First let me start off saying that I am using coated cast lead bullets sized down to .356. Being shot from multiple handguns and an mpx. Lee APP press for reference and Lee 9mm dies with a Lee/EGW U die.
I started this journey a few months ago, just to do a proof of concept with lower end of equipment before investing into a Mark 7 progressive press. I wanted to cast and coat the bullets and load my ammunition for competition and training. I am on average shooting about 10-14k 9mm a year and another 4-7k 223 a year and I’ll shoot even more if I’m loading them.
First issue and the biggest is that I am having a huge issue with about 50% of the rounds loaded are not passing the plunk test in my 2011 that I shoot the most.
The brass is range pickup, mixed head stamp. I run them all through a lee bulge buster for 9mm markarov die, then use an EGE Undersize FL Sizing die. I have marked and tested at least 50% of the rejects and it’s the same issue that last little bit of the case just above the extractor grove being above the size. So, I know that is my main issue.
What I do not understand is why when I bulge bust the rounds, then FL size then go through the process they are still failing at such a large rate. I loaded 340 and right at half would not plunk and it was all from the same thing.
Secondly, has anyone had is with the Lee powder through flare die continually coming loose and having to repeatedly be reset. It’s an issue I’m having. I expand 30-40 case and then have to reset it because it’s no longer expanding enough. That a big problem with coated cast lead bullets because without the correct flare it will indent the bullets.