Seating 223 flat based bullets

[oldfudd]

Guys -- got a question regarding how to start seating flat based bullets for 223. I want to use my Dillon 550b, with LC brass trimmed and chamfered with a Giraud to seat Hornady 55 gr flat based bullets. I'm planning to lightly crimp using a Lee 223 crimp die as my stage 4. Is there some way to flare the cases (like I would when loading pistol rounds)? If not, what is the best way to get the bullet started into the case? If I need to flare the case slightly, what is the best way to flare. Up to now my experience is with boat tailed projectiles.

Hopefully this doesn't come across as stupid, but I can't figure a solution. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[JoshcBoucher]

Either lots of chamfering, or use the RCBS competition die, with the bullet "window". Those little bullets are damn small for my big fingers. Try some 35 grainers, for some REAL frustration!,

 

[jhazelwood]

I don't have to chamfer using the rcbs 3 way cutter unless the brass is short, I use a Lyman VLD on those and it works well

Sent from my phone via Tapatalk

 

[JW21]

If these are going to be plinking rounds, I'd just seat the bastards like any other. That's what I've always done. Do NOT do this if they are precision rounds!!

 

[elfster1234]

I use flat base vmax bullets all the time with a light chamfer and with no crimp

Guys -- got a question regarding how to start seating flat based bullets for 223. I want to use my Dillon 550b, with LC brass trimmed and chamfered with a Giraud to seat Hornady 55 gr flat based bullets. I'm planning to lightly crimp using a Lee 223 crimp die as my stage 4. Is there some way to flare the cases (like I would when loading pistol rounds)? If not, what is the best way to get the bullet started into the case? If I need to flare the case slightly, what is the best way to flare. Up to now my experience is with boat tailed projectiles.

Hopefully this doesn't come across as stupid, but I can't figure a solution. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Pinecone]

I just hold them on the case mouth until the tip enters the seating die.

And yes, every so often I pinch my fingers.

 

[dauntedfuture]

There are two "issues" with small flat based bullets. the first is that they are hard to get them to set on top so you can seat them, second is that the bases are more prone to damage. A M or mouth die is an easy fix for both as you flare out the mouth of the case just enough to take any small burs off as well as providing an area that makes seating a little easier. Lyman makes these dies and they can be a help in this case or if you are running tight neck tension and damaging bullet bases. I think they are less then 20.00 USD. Other then the RCBS "WINDOW" dies, you just have to get the bullet to sit on top of the case until its inside of the die. I shoot 40g FB and have no issues loading them on a 650.

 

[samnev]

There are two "issues" with small flat based bullets. the first is that they are hard to get them to set on top so you can seat them, second is that the bases are more prone to damage. A M or mouth die is an easy fix for both as you flare out the mouth of the case just enough to take any small burs off as well as providing an area that makes seating a little easier. Lyman makes these dies and they can be a help in this case or if you are running tight neck tension and damaging bullet bases. I think they are less then 20.00 USD. Other then the RCBS "WINDOW" dies, you just have to get the bullet to sit on top of the case until its inside of the die. I shoot 40g FB and have no issues loading them on a 650.

I also use the Lyman M die to slightly bell the mouth of my cases when seating flat base bullets. Then use the Lee factory crimp die to lightly crimp the bullet.

 

[Assault116]

Using a Lyman VLD chamfer tool, I've never had a problem shaving or otherwise damaging flat bases, and I load a lot of flat base 223 and .257 bullets, and even a fair amount of .308 125's in 300 Blk. If you don't have a decent chamfer though, they will shave.

 

[oldfudd]

Thank all of you for your kind input. Using the Giraud gives me a pretty good, even chamfer on the brass when trimming. Like Josh, I've got big hands and just enough arthritus to make sitting the projectile on top of the case, and then running it up into the seating stem a bit of a challenge. I think I'll give the Lyman "mouth" dies a shot. Thank you all again for your good advice.

 

[scatterbrains]

Vld chamfer is what i use for my 204ruger i run 34gr FBHP and they seat very well.

 

[greg1147]

Guess I'll chamfer and avoid FB projectiles what a PITA for us fat fingered and order the VLD tool.
Thanks for tech.
OK little edit here- got the hang of it, the old two finger squeeze as it starts to seat only got me a couple of times, take the pain as my DI told me.

 

[MarinePMI]

Holy necro batman!

 

[Idaho-5R]

Ha Ha, Yep, bringing back an old thread..... But, funny thing is, that I'm having the exact same issue... SO, I guess I'll try the 'M' die, & a decent chamfer, & see how it all works out.............

 

[mercervillerental]

I also have a Giraud and when I'm loading VMAX'es or similar it just hold the bullet in place until it comes into contact with the seating die. Occasionally a finger will get pinched but otherwise its pretty straightfoward

 

[n0glock]

I also complete my .223 reloading on a 550, I take the processed primed brass and in station 1 have the M die slight bell , station 2 powder drop, 3 Redding competition seater, station 4 Lee factory crim just to remove the slight bell from the M die, the M die made it much smoother with both flat base and boat tail bullets.