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sixstrings101 . . . . . Google the Belted Magnum Collet Resizing Die, and you will see how to accurately resize the "pressure ring" on a belted case. I designed that die, and there are now almost 7,000 shooters using them. Let me know if you have questions.
Losiracer410 . . . . . Mark your case up "all over" with a magic marker, and run it into your FL fie a few times. (Be sure to lube your case.) You will be able to clearly see exactly what parts of your case are actually being resized. Quite often, a FL die isn't nearly as FL as it should...
MaximO . . . . It sounds like you are trying to resize a belted magnum caliber. If so, there is a good reason for your problem. If it's not a belted caliber, you may have your de-capping rod adjusted too low, and it could be pushing against the web (solid part) of your case.
I firmly believe in full length resizing . . . . always. Most shooters are surprised to find that benchrest shooters use full length dies. However, they know how to set their die height accurately. This is more important than most handloaders realize. I use the Digital Headspace Gauge...
GBMaryland . . . . The reason you need to measure headspace is to eliminate the case head separations you described. With belted magnum cases "headspace" is set by the barrel installer, and it is done. That's why I use the Digital Headspace Gauge to measure chamber clearance at the...
The rest of the story . . . . I designed the Belted Magnum Collet Resizing Die. So, let me know if you have questions. I have been (and still am) continuously available to handloaders by phone and email since this unique die hit the market, back in 2001. At this time, there are well over 6,000...
I have worked (full time) with thousands of handloaders. The belted magnum problems can easily be solved with a patented collet die that I designed. Read the info about what actually causes them to have problems with reloading belted calibers. The whole story on belted magnum calibers can be...
Best Handloading Technique . . . . it's simple too. CASE WIDTH . . . . All non-belted rifle cases fully expand to chamber diameter, and that leaves a visible change in case diameter. It makes very little difference where your brass comes from if you can resize it accurately. This...
There is a better way . . . . Herd Thinner . . . . I recommend looking at the Digital Headspace Gauge. Small Base dies are very rarely needed. They are often used as a last resort when handloads don't chamber properly. However, the remedy is to measure the shoulder clearance that...
I've seen this one before . . . . . . . mike0479 ...... It looks like you might be using a progressive reloading press, and the powder station is causing problems.
When belted magnum handloads don't chamber ...... nuclear_shooter ....... Whenever you find belted magnum handloads fit tight, check out my website. It was originally designed to explain why this happens. Annealing brass has nothing to do with this problem. Factory loads are designed...
Why handloads don't fit correctly . . . and how to solve the problem. kimberyote ....... When you measured above the belt, did you use the knife edge of your calipers or the wide part of your calipers? You'll get two different measurements. Using the knife edge tight against the belt...
Digital Headspace Gauge Try this: This tool measures the shoulder clearance that your handloads have in your particular chamber. It ALSO checks the bearing surface uniformity of any size bullet, and it measures bullet jump to the rifling. This is helpful for setting your die height...
Mattitude ..... The problem is that your handloads have excessive shoulder clearance. If you minimize chamber clearance (at the shoulder), you'll never get a case head separation. This Digital Headspace Gauge makes it easy to check any rifle caliber. Check it out.
Daveworkslocal ..... It's best to NEVER load below the recommended starting load. It's also important to be remove ALL of the sizing lube from your handloads. These two things can cause the symptom of stuck cases.
HawkDriver ...... You now have a die that's only good for cases with one specific neck thickness. That's why Redding (and a few others) make bushing type dies. They have the advantage of not needing an expander ball, and you can full length resize your cases with brass of any neck thickness...
There's a better way . . . . Rather than make your handloads fit according to somebody's go gauge . . . . that "should" (but might not) represent your particular chamber; why not make your handloads fit YOUR chamber perfectly? Take a look at the Digital Headspace Gauge. It gets calibrated...
There's a better way .... Look into the Digital Headspace Gauge. It works on ALL different calibers (except the 50 BMG), and it doesn't need any special bushings or attachments. It also measures bullet jump to the rifling.
Re: Bad primers or something else? Lonely Wolf ........ Condensation is a common problem with hunting ammo that gets carried into the field over and over. Condensation rarely kills primers, but it can weaken your powder considerably.
Re: Small base dies? Dereh01 ...... If you take a few simple measurements, you'll see where the problem is. Just compare one factory round to one of your fired rounds. This shows your actual chamber clearance with factory loads. Compare case width just above the web of your case, and...