Hey everyone, being relatively new to reloading, I've been experiencing a problem lately that I'm not sure what to make of.
Let me first say that my first several batches of .38s and .357 were wonderful. I was reloading once fired CCI Bronze/Federal/Winchester brass with either Winchester SJHPs or Hornady XTPs. Then I bought a few hundred new Win .357 cases. With the new cases, I've been getting this problem where when seating the bullets (to the same depth, haven't changed the dies, using Lee quick change bushings on a Lee press) the entire crushes a little bit. Basically, the cases feels ribbed like a condom when it happens. Sometimes it's not much and they still chamber easily, others don't.
Now, I'm assuming it's just an issue with the new cases, because since they haven't been fired they're a more snug fit, but is there anything I can do to prevent it? Would some bullet/case lube help? Any recommendations on a brand? I haven't tried it yet due to fear of the bullets coming loose under recoil, but I due have the Lee taper crimp die if that would be enough to hold them securely. Also, do you reckon it'd be safe to fire the "ribbed" cases as long as they chamber smoothly? My thoughts are that firing them will smooth them out and resizing will get everything up to snuff. Just wanted to get some more experienced opinions.
Thanks guys.
Let me first say that my first several batches of .38s and .357 were wonderful. I was reloading once fired CCI Bronze/Federal/Winchester brass with either Winchester SJHPs or Hornady XTPs. Then I bought a few hundred new Win .357 cases. With the new cases, I've been getting this problem where when seating the bullets (to the same depth, haven't changed the dies, using Lee quick change bushings on a Lee press) the entire crushes a little bit. Basically, the cases feels ribbed like a condom when it happens. Sometimes it's not much and they still chamber easily, others don't.
Now, I'm assuming it's just an issue with the new cases, because since they haven't been fired they're a more snug fit, but is there anything I can do to prevent it? Would some bullet/case lube help? Any recommendations on a brand? I haven't tried it yet due to fear of the bullets coming loose under recoil, but I due have the Lee taper crimp die if that would be enough to hold them securely. Also, do you reckon it'd be safe to fire the "ribbed" cases as long as they chamber smoothly? My thoughts are that firing them will smooth them out and resizing will get everything up to snuff. Just wanted to get some more experienced opinions.
Thanks guys.