JHP deformation when seating

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   Greetings,
Log time reloader here and Forum member.  I'm having a problem seating my Nosler 240 gr JHP bullets without them being deformed to the point of them looking like Roundnose bullets.  I'm using new RCBS .44 AMP tapper crimp dies and the Roundnose seating stem.  Even without a taper crimp I still get significant deformation.  Cases are new Starline brass, sized and slightly expanded for bullet seating.

Anyone else experiencing this problem?  I've never had a problem doing any of my other handgun bullets; .44 mag, .357.....

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks

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firingpn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Baby Auto Mag Joined: 28 Apr 2020 Status: Offline Points: 5	Post Options Post Reply Quote firingpn Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: JHP deformation when seating Posted: 26 Sep 2023 at 1:52am
	Greetings, Log time reloader here and Forum member. I'm having a problem seating my Nosler 240 gr JHP bullets without them being deformed to the point of them looking like Roundnose bullets. I'm using new RCBS .44 AMP tapper crimp dies and the Roundnose seating stem. Even without a taper crimp I still get significant deformation. Cases are new Starline brass, sized and slightly expanded for bullet seating. Anyone else experiencing this problem? I've never had a problem doing any of my other handgun bullets; .44 mag, .357..... Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks

firingpn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Baby Auto Mag Joined: 28 Apr 2020 Status: Offline Points: 5	Post Options Post Reply Quote firingpn Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Sep 2023 at 1:55am
	Also, I've the SWC seating stem and end up with Flat nosed bullets (no surprise.)

omie01 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Callahan's Auto Mag Joined: 05 Feb 2012 Location: Minnesota Status: Offline Points: 594	Post Options Post Reply Quote omie01 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Sep 2023 at 2:21pm
	I would measure the bullet diameter and make sure they are the .429 bullets, then I would check case diameter vs a known good bullet if you have one and see if there are any big differences. For some reason you have a lot of case neck tension, it is possible they have been resized too much, maybe check your resizing die. I love Nosler bullets and have loaded MANY of them and have never had any issues. Also maybe your bullet lot has thin jackets, or some other problem causing them to deform easily. Good Luck!!

firingpn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Baby Auto Mag Joined: 28 Apr 2020 Status: Offline Points: 5	Post Options Post Reply Quote firingpn Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 30 Sep 2023 at 1:17am
	Thanks OMIE01 All measurements in spec. I ended up starting from scratch. Only had 7 deformations. I did find some of the Starline brass had rims a few thousands over which wouldn't slide into my Lee hand priming tool. But that wasn't related to the deformation issue. Jaay

Luc V. Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Location: Belgium Status: Offline Points: 1320	Post Options Post Reply Quote Luc V. Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 30 Sep 2023 at 5:27pm
	First make sure your resizing die is not "oversize" the cases. Making them to small in diameter. (I had that issue on a couple of RCBS sizer dies) The best way to seat those type of softnose JHP bullets is to make a custom seating stem. If you have access to a lathe it's not that much trouble, If have no lathe, you might try the following: 1.Drill the original seating stem deeper and degrease it very well when done. 2.Set the seating stem upside down in a vise and fill the cavity with epoxy glue (resin). 3.Oil the bullet you want to use, and push it into the epoxy. Let dry and harden. Carefully pry the bullet out, it get off easy because of the oil and clean up the epoxy. 4. You have now a custom made seating stem to the exact bullet shape. This is however a sort of temporary help, the stem might wear out after couple of thousand settings... Hope this helps.

firingpn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Baby Auto Mag Joined: 28 Apr 2020 Status: Offline Points: 5	Post Options Post Reply Quote firingpn Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11 Oct 2023 at 11:54pm
	Thanks Luc.V I thought about doing that but figured there was an easier fix. Which appears to have solved the problem. Being a bit more accurate in my record keeping. Although, I do suspect the bras played a part in the issue. Thanks again, Jaay