Last night I played around a bit and found that if I increased to COL to 3.61 it held just fine. The problem is it then is too long for the magazine. It fits fine in the chamber. Still trying to figure out how to adjust the expander, the RCBS instructions are not really clear. Thanks-Karl

Karl, does your rifle still have the spacer in the back of the magazine? You should be able to get 3.65 out of it, as I said. That would solve your bullet grip and col problems at the same time. I'll pull a Model 70 out of the cabinet and tear it apart and see if I can't send you some better instructions. - Dan

I have always used Hornady but as they are no longer being made I thought Woodleigh would be a good (great) substitute. I am limited to a COL of about 3.57" due to the magazine and am finding that when I seat the bullets they can be easily pushed into the case with finger pressure. It seems as if I am trying to seat before the maximum taper of the bullet (ogive?). Do I need to buy a Lee taper crimp die or are there any suggestions out there. Thanks-Karl

Karl, what rifle is your 8 mag built on? I would think that you could open up the magazine box for a little more room fairly easily. Other then that, the only other thing I can think of is a crimp. - dan

Sierra's 220 grain is an excellent substitute for the old 220 Hornady (they actually shoot much better in both of my 8 Mags).

Lee Martin
www.singleactions.como

What die are you using to resize the brass? Evidently your neck is not being sized enough to hold the bullet firmly. I'd have a look at your die. What is the diameter of the bullets you're trying to use? Are they the same diameter as the Hornadys you previously used?

Dan-It's a Model 70 that was rebarreled and rechambered from 7 mag to 8 mag. Can I crimp the bullet even though there is no cannelure?

Yes, but you may have accuracy issues because of it. Hard to say tho', I've had some that worked fine and others that were all over the place. I think the Lee crimp dies would be best for this, I'm not sure if they make one for the 8 Mag tho'. You should be able to open up the magazine box to allow a 3.65" COL on a Model 70. Is the 250 gr Woodleigh of a length that crimping would be easier seated further out? Or is the bullet designed with the 8 Mauser or X 68 in mind? Either of these situations would bear on crimping the bullet. I've tried the 220 gr Sierra, it IS more accurate then the Hornady in my 8 Mag, but I'm not sure they are as tough a bullet. I'll try putting one thru a bison or moose this fall and see how they work. I really wish Nosler would make a 220-225 gr Partition in this caliber. - Dan

Dan- the bullet is actually the same length as the Hornady 220 gr. I previously used Sierras and found the same problem as I am having with the Woodleigh. Am I possibly doing something wrong with my technique? Karl

I think maybe Val has hit on your problem. The die probably isn't sizing the neck quite enough for these bullets. Mic the bullets and the necks (sized and fired) and let us know what you come up with. - Dan

You might try measuring the diameter of the expander on your sizing die. It may be slightly oversized (for this bullet). Try reducing it slightly for a tighter grip on the bullet.

Bob