case mouth expansion necessary?

[sandman]

been handloading for rifle about 5-6 years, and i'm ready to make the step to loading for my 40 s&w (h&k usp compact--i checked with the manufacturer and the case head is fully supported). i plan on using jhp's, either from nosler or speer.

is flaring the case mouth necessary when using jacketed bullets? it seems like a lot more stress on the brass (as well as an extra step on my single stage press).

if so, it might be time to start looking for a progressive press...

[Adam Helmer]

sandman,

Welcome to the Forum. Handgun cases seem to need some degree of flaring for bullet seating; for both cast and jacketed bullets. A progressive press has dies that will flare pistol brass. The taper crimp removes the flare, if that is a concern. Hope this helps.

Adam

[Rocky Raab]

Yup, you're gonna have to flare them, at least a little. If you size a case and then hold a bullet to the mouth, you'll see that the bullet base hangs over the case mouth all round!

The expander then bumps the case out a bit, and a small shoulder on the expander plug imparts a small flare. Adjust that until the rounded base of the bullet JUST goes inside the flare. Correctly adjusted, you'll get the maximum amount of case neck tension without shaving off any jacket material or buckling the case.

Then (as mentioned) the taper crimp will smooth out that flare.

[HPBTMTCH]

It`s the way the seater plug is made. The pistol seater is round, so the bullet tips in the case when you try to seat it. When i load pointed bullets into my 357 max, i switch to a .358 seater plug, and i don`t have to flare the case.