james bay area Posted September 1, 2018 Share Posted September 1, 2018 Hello Everyone. I started load some 38 special bullets and i realize im not sure how far exactly I am supposed to seat the bullet. Im using the lee loader with unique powder, 158gr lead round tip bullet, coated...with 4.6gr powder I took a picture of the two I started with, for some reason they both kind of look wrong..? The bullet on the left is seated to a depth that i measured off of a 158gr perfecta round, and the bullet on the right is seated to the last rib of the lead. I tried to do a lot of reading to find my answer but it has been a very long day so i thought maybe someone here might be able to shine some light on what is probably a simple question... Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james bay area Posted September 1, 2018 Author Share Posted September 1, 2018 well after reading more i discovered the proper depth would be to crimp on the shallow line just below the ring on top of the bullet, at the same time making sure the over all length is between the specified cartridge dimensions. so i am not going to fire either of those Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayward Son Posted September 2, 2018 Share Posted September 2, 2018 My Alliant data shows .38 special with158 gr. LRN bullets and Unique powder with a COL of 1.470. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHB Posted September 3, 2018 Share Posted September 3, 2018 On 8/31/2018 at 10:51 PM, james bay area said: well after reading more i discovered the proper depth would be to crimp on the shallow line just below the ring on top of the bullet, at the same time making sure the over all length is between the specified cartridge dimensions. so i am not going to fire either of those That shallow groove is a crimp groove crimp it there and you should be good to go. I would not worry about shooting the two in the picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james bay area Posted September 3, 2018 Author Share Posted September 3, 2018 Thanks for the input, that makes me feel better moving forward.. better to be safe than sorry. Cant wait to load up more n get to the range Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted September 3, 2018 Share Posted September 3, 2018 4 minutes ago, james bay area said: Thanks for the input, that makes me feel better moving forward.. better to be safe than sorry. Cant wait to load up more n get to the range I strongly suggest a proper reloading book like the Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual. It explains all the steps in great detail, and offers a lot of reloading data for both handguns and rifles. You can easily grenade your firearm (and hand) - reloading is a fun hobby, but it requires knowledge to be on the safe side. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HH08L1A 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james bay area Posted September 5, 2018 Author Share Posted September 5, 2018 great advice, thanks! I read the lyman 45th and also the alliant 2017 re-loaders guide. great read. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minervadoe Posted September 5, 2018 Share Posted September 5, 2018 2 minutes ago, james bay area said: great advice, thanks! I read the lyman 45th and also the alliant 2017 re-loaders guide. great read. The manual notes the C.O.L. (cartridge overall length) for each bullet type. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james bay area Posted September 5, 2018 Author Share Posted September 5, 2018 yes, i saw that, thanks you.. seems a very important step definitely not to over look... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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