reloading 9mm luger - 115gr tmj

[OnAim]

I am new to reloading, and have three calibers I am starting on:  223 rem, 9mm luger and 6.5x30-30.  I just completed 200 rounds of 9 mm, using 115 gr speer tmj bullets and once used brass of varying headstamps.  My reloading set up is a RCBS rockchucker with RCBS carbide 3-set dies (TC).  

The question I have is this.... I am not satisfied with the concentricity (if that is the right word) or alignment of the bullet in the case.  I placed a couple of rounds in my Redding trimmer, and turned the bullet to see how they looked and noticed a little wobble.  I tried several different methods of starting the bullet, but never really found a good way.  So.... any suggestions on how to properly place the bullet to achieve the best alignment?  I assume this lack of alignment will directly impact accuracy.... right?

I'm pretty new to the board...  all advise is very welcome!  thanks!  :-D

[jgalar]

The tip of your bullet seater probably doesn't match the tip of the bullet well. Before getting too upset about it try shooting the reloads, you most likely won't notice any problems. Of all the brass that I have measured  9mm brass is the most inconsistant as far as length and other tolerances. Thats why I don't measure it anymore :grin:

[Patriot_1776]

The seating plug and die body are usually self-centering; but I've had the same thing happen when I reloaded the 9mm. Here are a couple suggestions for you to try that might help reduce that look of misalignment.  One would be to watch how fast you seat the bullet.  If you seat it too fast, the brass does not have enough time to conform around the bullet.  What happens is a little bit of the case "bells" out near the heel of the bullet.  

Another thing you could try is to seat the bullet halfway, then turn the whole thing 180 degrees (approximately) and seat the rest of the way.

BTW, one thing I've started doing is seating and crimping in two steps instead of doing it all in one pass.  This helps prevent any chance of damaging the jacket (especially when using plated bullets; they generally have thinner copper skins).  I also think it helps contribute to a more consistent hold on the bullet.  Hope this helps.


-Patriot

[OnAim]

thanks for the feedback!  You are correct the seater plug and the bullet are not a good match even though the seater is labeled 9mm TMJ.  One oddity I did notice is this; the die set came with a second seater plug, but it is labeled 38 RN.  I plan to call RCBS to see if this was an error.

thanks again. matt

[Patriot_1776]

It would be safe to assume the seater plug you used is flat inside?  There are 147gr. TMJs for the 9mm that have a flat nose.  The 38 RN seater plug is not a mistake; it is most likley meant for you to use with round nose bullets.  The 38 and 9mm are very close (.357" and .355" respectively), in that the seater plug should work fine for both.  


-Patriot