Can not get under max overall case length

turkeyreaper · 08-07-2006, 07:54 PM

Have Lee dies and reloading for my Bushmaster Varminter (AR-15). Using 55gr V-max bullets, the max case length is 2.50 and I can only get 2.63. I am getting ****ty groups and when I load a round in the gun and eject it, it appears that I am slamming the bullet into the riflings. I am presuming this is what is effecting my accuracy. Very new to the reloading world, need help before I pull my hair out!!!![:@]

Thank you, Bill

08-07-2006, 09:02 PM

I guess I don't understand. Why can't you seat deeper? Use a different powder if compressed. Are you saying your seater die has ran out of adjustment

turkeyreaper · 08-07-2006, 09:33 PM

Yes, I can not adjust the die down enough. When the bullet seater is down all the way my overall case length is 2.63 and the book calls for an overall case length of 2.50 and it just barely fits in my magazine

08-07-2006, 09:35 PM

wow, that is a problem. Sounds like a lee issue. Never seen that problem before. Let us know what you find. Usually AR's have alot of freebore too. Does it do this for other bullets too? When you setup your seater, I guess your screwing it down until it touches your shoulders and back out one turn? I wonder if maybe your not screwing it down enough? Or hitting something else other than the shoulder?

Briman · 08-07-2006, 09:42 PM

Are you sure that you are setting up your seating die correctly? Try here for an instructional video (2.9 mb)http://www.leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/videos/Rifle/rifle%20seat-1.wmv

turkeyreaper · 08-07-2006, 09:45 PM

This is the only round I have reloaded for thus far, its weird. I think I may get some different dies, your thoughts?

08-07-2006, 09:48 PM

I always buy RCBS and lee collet sizing dies. The redding competition dies are awesome but way too pricey for me. I only use them on target rifles.

Did you see brimans video. That explaines it pretty well.

turkeyreaper · 08-07-2006, 09:49 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Briman

Are you sure that you are setting up your seating die correctly? Try here for an instructional video (2.9 mb)http://www.leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/videos/Rifle/rifle%20seat-1.wmv

Thanks for the video, I was told to bring the ram up and turn the die down until it hits the top of the ram and then give another 1/2 turn. They mention crimp die, will that help with accuracy?

stubblejumper · 08-07-2006, 10:07 PM

Quote:

When the bullet seater is down all the way my overall case length is 2.63 and the book calls for an overall case length of 2.50 and it just barely fits in my magazine

Your terminology is what was confusing everyone.The case length is the length of the brass case,with no bullet seated.With the bullet seated you measure the overall cartridge length.I do not crimp any of my loads including those that I used in my ar-15.

#40Fan · 08-07-2006, 10:33 PM

From the length that you are giving us, you have to be refering to OAL. Trim to length provided by Lee is 1.760". The OAL showed in Lee's picture is 2.260", but that doesn't mean shi*.

I can easily set either one of my Lee presses (Lee Challenger and Lee Classic) to seat the bullet to my determined OAL for my .223 of 2.240 without any problem and I can still go shorter.

There has to be something that you are doing wrong.