Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

[Swift]

I've been using Lee dies (part of the problem, I know) to load my .223 and I've been having a lot of trouble with the sizing die. I've had stuck cases in two separate dies within 200 rounds and haven't been able to get em out.

I have the same dies for my 308 and haven't had these issues. Here's my only idea so far:

I load a mix of .223 and 5.56. Both the stuck cases I've had were 5.56 cases. I'm wondering if the shellholder can't hold the thinner rim on the 5.56 brass and it's slipping out of the shellholder. To my knowledge no one makes 5.56 dies so maybe that's not the problem.

I use Hornady One Shot spray lube on all cases before they go into the die and every 100 rounds or so I'll put a little grease on one of the cases to keep the inside of the die lubricated.

Any idea what could be causing this?

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

If you're sticking cases in the die, you aren't using enough lube.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

Another One Shot user who has cases stuck in his dies, Hmmm

 

[Shady_Jay]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

I'm going on about 15,000 rounds of One Shot with no stuck rounds. However, I know the secret to using it. Those here who have taken my courses know that secret to.

 

[kreiert]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

After using the one shot spray lub, let the cases sit for 10 minutes before sizing them and see if this helps.

 

[Mutt]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

*Derail*

NTRP-CKA
I haven't taken your class, sir, but if I were to take a stab I'd say you put brass in a baggie and spray away.
That's what I'd recommend for OneShot users. Too messy and indiscriminate if you follow the instructions on the can.

*sorry for the derail...carry on.*

 

[Swift]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

I'm gonna give the zip lock bag a try before I switch to another method. What other lubes are recommended? Thanks guys.

 

[BCP]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

Cases should never be really hard to resize, 223 should be easy-cheesy. Try a different lube. That and make sure the little air hole at the top of the die is clear.

I've never had stuck cases with RCBS lube, usually put it on with my fingers.

 

[Swift]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cases should never be really hard to resize, 223 should be easy-cheesy. Try a different lube. That and make sure the little air hole at the top of the die is clear.

I've never had stuck cases with RCBS lube, usually put it on with my fingers. </div></div>

I have a couple tubes of Lee case lube I guess I could try. It's such a hassle waiting for new dies to ship.

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

I suggest the problem is in the lever-arm. You should be using the sensors (nerve endings) in the muscles of that arm to sense when "different than before" pressure is going on durring the up stroke. So, slow the speed at which the ram is raised, and use your arm to sense if the case feels like it is going in easy or hard. STOP when if feels "different than before" and investigate why. {This also prevents broken decapping pins.}

 

[The_Hoff]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

easy thing to do with lee lube is put about 1/4 to 1/2 a tube into an empty water bottle. then fill about 1/2 way up with 90% rubbing alcohol. SHAKE WELL.

you will have to shake before every use as it will separate. all you do is pour a little bit into a Ziploc and add your brass and shake well. then place brass in loading blocks and let dry about 3-5 minutes. then resize as normal. remember to wipe off lube after sizing and depriming.

allows lube to last A LOT longer while lubing large quantities very fast

 

[Seawalker]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

Why are you getting new dies?

 

[Oodin]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Seawalker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why are you getting new dies?</div></div>Kinda my question too. Stuck case is no reason to get a new die. You buy a stuck case remover (or drill and tap).

The only time I had a stuck case with One Shot was on the last block of cases from a can. It was late, I didn't have a second can of lube and I thought that just maybe there was enough on there...

 

[fw707]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

Maybe try some Imperial lube?

 

[2ndamendfan]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

if it is a lee die it has a stuck case remover built in

 

[Swift]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2ndamendfan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">if it is a lee die it has a stuck case remover built in </div></div>

Can you elaborate? I've had a total of 3 stuck cases in my Lee dies and for the life of me couldn't get em out. I took of the nut at the top and exposed the decapping pin but that's as far as I've been able to get.

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

first, quit using the One Shot. I tried it and had the same issues. I was using Lee dies when it happened. Maybe coincidence, maybe not.
next, all dies come with instructions. Did you read them?
I would guess it would explain how to remove a stuck case.

 

[Seawalker]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

Go to this link and look at the very bottom of the page. Follow the video instruction on removing a stuck case.

http://www.henrykrank.com/lee_videos.html


Basically you just loosen the nut on top and with a punch of the same diameter drive the stuck case out by hitting the punch with a hammer. Hope it works out for you.

 

[lightman]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

Thats kinda neat,I did not know that.I also do not have any Lee dies.Thanks, Pete

 

[2ndamendfan]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

what Seawalker said. It is either on lee's web site (although their site is kind of poor) or in their insructions. Sadly I have had to use it before. I now use the lee lube diluted with rubbing alcohol (dries faster)shake alot it will seperate. Put in a plastic bag or rubber maid (tupperware) bowl with a lid and about 200 cases, spray 3-4 times shake, repeat 4 times and let dry. Other thing is by now you know the effort required to get one stuck, I try and stop if one feels stiff. I don't pound on the die in my progressive, I take it out and use an old single stage press to pound out the case. 3-5 goood solid hits should do it.

 

[2ndamendfan]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

Oh yea, and you almost can't break a decapper on a lee die (big 50bmg dies excluded) because if it hits something it will just be pushed up the inside of the nut. remove the obtruction and reset decapper and good to go.

 

[Swift]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

Wow I didn't know that. Hopefully it works then. That would make life much easier.

 

[Swift]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

Thanks for all the prompt responses fellas.

 

[zuke]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

I use a mix of LEE lube and 90%rubbing alcohol you can get at a pharmacy.
I get a dollar store spray bottle of whatever and dump it out.
Put in the LEE lube and the alcohol and 4-5 LEAD pellet's.
The pellet's act just like the marble in spray paint can's.
I use the pellet's in my Breakfree and any small can's/jar's of paint.
DON'T USE STEEL BB'S!!THEY MAY RUST!!

 

[samnev]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

I've used RCBS and am now using Lee dies for the past few years. Never had a case sticking problem. I'll go along with the others and suggest using more lube or switch from the One Shot. I've read of a number of reloaders having the same problem with One Shot. I use either Dillon or Midway spay lube with equal success.
Spray and wait about 5 minutes for the it to dry and start resizing.

 

[Short Round]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

I'm no fan of one stuck lube but I'll throw out what I learned to make it work. (I will never buy that shit again)

- let all the solvent carrier evaporate before sizing (10 minutes should work well)

- use more than you think is necessary. You'll know how much is too little by the feel of resistence on the press arm. You'll learn what is fine and what is pending stuckage suckage.

 

[Shady_Jay]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">*Derail*

NTRP-CKA
I haven't taken your class, sir, but if I were to take a stab I'd say you put brass in a baggie and spray away.
That's what I'd recommend for OneShot users. Too messy and indiscriminate if you follow the instructions on the can.

*sorry for the derail...carry on.* </div></div>

It is just simply following the instructions on the back of the can. Hit all 4 sides at a 45 degree angle to the case neck. Use it liberally and make sure it dries before you size. Otherwise, you are trying to compress a liquid and then you're screwed.

 

[deadnbrkn84]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

I've been using Dillon case lube on a huge mix of .223/5.56 and never had anything resembling a stuck case. I'm also using Dillon dies though.... dont know if that makes a difference.

 

[BK7saum]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

I use Hornday one shot. The key is to get enough on the case to see it "flow" down the case to the case head. If there isn't enough to slightly bead and flow before drying, then you haven't used enough and you WILL get a stuck case.

I typically set the cases in a line on top of a piece of cardboard or paper to catch overspray and spray the front and back of the cases going down the line. I usually do each side twice and vary the angle so that I am essentially spraying the case from 4 directions as already stated.

Have had a couple of stuck cases, but also with other lubes as well. If it feels stiff going in the die STOP, extract and re-lube.

BLK7

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: Keep breaking .223 dies. Help

Never had a stuck case with Imperial or Dillon lubes.
F@#*K One Shot. Will never try it again. Not downing all Hornady products but that stuff sucks!