HELP: Hornady seater is crimping/smashing the bullet ogive

[SidecarFlip]

I have had different experiences.

Get yourself a Berger Loading Manual and read it. All I have to say other than I appy that same redgimen to any load thats jumnped....

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

It is likely simply the 223wssm brass combined with the softer bullet nose. You will likely have to anneal the brass or use another bullet. If you have a factory chamber I wouldn't thin your necks, but if you have a custom barrel you my be able to thin them a bit. This thick neck/ hard to seat bullet crap is endemic to the wssm's. I've loaded a ton of 25 wssm brass and I've even had this problem a bit with 100 grain sierra pills using 4895-- no compression there for sure.

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

Think it's a die issue? Bullet issue? Or loading technique?

Thanks!

none of the above.... crappy brass....

 

[CB11WYO]

It is likely simply the 223wssm brass combined with the softer bullet nose. You will likely have to anneal the brass or use another bullet. If you have a factory chamber I wouldn't thin your necks, but if you have a custom barrel you my be able to thin them a bit. This thick neck/ hard to seat bullet crap is endemic to the wssm's. I've loaded a ton of 25 wssm brass and I've even had this problem a bit with 100 grain sierra pills using 4895-- no compression there for sure.

thanks Lefty...

I measured the OD of the case necks this morning... .265" before and .266" after bullet seated. hmmm...

As for the seating stem... looks like Hornady sells an additional stem for a .224 A-max. No markings on the one that came with the dies so I couldn't tell ya if that's what I already have or if I should buy the additional one. Might have to just get ahold of Hornady on that note.