Shaving Bullets

[TScottW99]

Me again :roll:

Was wondering what causes bullets to shave when you seat them? I tried loading up some Nosler .308 150 grain solid base bullets in Hornady .308 match cases and it would shave copper. I have loaded only Hornady 150 grain and 165 grain SSTs in the same cases with no signs of shaving.

Thanks again from a reloading newbie.

 

[Guest]

Several things can cause shaving, but it sounds like what you're experiencing is likely related to the case mouths being a tad too sharp edged. Run a chamfer tool (preferably a "VLD" chamfer, as it cuts a deeper vee) in each case mouth, and see if that doesn't fix the problem. If it doesn't, and you're only shaving with these particular bullets, then the problem may be the bullet itself, but I kind of doubt it. I chamfer everything before I charge and seat.

 

[Ol` Joe]

I 2nd the need for chamfering your case mouths. It doesn`t take much, just a turn or two to remove the sharp edge and any burr.

 

[FOTIS]

This is what I always use.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... mid=342199

 

[Guest]

I use the same one, POP. I like mine, but I have to admit, I have looked at the RCBS VLD chamfer tool lately (wasn't available when I bought my Lyman) and I think RCBS just has a tad better 'finish' on their products. I think you can buy just the tool head, which will mount to your existing RCBS handle (if you already have one) which might save a buck or two. I think it's still about as expensive as the Lyman, though. One of these days I'm going to get one of those little hand cranks for my bench, and get a full set of heads for it, to chamfer, debur, ream and clean primer pockets, and brush case necks. One of these days...

 

[JD338]

I also chamfer my case mouths with an RCBS.

JD338

 

[TScottW99]

Thanks guys! I have an RCBS version that came with the Rock Chucker reloading kit. Via reading it said to apply this application after trimming. So far I am only reloading Hornady and Nosler brass and no trimming has been neccesary.

Even the .280 brass which has been fired three times! It is still 0.001 under minium.

I will try again with the chamfer tool and see what happens.

 

[Guest]

You might also think about purchasing a "VLD" chamfer tool, as the angle is deeper, and will give even less chance of shaving a bullet base.

 

[TScottW99]

I think you guys were right on.

I chamfered some cases and the copper shaving was barely noticable. When I get around to buying the VLD tool, I feel it will proably be all gone.