i am new to reloading pistol cartridges

i do however reload plenty of rifle just none in the unnecked variety

here are some picts of the problems

step by step of process

#1 new round (federal)
#2 once fired round
#3 cleaned/lubricated/resized
#4 expanded (where problem starts)
#5 - 11 bullet and crimped ( as you can see very messed up)

close up of # 4,5, and 6


cartridges do not fit in pistol when complete(not that i would fire them in this condition any way)

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looks to me like you are expanding too much. Try expandng only to the first 1/8" or so of the case and make sure that all cases are Exactly the same length. You just need to give the bullet a slight start into the case. It looks like when you are expanding that much, you are putting way too much pressure on the rest of the case.

When I expand my .45 ACP, I put the expander die (RCBS) into the Rockchucker Press. With my RCBS carbide dies, the expander has a knob at the top of the die that allows me to adjust the expander ball. I let this out considerably after the die is in the press and secured. I then put an empty and resized case into the shell holder and raise the shell into the expander die. Then I turn the expnder ball knob down until there is contact with the case. I then lower the case back down and turn the expander ball knob in another 1/8" toward the case. This should give an expansion to the first 1/8" of the case when you raise it back up again. Check it to make sure. When everything is right, tighten the expander ball knob and continue with the rest of the cases.

1. TOO MUCH (TIGHT) CRIMP
2. The expander (some call it flare) should only be just enought to start the bullet, about 1/2 of what you got now.


Looking at the buldge in the close up pics, suggest that the problem is with the expander die adustment or itself. LOL, NBH

I agree with charlie on this one.

Ah brings back memories of my 1st attempt at loading pistol ammo.
Back that expander WAY OUT, you just want enough bell on the mouth to start the bullet. Back that seater die WAY OUT and get your seating depth where you want it then, take the seating stem out and turn your die down to where you get a slight crimp, go slow, take your time and if all else fails read the intructions that come with your die set.

I want to thank you all for your helpful information and the speed at wich you gave it. This product looks much better.



again thank you all

Ah yes, that looks much better and I bet it shoots alot better too, huh?

Other guys got it, Way too much crimp and way too much flare.

Second attempt is way way better. Good luck and good shooting

Brian

Boy, it sure does! I think you' ve whipped the problem!