.38 Super Resizing Issue

[1911WB]

If anyone reloads for .38 Super have you run into this- after resizing my cases oftne have a slight bulge above the rim (where the resizer doesn't go)? This prevents the case from going fully into my case gage, but the loaded rounds chamber and frie fine in my Colt Super .38. I also use the Lee factory crimp die as a final stage, but even it doesn't correct this. Any ideas/solutions?

 

[Hoser]

Roll size your brass or get an EGW undersize die.

Any chance you shoot in Pueblo?

 

[1911WB]

Follow-up on .38 Super issue

Hoser- thanks for the info. Where is the best place to get EGW stuff?
I do belong to Pueblo West Sportsman's Assoc. However, I don't get there much due to the distance from my home.

 

[Mike Irwin]

That bulge is likely where the unsupported section of the barrel is for the extractor cut.

If they chamber and fire fine, then I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[BluesBear]

Yeah I had the same problem 20 years ago when I was loading .38 Super.

The standard Lyman die set I had didn't seem to resize all the way down to the extractor groove.

I bought an RCBS carbide sizer die and it was a lot better but still not perfect.

Except for looking funky I never had a problem with any of my reloads though.

 

[Cal4D4]

I've seen the same thing in 10mm and others also. Just FWIW, Redding includes this with their carbide die sets...

"Important Note:
Carbide pistol sizing dies are not designed to full length size cases. Adjust the die to size only that portion of the case that has been expanded during firing. On some cases an undesirable ring or belt may appear near the base if the sizing die is incorrectly adjusted. This may weaken the case and is not desirable."

I've started with some fresh brass and resizing only .53 down the case on 10mm. We'll see if the belt happens with repeat loadings. It may not be a firing issue as much as a cold flow or concentric "buckling" of the brass during resizing.

edited to add: some of the worst "belted" cases I have are for .357Mag in a revolver. Won't go back in the cylinder after resizing.

 

[dickwholliday]

RCBS also makes a special die that has no chamfer on the edge and will size it........i don't have the above die so here's what i do....take an RCBS shell holder and grind the top surface away as much as you're comfortable with.....i then take all my 38 super brass, spray dillon lube on it (yes even though i'm using a carbide die) and single stage size all of it (my old RCBS junior with the case kicker makes this job very fast)......the lube makes it go through the die with almost no effort and it doesn't work the brass as much....then i wash it all with lacquer thinner.....i don't get perfect brass but it will all run in my race gun.....(however it will not drop all the way in a case guage but it runs flawlessly in my gun)....you have to learn do what works for you regardless what some yahoo like me tells you on a post.....Dick the Yahoo

 

[BigG]

You are not speaking of the "pregnant guppy" syndrome, caused by firing hot ammunition with the unsupported feed ramp, are you? That can't be fixed when the case bulges there, imho. It will be on one side of the case, not all around so its easy to diagnose. HTH.

 

[1911WB]

.38 Super

BigG- no, I'm talking about relatively mild loads.

 

[Hoser]

EGW is Evolution Gun Works in PA. George Smith makes "U-Dies" that a lot of IPSC shooters use in 40 and 38 Super.

U-dies size a little further down the case and are a touch undersize.

Roll Sizing/Case Pro, sizes the whole case and trues up the rim. I havent shot a round in four years that was not roll sized. Nor have I had an ammo related jam since. I have case pro dies for 38 special, 38 super, 9x19, 40 and 45.

You should bring your 38 Super to an IDPA or IPSC match at Pueblo. I am the match director, your first match is free. Nothing to loose...

Tom

 

[scalinghammer]

I have used EGW undersizeing die on 38 Super for years. But still there can be a problem with a small bulge into the un-supported area of the chamber into the feed ramp. I was unable to fix this with the EGW die I could ge most of it but not all of the bulge would go away. I then spend way too much money and bought a Case-Pro. I lose less than 1% down from the 20% or more. Yes I shoot heavier 38Super major loads in a hybrid barrel. But now it works and I also use the Case Pro on my 40 brass so now I have no problem with Glock brass in tight http://www.schuemann.com/ barrels.
It costs but it saves. If you shoot alot it's cheap. If you don't shoot mcuh pitch the brass.
Ed