SmallCaliberCentral

I had a keyholing problem also with a T/C Encore SS in .204 Ruger and narrowed it down to excessive neck tension. Some neck dies (and full length dies also) are sizing the necks down excessively; expanders dont always correct the problem. The results are the bullet gets damaged when seated. That is why the smart choice is the bushing die (no more expander) where YOU can control the amount of neck tension. Use a bushing die in addition to a 28 or 30 degree VLD case mouth chamfering tool and you wont damage the bullets in the seating process. BTW be sure to brush out the inside of the case neck to remove carbon deposits when using the bushing die. Pull a bullet or two and see if it has been damaged in the seating process, you may be surprised at what you find.