I had two bullets separate from the cases IN the action as I was unloading while hunting and dumped powder in the chamber and action. Using new Lapua brass for my 6.5x284 with Hornady match dies, Berger 140 gr. Elite Hunter. COAL at 2.920 is WAY off the lands at 0.095 so I can't understand why it would get stuck in the chamber. My loaded case width is 0.292 and I'm using the 0.289 bushing. My fired case width is 0.295 but this is new brass. Should I get a 0.288 or 0.287 bushing? Temperature was around 10 degrees. Is it possible that the cold Temps could shrink bullet and cause it to separate from the case? I've never had this problem before in any caliber and I'm stumped as to what is causing it.
Bullets separating from cases in the action
- Thread starter Lazyace
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cohunt
Well-Known Member
You sure the bullet isn't hitting the lands?
Sounds as though you have plenty of neck tension. The bullet must be hanging in the lands or possibly a dirty throat. Abullet may be clear on a clean throat but some carbon could hang it up. Had this very problem once and needed to back the bullet up a few thou. Problem cured. Keep us posted on your findings
The lands measured to 3.15. Im at 2.920
entoptics
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I can't think of any mechanism to pull the bullet from the case when unloaded, except that the bullet is stuck into the lands, a burr, or a carbon ring in the throat. Are there any marks on the bullets that might indicate what's grabbing it?
Shrinkage is highly unlikely regarding neck tension. Ran a quick calc on engineering tool box, and 100° change in temp might shrink a 30 cal bullet by 0.0005", but the brass would also shrink by about 2/3 of that, which means the difference would only be about 0.0002 give or take. Not enough to affect neck tension regardless.
Shrinkage is highly unlikely regarding neck tension. Ran a quick calc on engineering tool box, and 100° change in temp might shrink a 30 cal bullet by 0.0005", but the brass would also shrink by about 2/3 of that, which means the difference would only be about 0.0002 give or take. Not enough to affect neck tension regardless.
MNbogboy
Well-Known Member
If moisture present (snow/mist/rain) frost can grip fairly hard...although your "neck tension" should be adequate to "break" the frost. Do your bullets seat real light? If they do frost or even a carbon ring at the case mouth end of the throat could also cause this without touching the lands.
cohunt
Well-Known Member
Don't think he's using an expander since he said he's using a bushing die
very possible but i have seen a lot of guys use the expander if they don't next turn. if far from being an expert at any of this though.
it would be easy to pull the die apart and measure the expander and compare it to bullets. I also think the bullet is sticking in the barrel and getting pulled out.
David Emerson
Well-Known Member
FIRED is .295. Measure a loaded neck and get a .003 smaller bushing
cohunt
Well-Known Member
If you use an expander all with a bushing you are defeating the point, doesn't mean people don't do it though
Measured 3.15 to the lands with a Frankford Arsenal case guage.
