Oversize 338 brass

[Yasherka]

Am curious to see if anyone else has had this problem:

I recently ordered another box of Lapua .338 brass. After doing case prep I tried to prime them on an RCBS hand priming tool. Putting the brass into the shell holder was extremely difficult, as if the rim were too large, and this has happened on every case in the box.

I was using a #14 shell holder, so went and bought a #37, which is also listed as being compatible with the LM, no joy. The case would not go in at all. At this point I have not been able to mic the cases.

I called Lapua and the rep. told me that Lapua makes their brass "...on the high side of the tolerances" and recommended I use a different make of shell holder, specifically he recommended Redding. Of course, no one in town has Redding shell holders. The rep. promised to call back today to discuss it further.

So, has anyone else run into this? I don't want to waste any more time as I am hitting the Whittington Center on Oct 2-3 and need to load more ammo, but I didn't want to start doing my once-fired yet.

 

[bohem]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

Where is it hitting the shell holder? I took a 300WM shell holder and opened it up with a Dremel for doing 300 WSM when I was in a pinch to load some stuff up. I wouldn't trust it to do heavy resizing, but it works well for seating primers and bullets.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Yasherka</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Am curious to see if anyone else has had this problem:

I recently ordered another box of Lapua .338 brass. After doing case prep I tried to prime them on an RCBS hand priming tool. Putting the brass into the shell holder was extremely difficult, as if the rim were too large, and this has happened on every case in the box.

I was using a #14 shell holder, so went and bought a #37, which is also listed as being compatible with the LM, no joy. The case would not go in at all. At this point I have not been able to mic the cases.

I called Lapua and the rep. told me that Lapua makes their brass "...on the high side of the tolerances" and recommended I use a different make of shell holder, specifically he recommended Redding. Of course, no one in town has Redding shell holders. The rep. promised to call back today to discuss it further.

So, has anyone else run into this? I don't want to waste any more time as I am hitting the Whittington Center on Oct 2-3 and need to load more ammo, but I didn't want to start doing my once-fired yet. </div></div>

It's known that you need two shellholders for Norma and Lapua brand 338LM brass. Either one works well from my reading here, in fact I originally bought some Norma, then Lapua brands from a guy using RCBS dies, who told me about this.

It's possible that you got something that's made out of spec, either the SH or that batch of brass.

Lots of people reload it here, using single stage presses and SHs, so it's not really a big issue for them, once they get the appropriate shell holder for the brand they're loading.

At $3+tx, I'd pick up a Lee, Redding, Hornady and go from there.

Chris

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

While I have not run into this problem, if I did, after taking some measurements to see if the cases are indeed virgin, I would chuck the case up in my lathe and trim the web back to spec.

{Hint: Shells that do not fit in the shell holder have often been subject to excessive pressure.}

 

[former naval person]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

Lathe work will help, but not everyone has such access. I have come across this problem before with Lapua. No deal breaker. Just take a small wheel in a Dremel, carborundum or rubber abrasive, and open the shell-holder a tiny bit til they slip in. Won't hurt anything. If you are concerned about the cases being held off center, open just a .001 more so the cases self center in the die as you push the case into it. JMHO

 

[Yasherka]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

Chris,

All I have loaded are the Lapua brand, and the RCBS #14 has done well for the previous 200, this batch was virgin unprimed and in the new packaging (plastic box as opposed to the old cardboard box) purchased from Powder Valley.

I even checked my previous once-fired factory ammo, everything else fit fine. There are no shell holders other than RCBS that I can find in town, but there is a gun show in Denver this weekend and I need to get up there anyway. But I still should drag out my calipers and measure.

 

[Yasherka]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MitchAlsup</div><div class="ubbcode-body">While I have not run into this problem, if I did, after taking some measurements to see if the cases are indeed virgin, I would chuck the case up in my lathe and trim the web back to spec.

{Hint: Shells that do not fit in the shell holder have often been subject to excessive pressure.} </div></div>

As I replied to Chris, these are indeed virgin pieces, but may have been made out of spec. I'm also still waiting on the Lapua rep to call back.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: former naval person</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Lathe work will help, but not everyone has such access. I have come across this problem before with Lapua. No deal breaker. Just take a small wheel in a Dremel, carborundum or rubber abrasive, and open the shell-holder a tiny bit til they slip in. Won't hurt anything. If you are concerned about the cases being held off center, open just a .001 more so the cases self center in the die as you push the case into it. JMHO</div></div>

I'm not averse to doing it, but I get a bit suspicious when something that should go smoothly doesn't. If these cases are not spec'ed the same as the last batch around the rim, what other specs are out?

When you ran into the issue previously, did it effect any aspect of performance?

 

[tansinator]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

I have had the same problem with new Lapua .223 brass. I use rcbs shellholders as well. They will go into the shellholder with some force. But they are a pain in the ass to get out. I am now on my 3rd firing with said brass and I dread next brass prep with it. I know I should have sent it back and they would have replaced it. I will next time.

Eddie

 

[Yasherka]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tansinator</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have had the same problem with new Lapua .223 brass. I use rcbs shellholders as well. They will go into the shellholder with some force. But they are a pain in the ass to get out. I am now on my 3rd firing with said brass and I dread next brass prep with it. I know I should have sent it back and they would have replaced it. I will next time.

Eddie </div></div>

Who did you get the brass from? Powder Valley referred me to Lapua USA.

 

[Yasherka]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where is it hitting the shell holder? I took a 300WM shell holder and opened it up with a Dremel for doing 300 WSM when I was in a pinch to load some stuff up. I wouldn't trust it to do heavy resizing, but it works well for seating primers and bullets. </div></div>

Sorry bohem, missed your reply.

It feels like the lip of the shell holder is dragging on the case. I need to find my magnifying glass to tell for sure (eyes aren't what they used to be).

 

[tansinator]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

I don't remember, its been a while.

 

[Duc]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

I have found that it was only an issue when using a RCBS or LEE shellholder, but never with a REDDING shellholder when used on Lapua or Norma brass.

Duc

 

[Yasherka]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Duc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have found that it was only an issue when using a RCBS or LEE shellholder, but never with a REDDING shellholder when used on Lapua or Norma brass.

Duc </div></div>

Thanks Duc, that's what the Lapua reps said...I'll find out in a few days.

 

[mdmp5]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

I have had the same problem with Lapua 308 brass and Redding shellholders. Redding told me that it happens sometimes with the Lapua brass.

 

[desertHK]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

I am using a #14 RCBS shell holder for my 338LM. All the brass are Lapua. Never have any problem with it.

 

[Yasherka]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DesertHK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am using a #14 RCBS shell holder for my 338LM. All the brass are Lapua. Never have any problem with it. </div></div>

Nor had I until this last batch.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Yasherka</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DesertHK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am using a #14 RCBS shell holder for my 338LM. All the brass are Lapua. Never have any problem with it. </div></div>

Nor had I until this last batch. </div></div>

Lapua is starting to lose a little of their 'quality' luster these past couple of years. Perfect cardboard boxes, but brass with smashed in necks in 308 and 338, necks that are unusually tight, etc..

You got a bad batch for the shellholder you're currently using. Sending it back will probably yield the same results, as it's probably a lot to lot variation and I'm sure they'll just pull another box with the same lot number.

Getting a different shellholder will probably be the easiest way to go. Bring a couple of cases with you when you go to the show, or another reloading store, just in case.

I use a Dillon 550b, so my shellplate is somewhat immune to this problem.

Shit happens.

Chris

 

[Yasherka]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChrisGarrett</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Yasherka</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DesertHK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am using a #14 RCBS shell holder for my 338LM. All the brass are Lapua. Never have any problem with it. </div></div>

Nor had I until this last batch. </div></div>

Lapua is starting to lose a little of their 'quality' luster these past couple of years. Perfect cardboard boxes, but brass with smashed in necks in 308 and 338, necks that are unusually tight, etc..

You got a bad batch for the shellholder you're currently using. Sending it back will probably yield the same results, as it's probably a lot to lot variation and I'm sure they'll just pull another box with the same lot number.

Getting a different shellholder will probably be the easiest way to go. Bring a couple of cases with you when you go to the show, or another reloading store, just in case.

I use a Dillon 550b, so my shellplate is somewhat immune to this problem.

Shit happens.

Chris </div></div>

I'm hearing more reports that Lapua isn't producing the quality they used to, including several on this forum, which is depressing. I know there are other mfr's of brass, but when you're plunking down the sheckles on what you expect to be the Cadillac of cases, it's irritating when you find out it's been replaced with a Chrysler.

BTW they have changed the packaging and now the brass comes in a sturdy blue plastic container with a loading block molded in. Nice feature.

OK, just got off the phone with Kevin at Lapua:

He again blames this on Lapua running on the high side of tolerances and RCBS running on the low side. He recommended me to try the Redding #35 and the equivalent Hornady and Lyman shell holders.

I pressed him and after a few seconds of hemming and hawing he agreed to replace the brass if the other SH's don't work. So it looks as if it will have a satisfactory outcome although at this late date it will impact my Whittington trip to one degree or another.

 

[Da-Law-Dawg]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

I'm running Lee shellholders (#8 I think) in both my press and Lee hand primer. I have checked 200+ pieces of brass (Lapua, Norma and TTI) and have had no issues with any of them not clearing the rim. Only issue was having to slightly open up the Lee Auto-Prime to clear the LM case.

I have sized and seated without any issues yet with the Lee shellholder.

 

[Brutas]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

Check the diameter of the extractor groove on your brass. Different manufacturers are running different sizes. Hornady, RAUG and Lapua are different. Not sure on some of the others.

 

[Yasherka]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Brutas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Check the diameter of the extractor groove on your brass. Different manufacturers are running different sizes. Hornady, RAUG and Lapua are different. Not sure on some of the others. </div></div>

I only have Lapua brass. 240 pieces not including the 100 round batch under discussion.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Yasherka</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Brutas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Check the diameter of the extractor groove on your brass. Different manufacturers are running different sizes. Hornady, RAUG and Lapua are different. Not sure on some of the others. </div></div>

I only have Lapua brass. 240 pieces not including the 100 round batch under discussion. </div></div>

Like I said above, the easiest way to solve this issue (and I'm not saying you should have to solve it yourself) is to go to Midway, or any online reloading place and order two or three different brands for a couple of bucks each and use one of those.

A box of 100 338LM cases in a CARDBOARD box weighs ~5.5#, so shipping that stuff back will cost some money, unless they'll pay for it.

Get a SH that fits and move on, life's too short.

Chris

 

[Yasherka]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

Problem resolved:

It was the shell holder.

No joy at the gun show or at the Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World for any shell holder other than RCBS. However, I had taken several cases and at BPS used some calipers to check dimensions...all were well within SAAMI specs. We tried a new RCBS shell holder and all three pieces fit fine. I rechecked my original SH's at home and they still wouldn't, nor were they fouled with anything.

So I guess much ado about nothing, but a lesson learned about checking the simple things first.

 

[bodywerks]

Re: Oversize 338 brass

I've run into this with the .223 rem, .308 win, and 338 lapua brass. No biggie - that's what a dremel is for...