338 Norma Sizing die issue .200 line

Dirty30

FNG
Joined
Dec 9, 2024
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Having issues with my 3x Fired 338 Norma Mag Lapua brass. Shot my last year load the other day (88.2gn H1000, 300gn Berger 2820fps) and had heavy bolt lift so I decided to redo my powder ladder and from starting point (86gn) I had heavy bolt lift. Started looking at brass better and sure enough around that .200 line my brass is scratched up, even the un-shot loads (2x). I ran my ladder up to 88.6 with very slight ejector mark. Im using Whidden dies.
SO my question, Does anyone know of a die manufacture that sizes a bit more then Whidden at the base?? Or should I invest in roller sizer?
Here's my current specs, Defiance action, 30" proof. Fed215M, H1000, 300gn Elite Hunters: 86gn=2770fps, 86.8gn 2810fps, 88gn 2837fps, 88.4gn 2860fps slight ejector mark. This is a new lot of powder so I will need to lower my old 88.2 load. But not sure what to do. I dont think im over pressure with the lower charges but im still getting heavy lift, which I can deal with if needed but I would like to get it where im not having heavy bolt. Any insight or help is appreciated!
Find new die? Roller sizer (spendy) Deal with it till I have to scrap brass??

ThanksIMG_5166.jpegIMG_5165.jpeg
 
I believe it’s the die. New Lapua brass measures .580. These 3x fired are .5870. I’ll call whidden tomorrow. That’s growing 7hou..
 
I'd say. 008 head expansion is kind of extreme. More pressure than the cases can handle. I would reduce the powder charge or go to a slower powder. Just my opinion.
 
I'd say. 008 head expansion is kind of extreme. More pressure than the cases can handle. I would reduce the powder charge or go to a slower powder. Just my opinion.
I rechecked measurements and its growing 6.5-7 thou from new. Found my old RCBS Die and it squeezes that 200 line down 2 thou more then Whidden. So I think I found a solution.. Thanks
 
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