Handgun expanding...9mm specifically but in general works too.

[Tom Tamer]

Hey guys, here's another. Trying my hand at handgun reloading. I can't find any specifics on expansion. Is there a set measurement for expanding shell casings? Can't find anything other than " enough to allow bullet to enter". Is that .001 more than bullet dia. or is there a hard number. I have been practicing on dummy rounds but I get the bullet to set on top but once I seat it in it seem to crush the wall of the bullet a little. Leaves little ripples in the copper. I assume that ain't right. Do you just keep trial and error til it slides in smooth yet tight?
 thanks

[Jim the Plumber]

Trial and error most times. You need to follow the bullet up into the seater die with your fingers and let the brass slide through your fingers as you raise the ram.
The least amout of belling the better.
Make sure to double check the loaded round for chambering after crimping.

[300rum]

Single Stage press or Progressive?

If Progressive are you seating in one step and crimping in another?  If not you should.

If you are shooting jacketed bullets your bell should be just enough for the bullet to sit in the bell, that is the best advice, just do this.  If you are shooting lead or moly coated lead, put a little more bell on your brass.

If you are crushing the case it could be from too much bell or not enough or from seating/crimping in one step instead of two, I have done it all three ways!   

[high country]

You will know if it's not enough....bullet will not reliably start into the case, and too much will possibly wrinkle the case and will split th cases in short order from too much stretching.

[h20hunter]

Just tweak it.....two much bell and you will screw up the case and end up with splits....to little and you will smoosh (my term from experience) the side of the case. Just mess with a couple pieces of brass and you will find the right amount.

[lostbackpacker]

its kinda like using a "pinch" of salt in something.  you'll know when its just right.  just trial and error.

[Tom Tamer]

Right on guys. Sounds like what I was looking for....Thanks.

[h20hunter]

Heck.....if you DON'T bugger a few cases you are probably doing something wrong.