9mm question

[tvc15]

I'm used to bottle neck, so this is odd to me.
Lee 4 set carbide. Seems like the sizer die tapers the case ever so slightly. and on some of mixed assortment brass (all trimmed to same size)  when I seat the bullet I can see where the base of the bullet rests.

Some brass doesn't show line, but some do.

Should I set the expander deeper?  It looks like it only goes into the brass maybe .25" and I just flare enough to guide the round.

No issues with loaded rounds entering or exiting barrel, I actually take barrel off gun and check that they will fall into chamber properly and fall out when barrel is turned over.

I've shot 500+ already with no signs of pressure or any other issues, FTF FTE or stove piping so I assume this is more cosmetic, but I am a little anal at times

TVC15

[Swampman]

I wouldn't worry about it.

[lrrice]

If your using lead bullets, that is normal because they are usually larger than bore diameter.  If your using jacketed, and its very pronounced then I would mic my sizing die and see if the carbide ring is possibly a bit to small.  I don't have a clue what the tolerances are supposed to be on a 9 but Lee could tell you if it is within their specs. 

Lee expanders are a little weird but once you get them dialed in, they seem to work fine.  its like they do nothing for the longest time then from one adjustment to the next it jumps to too much.  If your bullet starts easy and doesn't try to tilt or shave lead then your expander should be ok. 

I think that carbide tends to be a little tighter than steel dies but I could be wrong.  It seems to me that it works the brass more because it doesn't have any taper to it at all and it just sizes a small portion of the case at any given point in the stroke.  Right or wrong, I still use my steel dies on longer cases (38 357 45lc etc) cause it makes me feel better.

[JustaShooter]

The 9mm cartridge has a slight taper, so this is normal.  It is also normal to have  a very slight bulge in the case where the bullet is - sizing dies size the brass slightly smaller than SAAMI spec so that there is tension on the bullet to retain it in the case.  Depending on the actual diameter of the bullet and the diameter of the sizing die it may be more or less pronounced. 

Nothing to worry about at all for this cartridge.

Just a Shooter

[tvc15]

thanks to all, better safe than sorry.

I would have thought straight wall cases would have been more cut and dry, still learning

[stimpylu32]

thanks to all, better safe than sorry.

I would have thought straight wall cases would have been more cut and dry, still learning

Ya , maybe , kinda , sorta , straight is only a relative term , even the lowly 44 mag has a very slight taper .
 
stimpy

[cybin]

I found the same problem when I first started loading for the 9mm--usually occurs more with Federal brass and PMC in my experience. All I reload any more in 9mm is 125 gr. cast bullets. Have very little problem with Winchester, R-P, and Sellior&Bellot brass. Some of the other brass varied from time to time.
 
cybin

[tvc15]

My issues seem to be more with federal brass also.

Had to sand down trimmer pilot for the federal brass.

Could it be thicker?