Just starting... need help

[steveahrens1]

I'm very new to reloading, as a matter of fact I started last night. Anyway, I'm reloading 30-30 Win. and ran into a problem last night. After seating the bullet, there is a small bulge around the top of the brass. Don't know why this happens, but I figured it's not good. Any help would be appreciated.

Steve

[gearheadpyro]

Any way you could post a picture? (easiest way I know is to put in on photobucket, then put their code on here)

Also, what kind of dies are you using?

[necchi]

Seating die too close to the case holder,,too far down.

sounds like ya crimped it too tight, then pushed the crimped bullet down too hard on the case.

Loosen the seater die way up,,Put an un-loaded case on the holder, and run the ram all the way up then turn the die down till it just touches the case, then back it off a half turn.(or more)
Now you can seat the bullet.
If you want a crimp, and I think you do if it's a lever action. After seating your bullets, turn the bullet seater pin way high so it won't contact the bullet, then re-set the die to crimp the case to the bullet..
Make sence?
Until you gain more time on the press, it's easier to seat and crimp in 2 different stages.

[lphhunter]

im new to reloading also but i had a simular problem and found that to much lube around the neck caused my brass to dent around the shoulder. when i wipe the neck and shoulder clean from lube before resizing it no longer did this.

[Blowtorch53]

Too much crimp I would bet without seeing it.  This is very common with the soft, long necked .30-30 brass.  Too much pressure on the press will also buldge the case at the lower junction of the shoulder, sometimes so little you can't see it but you can feel it with your fingers.  When you get ready to shoot them, they won't chamber.  This is a voice of experience!  (the hard way)  .30-30 is really a good caliber to start your reloading career.  It is more difficult than a lot of other calibers because of the things I mentioned above.  All newcomers tend to over do things like crimping.  A slight crimp can be tested by taking the loaded round and pushing it bullet first into side of your bench.  A gentle push, not with brute force.  The bullet should not move.  That's plenty.  My advice is to go slow and be gentle.  You will be rewarded with great ammo. and the satisfaction of shooting your handy work.  Dee