Reloading .32 SWL Wadcutters

by Hoot , Diversityville, Liberal-sota, Tuesday, April 08, 2014, 15:13 (3888 days ago)

I picked up a wadcutter gun to shoot in our little pistol league. Everybody and their brother is out of HBWC's so that is not an option. I did manage to pick up some DEWC's of two makes. Problems began immediately.

I am using some Lee dies originally purchased (and work well for) the .32 H&R Magnum. A little adjusting, and they were set for the shorter case. During bullet seating, nearly every case will end up with an annular bulge right at the base of the bullet. Of course, this plays havoc with chambering.

For expediency, I ran bulged cases back into the sizer die. I suspect this reduces the bullet diameter overly much as they will punch the target sideways at 7 yards. Ammo that will chamber without the second trip through the sizer fly nose first just fine. And make tiny little groups as well!

I've tried belling more and less. A bit more bell and it seems to reduce the problem but it is still not eliminated. I am leaning towards the expander. It measures .309" and bullets are .314".

I called Lee and they insist their product is faultless and related that "the boss shoots a Walther and he has no troubles".

A bit of 'net searching didn't reveal any real solutions so I am left wondering...
--Will another set of dies work out better?
--Along the same lines, should a larger expander be used?
--Would the Lyman M-Die solve this?
--Will the Lee Factory Crimp Die undersize the bullet much like the sizer?
--Any other suggestions?

Thank you!