Flat Base Bullets Issue

[MikeyS]

Hi All,
I've been reloading the 5.7 for a while now and have only had a couple issues with it. The first was from the get go with RCBS dies. The expanding ball appeared to be too narrow a diameter (.223?) and I crushed just about every neck. I took the expander ball out of my RCBS 5.56/.223 dies (.224) and solved that issue. I wrote RCBS for a replacement expander ball and was met with the same issue. So not sure what the deal is there.

The second issue was with flat based bullets, and this may be because of the early RCBS dies that I have. Are there any tips on getting the bullet to properly align with the case mouth while seating? I crush or deform almost as many cases as with the expander ball issue. I'm thinking Lee makes a bullet seating die that has a different alignment method. Has anyone else had this problem with flat base bullets and how did you solve it.

Thanks in advance.

[panzermk2]

It's the RCBS dies. While they are a great die maker, I have over 20 to 30 sets of them, their 5.7x28mm dies are shit.

The best are CH4D, second best Hornady.

LEE suck also now.

[MikeyS]

Well this is disheartening. CH4D is expensive and I couldn't even find a 5.7x28mm on Hornady's website. Do CH4D dies even fit a RCBS press?

EDIT: Ok I did find a Hornady set on Amazon. It wasn't cheap either. Guess my choices are limited if I want to use flat base bullets tho.

[Grantness]

I recently found Hornady custom grade 5.7 dies on Amazon. They work great. Also Lee makes a Universal Neck Expander die that I’ve used successfully in the past.

[MikeyS]

Midway has the die set for much less than Amazon so I will probably go that route.
Is the problem improper case mouth sizing or its just difficult getting that smaller flat base bullet to line up?

[panzermk2]

While flat base can get tricking it's improper case mouth sizing.

RCBS makes some of the best dies money can make but some of them still suck. Their 5.7 suck.

CH4D you get what you pay for. This is why they are the only dies sets EA normally re-sells.
Second best is Hornady but NO crimp.

After these I would NOT buy from any other manufacture.

[MikeyS]

Got a set of Hornady dies bookmarked, just waiting for some coin now.
What powder/load/bullet weight do you guys prefer. I've worked up some Unique, Green Dot and Bullseye loads so far because its what I have on hand. Going to try some AA#5 and some lead loads next, but not until I get flat based bullets to work.

[panzermk2]

Do a dig dive into the reloading section. All sorts of vetted data just sitting there waiting for you.

[Buffman]

are you applying a nice internal neck chamfer?

[MikeyS]

Hopefully the new dies will help with that. Tried a chamfering tool and it really didnt make a difference.

[MikeyS]

Hornady dies ordered from Midway. Hope this solves the issue. Really want to be able to load some lead practice loads.

[MikeyS]

Got the Hornady dies set up today. Holy cow what a difference. Flat based jacketed bullets and cast lead just slid right in. Most impressive! Has anyone worked up any 55gn gas checked cast loads? I've got Unique, Bullseye, Green Dot, SR7625, Re7, 296 and 748 on tap.

[panzermk2]

It's as if the guy who has loaded over 10 million rounds of 5.7 might actuality know what he is talking about when it comes to loading 5.7..............................................Forum sarcasm font LOL

[MikeyS]

It's as if the guy who has loaded over 10 million rounds of 5.7 might actuality know what he is talking about when it comes to loading 5.7..............................................Forum sarcasm font LOL

Not sure where the sarcasm fits, but I found no cast pistol loads with the powders I've listed. Trying to use what I have is all.

[panzermk2]

About the dies, like I have said for years the Hornady are the second best dies money can buy after the CH4D die sets. Plus you can buy the CH4D crimp die separately and pair it up with the Hornady. The CH4D is hands down the best crimp die money can buy.

[MikeyS]

The Hornady dies are far less expensive and work beautifully. Working up cast loads have been a breeze. Will post some loads using Bullsye soon. Need to do some chronograph work today.

[JohnG]

My Redding dies are flawless. Never cared much for Hornady dies. I gave my sizer a very light polish and it’s like butter. I have never had any issues seating flat base bullets but a chamfer is ABSOLUTELY necessary for smooth seating.

[MikeyS]

I had a few problems recently loading cast bullets but I'm thinking it was more to do with a build up of cast bullet lube than the lack of a chamfer. Going to pay more attention to that with my next batch of cast bullets.

[panzermk2]

My Redding dies are flawless. Never cared much for Hornady dies. I gave my sizer a very light polish and it’s like butter. I have never had any issues seating flat base bullets but a chamfer is ABSOLUTELY necessary for smooth seating.

Glad they are working out for you. I threw both of my sets in the scrap pile years ago. Again the Hornady are second best 5.7 dies money can buy.

[MikeyS]

My Redding dies are flawless. Never cared much for Hornady dies. I gave my sizer a very light polish and it’s like butter. I have never had any issues seating flat base bullets but a chamfer is ABSOLUTELY necessary for smooth seating.

Glad they are working out for you. I threw both of my sets in the scrap pile years ago. Again the Hornady are second best 5.7 dies money can buy.

Have you had any issues with the Hornady dies stripping off the polymer coating in spots while resizing. I've had a few cases come out with what looked to be the coating rubbed off in just a small spot.

[panzermk2]

Of the 10 or sets of Hornady I have used I have not had to polish any of the re sizer dies. Does not mean a little mothers polish can't hurt.