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 Case wont load into gun. I think i figured out why.. now how to fix it
JMichael99  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 8:41:48 PM
The case body is slightly longer than a case that will chamber. i sat them side by side and the body of the one case is longer (before the bend for the shoulder)

now. How can i fix this issue? I do FL resize everything


ill try to get a pic
Him  [Member]
5/30/2012 8:55:29 PM
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
The case body is slightly longer than a case that will chamber. i sat them side by side and the body of the one case is longer (before the bend for the shoulder)

now. How can i fix this issue? I do FL resize everything


ill try to get a pic


Unless I misunderstand your explanation, you need to screw the die in further to set the shoulder back. Also, buy (or borrow) a case gauge, don't use your chamber as a case gauge.

JMichael99  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 8:57:04 PM
Originally Posted By Him:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
The case body is slightly longer than a case that will chamber. i sat them side by side and the body of the one case is longer (before the bend for the shoulder)

now. How can i fix this issue? I do FL resize everything


ill try to get a pic


Unless I misunderstand your explanation, you need to screw the die in further to set the shoulder back. Also, buy (or borrow) a case gauge, don't use your chamber as a case gauge.



it already has a firm cam over

im ordering a gauge
P08  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 9:04:27 PM

Originally Posted By Him:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
The case body is slightly longer than a case that will chamber. i sat them side by side and the body of the one case is longer (before the bend for the shoulder)

now. How can i fix this issue? I do FL resize everything


ill try to get a pic


Unless I misunderstand your explanation, you need to screw the die in further to set the shoulder back. Also, buy (or borrow) a case gauge, don't use your chamber as a case gauge.

A stuck live round is a SOB to get out, I paid a dumbass my gunsmith that is to remove it. He drilled around the primer and then tapped and pulled it. A $75 mistake.

Him  [Member]
5/30/2012 9:05:40 PM
Originally Posted By JMichael99:


it already has a firm cam over



Say that a different way, I have no idea what you are talking about.

JMichael99  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 9:06:43 PM
Originally Posted By P08:

Originally Posted By Him:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
The case body is slightly longer than a case that will chamber. i sat them side by side and the body of the one case is longer (before the bend for the shoulder)

now. How can i fix this issue? I do FL resize everything


ill try to get a pic


Unless I misunderstand your explanation, you need to screw the die in further to set the shoulder back. Also, buy (or borrow) a case gauge, don't use your chamber as a case gauge.

A stuck live round is a SOB to get out, I paid a dumbass my gunsmith that is to remove it. He drilled around the primer and then tapped and pulled it. A $75 mistake.



these are empty cases
JMichael99  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 9:08:57 PM
Originally Posted By Him:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:


it already has a firm cam over



Say that a different way, I have no idea what you are talking about.



when i get near the bottom of the stroke the ram touches the die. to complete the downward stroke i have to to give a little effort,.

hope that is better?
Him  [Member]
5/30/2012 9:20:10 PM
You got me.

I have no clue why you cannot run a full length die far enough into the press to set the shoulder back far enough so that the rounds chamber.

I'm in for the answer, who has the popcorn?
Trollslayer  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 9:33:41 PM
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
The case body is slightly longer than a case that will chamber. i sat them side by side and the body of the one case is longer (before the bend for the shoulder)

now. How can i fix this issue? I do FL resize everything


ill try to get a pic


If I understand you correctly, your cases are too long (measured case head to neck opening). They need to be trimmed to an appropriate (shorter) length.
JMichael99  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 10:05:02 PM
Originally Posted By Trollslayer:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
The case body is slightly longer than a case that will chamber. i sat them side by side and the body of the one case is longer (before the bend for the shoulder)

now. How can i fix this issue? I do FL resize everything


ill try to get a pic


If I understand you correctly, your cases are too long (measured case head to neck opening). They need to be trimmed to an appropriate (shorter) length.


incorrect. they are trimmed

im talking case head up to the where the shoulder starts
BroadSideOfADime  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 10:07:16 PM
Originally Posted By Trollslayer:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
The case body is slightly longer than a case that will chamber. i sat them side by side and the body of the one case is longer (before the bend for the shoulder)

now. How can i fix this issue? I do FL resize everything


ill try to get a pic


If I understand you correctly, your cases are too long (measured case head to neck opening). They need to be trimmed to an appropriate (shorter) length.


If his headspace is too long (need to bump shoulder back further), and you are already camming over (and the die is adjusted properly), the next step would be to shave some material off either the shellholder or die.

Personally, I would modify the $6 part (shellholder) instead of the $30 part (die). Grind a few thousands off the top of the shellholder and see if that gives you enough shoulder bump to chamber.
JMichael99  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 10:09:15 PM
Originally Posted By BroadSideOfADime:
Originally Posted By Trollslayer:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
The case body is slightly longer than a case that will chamber. i sat them side by side and the body of the one case is longer (before the bend for the shoulder)

now. How can i fix this issue? I do FL resize everything


ill try to get a pic


If I understand you correctly, your cases are too long (measured case head to neck opening). They need to be trimmed to an appropriate (shorter) length.


If his headspace is too long (need to bump shoulder back further), and you are already camming over (and the die is adjusted properly), the next step would be to shave some material off either the shellholder or die.

Personally, I would modify the $6 part (shellholder) instead of the $30 part (die). Grind a few thousands off the top of the shellholder and see if that gives you enough shoulder bump to chamber.



i can try that. the only question i have is how will that affect the other cases that are ok when i go to resize nextime
BroadSideOfADime  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 10:12:14 PM
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
Originally Posted By BroadSideOfADime:
Originally Posted By Trollslayer:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
The case body is slightly longer than a case that will chamber. i sat them side by side and the body of the one case is longer (before the bend for the shoulder)

now. How can i fix this issue? I do FL resize everything


ill try to get a pic


If I understand you correctly, your cases are too long (measured case head to neck opening). They need to be trimmed to an appropriate (shorter) length.


If his headspace is too long (need to bump shoulder back further), and you are already camming over (and the die is adjusted properly), the next step would be to shave some material off either the shellholder or die.

Personally, I would modify the $6 part (shellholder) instead of the $30 part (die). Grind a few thousands off the top of the shellholder and see if that gives you enough shoulder bump to chamber.



i can try that. the only question i have is how will that affect the other cases that are ok when i go to resize nextime


Another issue could be case lube. Are you lubing inside case neck when sizing? If not, you could be pulling neck out when withdrawing expander ball through neck opening, thus, dragging the shoulder back with the expander.

This only happens with certain cases? How many firings on the brass? Work hardened brass could be your problem too.
JMichael99  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 10:15:53 PM
Originally Posted By BroadSideOfADime:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
Originally Posted By BroadSideOfADime:
Originally Posted By Trollslayer:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
The case body is slightly longer than a case that will chamber. i sat them side by side and the body of the one case is longer (before the bend for the shoulder)

now. How can i fix this issue? I do FL resize everything


ill try to get a pic


If I understand you correctly, your cases are too long (measured case head to neck opening). They need to be trimmed to an appropriate (shorter) length.


If his headspace is too long (need to bump shoulder back further), and you are already camming over (and the die is adjusted properly), the next step would be to shave some material off either the shellholder or die.

Personally, I would modify the $6 part (shellholder) instead of the $30 part (die). Grind a few thousands off the top of the shellholder and see if that gives you enough shoulder bump to chamber.



i can try that. the only question i have is how will that affect the other cases that are ok when i go to resize nextime


Another issue could be case lube. Are you lubing inside case neck when sizing? If not, you could be pulling neck out when withdrawing expander ball through neck opening, thus, dragging the shoulder back with the expander.

This only happens with certain cases? How many firings on the brass? Work hardened brass could be your problem too.


range pick ups and 200 rounds i got from the EE last week

im using spray lube. iv also used a lube pad and lubed inside each neck and had the same issue.
BroadSideOfADime  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 10:26:41 PM
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
Originally Posted By BroadSideOfADime:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
Originally Posted By BroadSideOfADime:
Originally Posted By Trollslayer:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
The case body is slightly longer than a case that will chamber. i sat them side by side and the body of the one case is longer (before the bend for the shoulder)

now. How can i fix this issue? I do FL resize everything


ill try to get a pic


If I understand you correctly, your cases are too long (measured case head to neck opening). They need to be trimmed to an appropriate (shorter) length.


If his headspace is too long (need to bump shoulder back further), and you are already camming over (and the die is adjusted properly), the next step would be to shave some material off either the shellholder or die.

Personally, I would modify the $6 part (shellholder) instead of the $30 part (die). Grind a few thousands off the top of the shellholder and see if that gives you enough shoulder bump to chamber.



i can try that. the only question i have is how will that affect the other cases that are ok when i go to resize nextime


Another issue could be case lube. Are you lubing inside case neck when sizing? If not, you could be pulling neck out when withdrawing expander ball through neck opening, thus, dragging the shoulder back with the expander.

This only happens with certain cases? How many firings on the brass? Work hardened brass could be your problem too.


range pick ups and 200 rounds i got from the EE last week

im using spray lube. iv also used a lube pad and lubed inside each neck and had the same issue.


The two possibilities I see (there may be others) are lube problem or work hardened brass problem. Lube problem: no neck lube = expander ball dragging shoulder back. Work hardened brass problem = too many firings -> work hardened brass -> brass springs back after sizing.

Lube problem fix = lube necks. Work hardened brass fix = anneal neck. It sounds like you thing the neck lube isn't the problem.

Do you have any other brass to size that you know the history behind? Is it only the range brass with the problem, or only the EE brass?
JMichael99  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 10:31:05 PM
Originally Posted By BroadSideOfADime:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
Originally Posted By BroadSideOfADime:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
Originally Posted By BroadSideOfADime:
Originally Posted By Trollslayer:
Originally Posted By JMichael99:
The case body is slightly longer than a case that will chamber. i sat them side by side and the body of the one case is longer (before the bend for the shoulder)

now. How can i fix this issue? I do FL resize everything


ill try to get a pic


If I understand you correctly, your cases are too long (measured case head to neck opening). They need to be trimmed to an appropriate (shorter) length.


If his headspace is too long (need to bump shoulder back further), and you are already camming over (and the die is adjusted properly), the next step would be to shave some material off either the shellholder or die.

Personally, I would modify the $6 part (shellholder) instead of the $30 part (die). Grind a few thousands off the top of the shellholder and see if that gives you enough shoulder bump to chamber.



i can try that. the only question i have is how will that affect the other cases that are ok when i go to resize nextime


Another issue could be case lube. Are you lubing inside case neck when sizing? If not, you could be pulling neck out when withdrawing expander ball through neck opening, thus, dragging the shoulder back with the expander.

This only happens with certain cases? How many firings on the brass? Work hardened brass could be your problem too.


range pick ups and 200 rounds i got from the EE last week

im using spray lube. iv also used a lube pad and lubed inside each neck and had the same issue.


The two possibilities I see (there may be others) are lube problem or work hardened brass problem. Lube problem: no neck lube = expander ball dragging shoulder back. Work hardened brass problem = too many firings -> work hardened brass -> brass springs back after sizing.

Lube problem fix = lube necks. Work hardened brass fix = anneal neck. It sounds like you thing the neck lube isn't the problem.

Do you have any other brass to size that you know the history behind? Is it only the range brass with the problem, or only the EE brass?


both have issues.

I have about 400 other rounds that are just fine. some of these are range pick up or fired from a factory box

the EE brass was sealed. looks like he got it from a company that sells used brass
dryflash3  [Moderator]
5/30/2012 10:39:51 PM
You need to lower your sizing die a little more. 1/16 of a turn at a time.

Also lube the necks.

Getting a case gauge would be a good idea.
mafeders  [Team Member]
5/30/2012 11:15:07 PM
Redding makes a competition shellholder set with varying thickness shellholders to adjust cartridge headspace. Link to Shellholder set - the product at the link is for .308/30-06, but they make sets for other calibers.

I have this set and used it to adjust my sizing operation when loading for my M1A.

I'm assuming you are reloading a bottleneck rifle cartridge on a single stage press. If not, please disregard.

Good luck.

steve4102  [Member]
5/31/2012 7:36:01 AM
Sorry, deleted.

Chrome308  [Member]
5/31/2012 9:44:30 AM
Camming over is NOT the end of the story on adjusting your full length sizing die. Re-read your manufactuer instructions and post them here if you have any questions.

My money is on the sizing die not being adjusted properly, but give us a little more info:

What die, and what barrel & chamber? And please consider ditching the one-shot spray lube. Its as good as worthless if its still wet when you resize. It works well when used correctly, but many many people dont use it right (myself included). Get some sizing wax instead. Wax is nearly impossible to screw up.

tommee-boy-72  [Member]
5/31/2012 1:21:12 PM
Try this. Lube a case that you are having problems with. Size the case but do not lower the ram. Look to see where the top of the shell holder is at. Do you see any light between the shell holder an the bottom of the die? If you see light, lower your die a little more until there is no light. Now you are FL sizing your case.

One other thing you can do is use a differant FL die if you have one. Or send it back to the factory to be replaced.
JMichael99  [Team Member]
5/31/2012 2:12:28 PM
Originally Posted By Chrome308:
Camming over is NOT the end of the story on adjusting your full length sizing die. Re-read your manufactuer instructions and post them here if you have any questions.

My money is on the sizing die not being adjusted properly, but give us a little more info:

What die, and what barrel & chamber? And please consider ditching the one-shot spray lube. Its as good as worthless if its still wet when you resize. It works well when used correctly, but many many people dont use it right (myself included). Get some sizing wax instead. Wax is nearly impossible to screw up.



Rcbs die on a lnl classic
Remington 700p 26in barrel. All factory. .308

Not using hornady lube. Using Frankford spray fromidway

I'll look over the instructions again when I get home
dryflash3  [Moderator]
5/31/2012 4:42:18 PM

Originally Posted By JMichael99:
Originally Posted By Chrome308:
Camming over is NOT the end of the story on adjusting your full length sizing die. Re-read your manufactuer instructions and post them here if you have any questions.

My money is on the sizing die not being adjusted properly, but give us a little more info:

What die, and what barrel & chamber? And please consider ditching the one-shot spray lube. Its as good as worthless if its still wet when you resize. It works well when used correctly, but many many people dont use it right (myself included). Get some sizing wax instead. Wax is nearly impossible to screw up.



Rcbs die on a lnl classic
Remington 700p 26in barrel. All factory. .308

Not using hornady lube. Using Frankford spray fromidway

I'll look over the instructions again when I get home

No problem with your lube, it's what I use.

Just lower your sizing die more. As in more cam over.

It will just take a little more. Go 1/16 of a turn at a time.
243winxb  [Member]
5/31/2012 5:01:24 PM
1. First make sure the sizing die is adjusted so that the shell holder contacts the base of the die when the ram is at the top of its stroke when resizing a case. This ensures that the sizing die is bumping the shoulder back as well as reducing the diameter of the case. If the shell holder does not contact the base of the die, the diameter of the case is squeezed down, making the case (and distance to the shoulder) longer. 2. Your press is cast alloy, it can spring on sizing, this is why #1 is important. 3.Die Bushings can have slop as it sits in the press. Hornady makes shims to remove the slop.
You may need to buy a "small base" FL sizing die.
Chrome308  [Member]
6/1/2012 12:05:20 PM
When setting the resize die, the 'touch the shellholder' step should be done with the press handle full-down.

This is after the 'cam over' on the press, and so the piston will be a little below it's highest point. That's normal for adjusting dies.
hp6  [Member]
6/1/2012 4:18:58 PM
Grind down your shell holder so you can turn down your resizing die further. I had a similar problem reloading 223.
AssaultRifler  [Team Member]
6/2/2012 2:15:11 PM

Originally Posted By hp6:
Grind down your shell holder so you can turn down your resizing die further. I had a similar problem reloading 223.

To chime in, this sounds intimidating if one doesn't have a grinder or mechanically inclined, but there's a real simple way to grind down stuff like shell holders and get professional results. Just use a whetstone.

I had to grind down an AK gas tube a while back, no other tools other than the stone, the result was excellent. Don't hold the thing you're grinding stationary and grind away with the whetstone, instead, hold the whetstone stationary and move the object over it's surface to grind it perfectly square, sort of like using an eraser