts? thanks!

 

[Inline6]

I know it is fun but can not recommend reloading for DG. There have been too many incidents. Ask the PH's.

No disrespect, most PHs I know reload their own. You have more contacts than I. I'm sure of that and my sample size will be smaller. I'm not sure of "incidents", if someone reloads correctly it is no different than factory ammo other than you know what's in it and your rifle shoots it well. If someone who has no business near a reloading bench does the reloading, that is a different matter.

I appreciate your stance, just know factory ammo has failed too. When it come to DG hunting, test should be a requirement not a suggestion.

 

[deewayne2003]

I know it is fun but can not recommend reloading for DG. There have been too many incidents. Ask the PH's.

I understand your concern, but I started loading my own ammo after multiple factory rounds failed to fire.

 

[Philip Glass]

No disrespect, most PHs I know reload their own. You have more contacts than I. I'm sure of that and my sample size will be smaller. I'm not sure of "incidents", if someone reloads correctly it is no different than factory ammo other than you know what's in it and your rifle shoots it well. If someone who has no business near a reloading bench does the reloading, that is a different matter.

I appreciate your stance, just know factory ammo has failed too. When it come to DG hunting, test should be a requirement not a suggestion.

Certainly agree with testing ammo of all kinds. In DG hunting your life, and the life of others, is on the line. It is not time for amature hour.
We just had a purchased 9mm reload explode while shooting with family members on Monday. It blew the mag out of my brother-in-laws new Springfield pistol and burned and hurt his hand badly. I threw away that entire batch of factory 9mm reloads.
I know we have some true reloading experts here on AH. Most are not however. I have had some experiences that drive me to rant against reloading from time to time. I have nothing to gain but lots of grief from my POV.
Regards,
Philip

 

[Inline6]

Certainly agree with testing ammo of all kinds. In DG hunting your life, and the life of others, is on the line. It is not time for amature hour.
We just had a purchased 9mm reload explode while shooting with family members on Monday. It blew the mag out of my brother-in-laws new Springfield pistol and burned and hurt his hand badly. I threw away that entire batch of factory 9mm reloads.
I know we have some true reloading experts here on AH. Most are not however. I have had some experiences that drive me to rant against reloading from time to time. I have nothing to gain but lots of grief from my POV.
Regards,
Philip

Very sorry to read about your brother-in-law, hope he is recovering well.

Understand your POV, unfortunately you just made my point. You were using factory ammo. Remanufactured ammo / reloaded factory ammo all go through the same process (as new factory ammo). The difference is one uses new brass the other is recycled brass. With a pistol it is very easy to get a double charge in a case. That is my first thought, I would have sent to ammo back. So they could test out the lot, was it a one off or more issues than the one. Not that you would want to use any more of it, could save someone else from the same experience.

 

[fourfive8]

cant find one that fits .510 diameter...thoughts? thanks!

Here's a link to the currently listed in-stock expanders for RCBS/4D and Lyman dies. Fairly easy to chuck into drill press and reduce diameter (s) a little with use of 200 and 400 wet-dry or emery cloth. Also, because of brass spring back, a .510" expander, for example, will yield a neck ID of about .509". Also, can call Buffalo Arms directly to see what is available.

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