Berry 124gr FP Bullets Fit SP-01 ?

[IDescribe]

... all the problems Dr. Sick had with these bullets ...

What problems?


[Mods fixed quote]

[rfogg]

In this thread https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=70367.60 DR. Sick says that he was having FTF and then he never ended it with a solution so I figured the problem just persisted and he gave up.

[rfogg]

So back to business. I have a lee 4 die set. I have no idea if that is a flat anvil, a SWC, or something else.
I will be using HP-38 and as far as purpose. I just want to shoot at the range on paper and some plinking.

I am loading 125gr BBI TC with 3.9gr hp-38, OAL 1.120.

My Lyman 50th edition gives me a
120gr LTC
OAL 1.10
2.9gr
and a
124gr Jacketed HP
OAL1.06
3.8gr

Hodgdon gives me
125gr HDY HAP
OAL1.069
2.8gn
and a
125gr LCN
OAL1.125
3.9gr

Speer gives me
124gr GDHP
OAL 1.120
4.0gr

ANd LEE gives me
125gr LB
OAL 1.125
3.9gr

Since I'm going to be down in the 1.065 range OAL. I was thinking Hodgdon load data for HDy HAP would be the place to start with 2.8gr since the published OAL is 1.069. I know it is a jacketed bullet and not plated but 3.9gr for a lead bullet load seems way to hot for that short of and OAL.

I'm also wondering since it is a hollow back bullet won't that free up some space in the case for powder and help keep pressure down or is it just not enough to make any significant difference?

[Wobbly]

I remember that thread now.

New reloader. Bought volume components without consulting anyone. Trying to use Unique as a first time powder. New gun... might not even be "broken in" or properly lubricated. Questions about every detail that went on for 6 pages. Hadn't bothered to read the Stickies. Had issues with following written instructions.

I mean really. What could go wrong ??!!


We graciously and patiently answered every question. Then he disappeared. IMHO, that guy simply needed to sit down in person with a mentor. Some people are just that way. People learn different ways, apparently he would be better off with someone looking over his shoulder. That's not a slight or a jab, that's simply the truth about how people learn. Admit it. If this team can't get you happy in 3 pages, then something is amiss.

And BTW, the laugh was about the screen name, and not the person. We're mature enough to be able to separate the 2.

Back to YOUR issues and concerns. You never told us what brand Seating Die you were using.

 

[rfogg]

It's a Lee 4 die set. I don't know what category that falls into. Also this guy has 8lbs. of HS-6 that he wants $130. What are your opinions on HS-6?

[Wobbly]

So back to business. I have a lee 4 die set.

You answered the die question while I was typing.

? Do yourself a favor and set the Factory Crimp Die aside. Read the Stickie on Taper Crimp and order the taper crimp die suggested at the end.

? The Lee Seating Die is optimized for everything, meaning it isn't very good at anything. But it's adequate for this beginner exercise.

 

[rfogg]

Ok I edited my last post while you where typing so I'll ask again here in case you don't see it. Also this guy has 8lbs. of HS-6 that he wants $130. What are your opinions on HS-6?

I have read alot about how i should get the taper crimp and do plan to but I was hoping the sneak by for a while with the FCD, but I guess I will change that out sooner rather than later.

[rfogg]

Didn't realize the die was that cheap. It's on the way. Thanks again you guys are great!

[rfogg]

And BTW, the laugh was about the screen name, and not the person. We're mature enough to be able to separate the 2.

Back to YOUR issues and concerns. You never told us what brand Seating Die you were using.

 

I was talking about my teeth Chattering because I'm Scared. My teeth only chatter during ice fishing season! Can't wait!

[Wobbly]

I don't think you'll be very happy with HS-6. It's one of the most accurate powders I ever tested, but in my load range it was even dirtier than Unique. Leaves a big mess. In something like 357Mag, 38 Super or 10mm it might do really well.

Stick with W231/Hp-38, WSF, N320, N330, Sport Pistol, Silhouette, Ba9, even BE-86 for 9mm.

[painter]

Ok Have your fun.

If it isn't fun...

why do it?

Just sayin'

[jwc007]

I don't think you'll be very happy with HS-6. It's one of the most accurate powders I ever tested, but in my load range it was even dirtier than Unique. Leaves a big mess. In something like 357Mag, 38 Super or 10mm it might do really well.

Stick with W231/Hp-38, WSF, N320, N330, Sport Pistol, Silhouette, Ba9, even BE-86 for 9mm.

Generally true! 

The only loads in 9mm where HS-6 works really well are heavy 147 grain JHP's and max, or close to max, 115 and 124 grain loadings.  It has also been known to be the darling of the +P loading crowd, who hopefully have their Life Insurance paid up. 

My only real uses for HS-6 is for 147 grain loadings in 9mm and 125 grain JHP loadings in .357 Magnum.

[Wobbly]

I was talking about my teeth Chattering because I'm Scared. My teeth only chatter during ice fishing season! Can't wait!

There's an easy solution for that too. You can put your bait in your mouth. That will stop the teeth from chattering AND keep your worms warm !

 

[rfogg]

Ok so I'm back. I got my bullets and did my push test. I come up with 1.064. Minus my .015 and I come up with 1.049, so I loaded up 10 dummy rounds to 1.050". Tested and they all cycle through. So the berry's bullet is 0.535 [long], my average case length from the range brass that I pick up is 0.745". If I add that together I get 1.280, now I subtract 1.050 oal from that and I come up with .23 bullet seat depth. I do the same procedure for the BBI fn 125 gr bullets that I am loading now and get .235 seat depth. I hope that what I just said makes sense because it does in my head. So anyway my question is since both bullets are being seated in the case to the same depth that means the case would have the same volume for powder and I should be able to use the same 3.9gr of hp-38 for both bullets right? Or am I just completely out of my mind?

I'm still waiting for that taper crimp. They sent me the wrong one I was trying it out on my BBI bullets and messed up about a dozen making all kinds of adjustments before I finally checked the base of the die and saw that it was for a 32 S&W L. That brings me to my next question. I barely flare the case and when I'm done seating the bullet I end up with .378-.379 at the case mouth, do I even need to crimp with that kind of measurement?



[Mods added text for clarity]

[tdogg]

You may very well end up at the same load but you have to work them up to ensure they are safe.  Anytime you use a new bullet or powder (or primer) you should start and work up the load.

Performing the seating depth calculation is a good first step to ensuring your safety.  Its a helpful metric to keep track of when loading.

I would still taper crimp just because the flare is a function of case length, longer cases will have more flare.  If you end up with a long case in the mix you could get into trouble.

Why aren't you expanding/flaring the mouth more?  If you don't flare enough you can shave off the bullet coating during bullet seating and cause issues with leading, debris jamming up the press, loss of accuracy, etc...  In 9mm you shouldn't worry about over working the case, they are so abundant you should never have to purchase brass.  I swear I've picked up >2k in my last few trips to shooting pit.  I also picked up >500 lake city 5.56!

Cheers,
Toby