On my pistol brass (.38 spcl and .357 mag) there is a small bulge at the bottom of the case just above the head after I re-size them a couple of times. After a few reloadings, it seems like the case may even be ready to separate in that area because of some "stretch marks." The bulge doesn't keep the cartridge from chambering, and when the cartridge is fired, the case appears completely straight. Am I doing something wrong, or is this normal?

Help!

I see the same thing on 357 mag and 44 mag. Somewhat. Its not exactly very noticable but is there. Are you shooting real hot loads?

I use RCBS carbide dies. I don't notice this thinking back on my 40S&W and use Lee carbide dies.

I see the same thing on my cases using Lee Carbide Dies. I've not had a problem with any of them yet - after at least 20 loadings........none of which are very hot.

I have seen the "bulge" on 357 mag ,357 max,44 mag and 454 reloads .IPO it is caused by the sizing die not sizing to the rim because the shellholder is in the way.
I have never had chambering problems because of this.
If you think your cases have streches ,are you having to trim lots?
If you are triming lots of length off each reload I would be concerned.If not don't worry.
But if you are try this.
Take a paper clip bend a short L on the end ,and feel if there is a grove forming inside the case just above the case head. If so dicard the case.You may have a bad batch of cases. Or your reload is to hot or the gun has over sized chambers.
I have reloaded 357 mag for 20+ years and never seen a case head seperation. But it could happen.
Check it

I use lee carbide pistol dies exclusively for 357mag/38spcl, 44mag/44spcl, 45acp and 40 smith. I have never had any problems remotely close to miasdaddy's problem. My guess is the batch of brass is bad, oversized chambers or the loads are hot. The other thing I can think of is miasdaddy doesnt have his sizing die set to meet with the shell holder when the ram is all the way up. Or if the brass he has was picked up off the range or from reman ammo if thats the case you never know how bad or how good the brass is unless its new brass or stuff that was factory ammo that you fired.

I would try moving the seating die up a little bit. I have had a similar problem with my 300 WSM but I have not had this problem with my .357. You might have the expander die to low to, some times they will chamber hard if the expander is set to low.