set up Redding 9mm ST die help

[southwindva]

Loading Sierra 95 gr. FMJ[8105] on my Redding T7 press. OAL set at 1.005. I am checking each round with my Wilson case gage. I have set the taper crimp light.Only 5 of about 20 rounds would pass on the case gage. The first and last 4. Case OAL at .751
So I check the cases thru the Wilson after resizing and they are fine. Seems like at first some of the failed rounds had a slight kink below the bullet seating depth. That went away after I backed out the main body a bit. The rest of the ones that wouldn't fit the case gage did not look bad.I did not have these issues when I set up my 380 dies. Also I am all but out of threads on the bullet seating stem at 1.005 OAL.
Am I missing something ? Thanks

 

[243winxb]

A 115 gr bullet may be a better choice

the failed rounds had a slight kink below the bullet seating depth.

Kink, not normal. A bulge at the bullets base may be from seating the bullets crooked? Backing out the main body may have helped, if taper crimping to much. But then as you found out, the seating stem had to be turned down more. Normal. Maybe not the best bullet choice for a 9mm Luger?? From Sierra & your bullet.

9 mm (.355) 95 gr. FMJ https://www.sierrabullets.com/store/product.cfm/sn/8105/355-dia-9mm--95-gr-FMJ

There are many different 9mm cartridges in the world, but not all of them use bullets of .355 inch diameter. Be sure that the handgun cartridge for which you are loading uses .355 inch diameter bullets.

The main design criterion for these bullets was reliable feeding in semi-auto handguns, and they achieve that to perfection. The 95 grain #8105 bullet, first introduced as a roundnose FMJ in 1983, was changed to its current shape in 1984. It is intended for the 380 ACP but is an excellent choice for all 9 mm/.355" diameter auto-loaders where a light FMJ is desired. These bullets will give exceptional reliability and outstanding accuracy, and have been chosen by champion shooters of 9mm handguns worldwide.

The taper crimp/seating die may need a finer adjustment? I have never loaded for a 9mm Luger. So get a 2nd opinion or more.

 

[243winxb]

The seating die (ST)
includes bullet
guide, built-in
crimp ring and
the proper
seating plug.
Has the die been cleaned so the bullet guide moves freely?

 

[roval]

Maybe you need a little more crimp. The belled case mouth may still be there. Try it and see if it helps. I'd turn it partway recheck and repeat. Sometimes this happens when I have different cases.

 

[southwindva]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.I will clean the die first even thou its new. Redding does say to clean the protective film off before use.
I can see a slight crimp on the case so i know there is no bell effect going on. I also heard you can seat and crimp at 2 separate stages for more control. Not that I need to pull the lever any more than I am.[Dillion xl650 looking good about now].