Im loading .308 Barnes 155 Palma Match Burner into lapua and hornady brass. The problem is, when I press my rounds into my brass, it is shaving copper very lightly and leaving it on the neck of my casing. My neck is measuring around .3343 instead of .3433, .009 off from what it is suppose to. Im using rcbs full lenght resizer and have read that they tend to shrink the neck when you full lenght resize. Here is where im a dummy. The brass is once fired so I didnt check to closely my over all cartrdge lenght. I didnt trim them back to 2.005 but instead, left them at 2.015 to 2.017ish. My question is, will trimming them properly bring back the neck enough to where it will open up enough and not shave my round? Im not crimping and have the die set one full turn back off of the case when my press is closed. Also, I do chamfer my case neck slightly. The Barnes measured a perfect .308 around the base where the case neck would touch. There is a match on the 3rd of June, can somebody please tell me how to best unfuck myself. (almost a Full Metal Jacket Quote)
- Thread starter anthonylapoint
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Re: shaved copper on my bullets
Are you using a VLD(Very Low Drag) Chamfer or just a regular one?
http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/case-prep/vld-chamfer-reamer.php
Are you using a VLD(Very Low Drag) Chamfer or just a regular one?
http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/case-prep/vld-chamfer-reamer.php
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
Sound like you didn't chamfer the inside of the case neck.
Sound like you didn't chamfer the inside of the case neck.
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
Also might be good to know what seating die you are using?
Also might be good to know what seating die you are using?
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
Im chamfering with the regular cheapy lee chamfer tool. The RCBS full lenght die is part number 15501 I believe. Its all brand new stuff, not beat up and has been adjusted properly (I think)
Im chamfering with the regular cheapy lee chamfer tool. The RCBS full lenght die is part number 15501 I believe. Its all brand new stuff, not beat up and has been adjusted properly (I think)
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
You're definitely not chamfering the inside of the neck enough, had this happen to me first time I started. It's probably the cheap lee chamfer tool that is to blame, I got the Lyman case prep multitool for something like $20 and it has a chamfer and deburring tool as well as primer crimp removers and cleaners, its very useful, I recommend you try to get one.
You're definitely not chamfering the inside of the neck enough, had this happen to me first time I started. It's probably the cheap lee chamfer tool that is to blame, I got the Lyman case prep multitool for something like $20 and it has a chamfer and deburring tool as well as primer crimp removers and cleaners, its very useful, I recommend you try to get one.
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
Like the picture above, does the multitool have the vld chamfer? Also, if my case nack is narrower then what the reloading manuals state, shouldnt the neck be pushed back out with a neck die or is the chamfer tool enough?
Like the picture above, does the multitool have the vld chamfer? Also, if my case nack is narrower then what the reloading manuals state, shouldnt the neck be pushed back out with a neck die or is the chamfer tool enough?
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
The Barnes bullets don't "give" much and the case will shave off some of the bullet if you don't put enough of a chamfer on the case. Other bullets are a lead core and will give slightly before the case will shave copper off the bullet. This has been my experience anyways.
The Barnes bullets don't "give" much and the case will shave off some of the bullet if you don't put enough of a chamfer on the case. Other bullets are a lead core and will give slightly before the case will shave copper off the bullet. This has been my experience anyways.
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
I'd measure the neck wall thickness. Are you using the expander ball in the sizing die? BB
I'd measure the neck wall thickness. Are you using the expander ball in the sizing die? BB
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
yes it comes with a VLD chamfer tool, uses the same VLD tip as the tool pictured above, you can screw it off and store it in the multitool to boot.
I use the multitool on all of my rounds that I trim, I have never had a round with shaved copper after getting it.
yes it comes with a VLD chamfer tool, uses the same VLD tip as the tool pictured above, you can screw it off and store it in the multitool to boot.
I use the multitool on all of my rounds that I trim, I have never had a round with shaved copper after getting it.
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
Im using the expander ball in the resizer. I feel it working, I feel the resistance when im resizing.
Im going to pick up that multitool and try the vld chamfer instaed. I half chalked it up to Barnes bullets being part of the issue, if they dont give any then that makes sense. Buying the Barnes was only a one time deal anyway. All the store had for 155's and I figured I would try them. Bergers or Sierra's next time.
Im using the expander ball in the resizer. I feel it working, I feel the resistance when im resizing.
Im going to pick up that multitool and try the vld chamfer instaed. I half chalked it up to Barnes bullets being part of the issue, if they dont give any then that makes sense. Buying the Barnes was only a one time deal anyway. All the store had for 155's and I figured I would try them. Bergers or Sierra's next time.
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
I was having the same problem with 223 and the Sierra 80 gr bullets. I switch to a VLD inside the neck chamfering tool instead of the standard one. That stopped the shaving of my bullets. The angle on the VLD tool creates a much more gradual chamfer than the standard one. I now use it on all my brass and haven't shave any bullets since.
I was having the same problem with 223 and the Sierra 80 gr bullets. I switch to a VLD inside the neck chamfering tool instead of the standard one. That stopped the shaving of my bullets. The angle on the VLD tool creates a much more gradual chamfer than the standard one. I now use it on all my brass and haven't shave any bullets since.
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
Copper shaving will happen to any bullets, not just barnes bullets as I said, it happened to me when I started reloading, this was with Berger Hybrids and Hornady A-MAX's as well as my Barnes TTSX hunting bullets. I was using the Lee chamfer tool as well before I decided to get the multitool, then that problem was gone. Heres what it looks like:
Copper shaving will happen to any bullets, not just barnes bullets as I said, it happened to me when I started reloading, this was with Berger Hybrids and Hornady A-MAX's as well as my Barnes TTSX hunting bullets. I was using the Lee chamfer tool as well before I decided to get the multitool, then that problem was gone. Heres what it looks like:
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
Sol. need not say any more. Im going to pick one up then. Thats why I asked everyone here. Thanks
Sol. need not say any more. Im going to pick one up then. Thats why I asked everyone here. Thanks
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
Lyman 30 cal "M" die and be happy!!
Lyman 30 cal "M" die and be happy!!
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
stockdoc said:
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
The M die was designed for loading Lead bullets. It opens up the case like and expander but also starts a belling action.
Setting how much bell is up to you.
These work well though I still usually do just a touch of chamfer on my Gracey trimmer after Sizing & trimming on the dillon trimmer.
The M die was designed for loading Lead bullets. It opens up the case like and expander but also starts a belling action.
Setting how much bell is up to you.
These work well though I still usually do just a touch of chamfer on my Gracey trimmer after Sizing & trimming on the dillon trimmer.
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
So I see a few votes for the M-die here. I don't mind repeatedly belling and crimping cheap pistol brass, but not sure I want to on more expensive rifle brass. Has anyone noticed split necks or other issues with, say five to eight, reload cycles with an M-die? I'm loading 308 and would love to skip the inside neck chamfer step, but not at the cost of tossing brass I've worked hard to prep after only a few loads.
So I see a few votes for the M-die here. I don't mind repeatedly belling and crimping cheap pistol brass, but not sure I want to on more expensive rifle brass. Has anyone noticed split necks or other issues with, say five to eight, reload cycles with an M-die? I'm loading 308 and would love to skip the inside neck chamfer step, but not at the cost of tossing brass I've worked hard to prep after only a few loads.
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
I have had this problem with LC brass and SMK's it was due to the brass not opening up enough when run over the expander ball. Extra chamfering helped a ton and after a firing it was fine.
I have had this problem with LC brass and SMK's it was due to the brass not opening up enough when run over the expander ball. Extra chamfering helped a ton and after a firing it was fine.
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: adam3999</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So I see a few votes for the M-die here. I don't mind repeatedly belling and crimping cheap pistol brass, but not sure I want to on more expensive rifle brass. Has anyone noticed split necks or other issues with, say five to eight, reload cycles with an M-die? I'm loading 308 and would love to skip the inside neck chamfer step, but not at the cost of tossing brass I've worked hard to prep after only a few loads. </div></div>
When I say belled, I mean just a fraction not a lot.
I'm on the 8th reloading of this set of brass now so it doesn't seem to be an issue.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: adam3999</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So I see a few votes for the M-die here. I don't mind repeatedly belling and crimping cheap pistol brass, but not sure I want to on more expensive rifle brass. Has anyone noticed split necks or other issues with, say five to eight, reload cycles with an M-die? I'm loading 308 and would love to skip the inside neck chamfer step, but not at the cost of tossing brass I've worked hard to prep after only a few loads. </div></div>
When I say belled, I mean just a fraction not a lot.
I'm on the 8th reloading of this set of brass now so it doesn't seem to be an issue.
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
You know what boggles my mind is how come factory ammo such as FGMM has absolutely no chamfer what so ever. You'd be able to see a chamfer on a spent piece of brass but I even looked with a magnifying glass and could see that there was no chamfer what so ever.
I've also had shaved copper using the Lee chamfer tool and was able to stop the shavings just by chamfering a little more than I thought necessary. My case mouths are not to the point where their a sharp edge, but close.
Regards
Dan
You know what boggles my mind is how come factory ammo such as FGMM has absolutely no chamfer what so ever. You'd be able to see a chamfer on a spent piece of brass but I even looked with a magnifying glass and could see that there was no chamfer what so ever.
I've also had shaved copper using the Lee chamfer tool and was able to stop the shavings just by chamfering a little more than I thought necessary. My case mouths are not to the point where their a sharp edge, but close.
Regards
Dan
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
I have Lee products, but their chamfer/debur tool is junk. I got a Hornady and the quality of metal is very nice. Cuts like butter. Plenty of other manufacturers make great tools too.
I have Lee products, but their chamfer/debur tool is junk. I got a Hornady and the quality of metal is very nice. Cuts like butter. Plenty of other manufacturers make great tools too.
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
Im gonna try the VLD chamfer tool. Everybody seems to be on the same page. Either use a quality chamfer tool or use a neck sizer. Ill start with the better chamfer as it will be quicker to use and seems to fix the problem quickly. It nice to see others having this problem as well because I thought I was screwing something up. I also did notice no chamfer on factory rounds, they must know something more.
Im gonna try the VLD chamfer tool. Everybody seems to be on the same page. Either use a quality chamfer tool or use a neck sizer. Ill start with the better chamfer as it will be quicker to use and seems to fix the problem quickly. It nice to see others having this problem as well because I thought I was screwing something up. I also did notice no chamfer on factory rounds, they must know something more.
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
One really should chamfer/debur new brass too. Same reason a two-stroke engine must have ports chamfered. If not....problems. I know it sucks, but its really needed.
One really should chamfer/debur new brass too. Same reason a two-stroke engine must have ports chamfered. If not....problems. I know it sucks, but its really needed.
Re: shaved copper on my bullets
Tried the Lymann multitool. What a difference. No more copper shaving and the rounds seat so much easier, best investment. Thanks for the tip guys
Tried the Lymann multitool. What a difference. No more copper shaving and the rounds seat so much easier, best investment. Thanks for the tip guys
