Reload question

[m.r.b]

Hi,
I reloaded a dummy round (no powder or primer) to get the hang of setting the dies and all. I just got a few pictures and questions just to clear some things up.
1.) I got brass, 25-20, which was made by someone out of 32-20. The brass is a hair shorter than my case length gauge. Is this bad? The recommended length is about 1.305”, and I am at about 1.300-1.304” on a lot of them. I know thy will likely expand during shooing, so I assume I will have to readjust my dies as long as the shorter cases are ok to shoot.
2.) My load data says that the COL should be 1.6”, but with my shorter cases the COL is 1.57”. Is that ok?
3.) I did a factory crimp on the case. You can see a discoloration of where the crimp is, but how visible should the crimp be? Should you be able to see a definite taper leading to the bullet, or is it a small gradual crimp?
4.) Lastly, the cases had dimples on the neck after forming. Not severe or deep, but one could see they were there. Is this normal/ok?

A lot of reading probably, but just clarifying some of this for me will be a huge help. Thanks

The pictures uploaded should show the crimp and dimples on shoulder.

 

[lordmorgul]

Shoulder dimple possibly lube in the die shoulder, brass has less compressive strength than lube and gives way, should only have graphite lube on shoulder, wipe clean and only get light lube on case body.

COL unlikely to be an issue unless you’ve already loaded to above max load on powder and compressive. You will have to verify feeding is consistent. Check the shoulder is at correct length.

Crimp looks nice to me but I crimp very lightly or not at all. I do crimp pistol that much but 223 I crimp lighter.

 

[gwpercle]

Questions 1.) through 4.) all are OK.
At times things have to be a bit shorter than the "book" numbers.
The 25-20 rounds have a rim. They head space on this rim thus the length of the case doesn't have to be the exact book COL dimension . What is critical:
If shooting in a revolver the bullet doen't protrude out past the cylinder face.
If for a lever action rifle the round should feed and cycle through the action.
If for a single shot COL is of no consequence.

COL numbers are not written in stone , they show what was used to work up the data, it can be adjusted as needed.
When loading rimmed ammo seat the bullet into the crimp groove or crimp into the bullet cannelure ...COL dimension be hanged.

All the above is in reference to rimmed cartridges...rimless and bottle necked cases are a different matter .

Those photo's look pretty good...load some up and CHOOT EM !
Gary

 

[condor bravo]

As gwpercle has pointed out, questions 1 thru 4 are all OK and can be quite normal. To eliminate the lube dents, as also pointed out, lube is only needed at the lower half of the case. Other than a little excessive lube, you seem to be doing fine. Since you are using formed cases, before loading any, did you check case fit for proper chambering? I failed to do that with .25-35 brass converted to .22 Savage Hi-Power and then discovered I had not set the shoulder back enough which resulted in a crush chamber fit.

 

[m.r.b]

I appreciate all the help, makes me feel better now! So if I do get lube dents down the road, is that round ok to shoot? Or should I scrap it?

 

[condor bravo]

No don't scrap them; shoot them and the dents will iron out.

 

[std7mag]

Your shorter casings does not have an effect on what your COAL should be.

I try not to lube the shoulder.
Instead of spraying lube on the whole case i use a Q-tip and lube the outside of the neck, case body and inside of the neck.
Only takes a few swipes actually.

Your crimp looks good to me.

 

[Chainsaw.]

Those rounds look great. The lube dents will disappear when you fire the cases. Keep up the good work.

 

[mikld]

IMO;
1. The first time you resize those cases they will grow an extra .005" and your
cases now won't pose any problems.
2. OAL is from the case head to the bullet nose, so a variation in case length
has no
bearing. on OAL.
3. The crimp looks OK. It looks like you are using a Lee FCD?
4. Yes, excessive lube will cause "hydraulic dents" on your brass when sizing
and they will "shoot out"...

I think I might seat the bullets so the mouth is even with the top of the crimp groove so the case neck has an easier transition into the groove. I like my Lee FCDs, for rifle cartridges, but with a lead bullet I prefer a roll crimp.

I had all my columns nice and purty, all lined up, but they go all whompy jawed when I post 'em...

 

[condor bravo]

One thing to be aware of should you buy new bulk brass (like 250 or so to a box or bag), there could be defective cases in the form of creases in the shoulder. These are obviously different than dents and will not iron out and should not be used.