Starting from scratch...

[Randy Bohannon]

Thanks for all the info guys, very much appreciated.
I've just placed my order with Sportsman guncenter as they had some great deals on.
RCBS Rockchuker supreme master kit, RCBS X - full length dies, and shell holder.
Let's hope it really is "buy once, cry once" eh!

Good choice, you won't be unhappy.

Don't forget to buy a case trimmer and calipers.

[amc577]

The chap with the unuseable 100 rounds had crimped them....h and n plated lead bullets....further use of the seating die no use...repeat...ALWAYS make up a dummy round and check it will chamber, before you load up a lot of ammo. You should not normally crimp the h and n plated bullets....something else to remember..

amc577

[Randy Bohannon]

The chap with the unuseable 100 rounds had crimped them....h and n plated lead bullets....further use of the seating die no use...repeat...ALWAYS make up a dummy round and check it will chamber, before you load up a lot of ammo. You should not normally crimp the h and n plated bullets....something else to remember..

amc577

Exactly, the crimp has caused the neck and/or shoulders to swell to the point where the cartridge would not chamber.

That has nothing to do with the cartridge overall length.

You can crimp H&N plated bullets, and all other lead cored bullets with or without a crimp groove, with the Lee factory crimp die which works differently to the roll crimp in some seater dies but can still cause bulged shoulders if badly adjusted.

[amc577]

Just make up a dummy round for each variety of bullet...ensure it chambers...set the seating die to the dummy round...simple.

amc577

[Parabuteo]

Exactly, the crimp has caused the neck and/or shoulders to swell to the point where the cartridge would not chamber.

That has nothing to do with the cartridge overall length.

You can crimp H&N plated bullets, and all other lead cored bullets with or without a crimp groove, with the Lee factory crimp die which works differently to the roll crimp in some seater dies but can still cause bulged shoulders if badly adjusted.

I would also add to this that IF as a beginner you get given once fired brass, make sure that you FL the lot before you start. I have been lucky enough to have a supply of brass and nickle plated brass .308 fed cases, all of which have been fired through well maintained AI rifles.

The difference between the fired cases in terms of required re-sizing is interesting, quite a mix. Dont forget also that shoulder head spacing is more often than not going to prevent chambering as well. I would always suggest the dummy round being loaded to the correct SAAMI spec (this includes FL sizing new brass, you would be surprised) and checking to see if you have any rifling marks on the bullet. The Ogive will vary with bullet design. You dont want to be engaging the landes initially with a first attempt.

As stated there is no need for a cenelure for the Lee crimp to do its job, however I do tend to make sure the lot coincides if I do use bullets with canelures, although this tends only to be with .303 . Roll crimps can be a sod if you get them wrong, personally if you feel the need to crimp (I do all mine) then the Lee is the better option.

[223AI]

Have a chat to the guys at the club, they are a mine of information.....