Fixed a simple reloading issue

I'm new to reloading.  I set up my Lee Classic Turret Press for reloading 45ACP just as the instructions said.  I watched quite a few videos on Youtube as well.  It's been going well, except I had to wipe bullet lube off of each round when I was done.  I occasionally had a small sliver of lead that would come off as well.  It was getting frustrating because it would add so much time to the reloading process and I've watched enough videos that most didn't do anything to their cases as they come out of the press.

The Lee instructions just said to "tighten expander to your liking".  I wasn't sure what to adjust to "tighten it to my liking".  I did a quick search online and found out I just needed to lower the die slightly.  I did that and now it is actually flaring the top of the case.  I think before it wasn't doing anything to the case  

I loaded another 20 rounds after the adjustment and it is a much a more enjoyable experience. 

After all of that, here is a question for you guys.  How much flare should I be getting from the expander?  I know I don't want too much as it will work the case more and the case will probably split sooner.  I have it now so when I measure the inside of the case at the mouth it measures 0.453-0.454.  I am loading 200 gr LSWC's from Dardas that are 0.452.  Does that sound right?

Thanks!
Doug

you don't need much, just enough for the base of the bullet to start easily in the case without shaving lead.

You'll know you've gone too far if the round won't fit into the bullet seating die..

Jim

Sounds about right.  The expander/flare  die needs to be set on the shortest brass you are using.  The 45 acp never gets trimmed to length, so keeping brass of the same lot together, is a good idea, i think.  A taper crimp is very forgiving on the case length. Just watch out if using a Lee seat die. The taper may turn into a roll crimp if adjusted down to far.

My general rule is to slide the brass between thumb & forefinger.  If I can feel a bell shape at the mouth, I load.  If by some chance your fingers are more sensitive than mine and FB bullets don't want to seat, just screw it down a bit more, 1/2 turn at a time. 

It's worked well for me so far with both BB and FB lead.
Al

better make that 1/16th turn at a time, it comes up quick.

Why are you lubing the cases?
Why is there so much lube that you need to wipe it off?
I consider all the concern about over-flaring cases to be over-blown. Flare enough, and then flare just a little more.

Thanks for all of the info guys..

I wasn't lubing the cases.  It was bullet lube.

Thanks!