Resizing problem

[KeeblerArmy]

At least I think it is. I've been frequently having a problem where my reloaded ammo doesn't want to chamber nicely. Sometimes I have to force the bolt closed. Occasionally I will get one that just won't chamber at all and is a PITA to get back out of the rifle.

This is I'm sure an elementary problem, but what am I doing wrong here?

.308, Hornady dies in an RCBS press.

Thanks

ETA: Most of the time when they do chamber, the bolt feels mushy when it is closing. Not seating the bullet deep enough perhaps? Factory loads naturally seat neat and crisp, almost like I'm dry firing.

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: Resizing problem

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KeeblerArmy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is I'm sure an elementary problem, but what am I doing wrong here?</div></div>

99% of the time this is caused by the sizing die not being far enough down into the press. Thus, teh case sholder is not pushed back far enough, and the case has no clearance in the chamber.

 

[vman]

Re: Resizing problem

Yup.

I recommend getting the right tools for the job. BUT if you havnt got the cash for them just yet grab a bit of crap brass and size it, try to chamber, then back down the die 1/4 of a turn and retry. Keep doing this until it chambers.

Once you have done that you can fine tune so your only 1/20 of a turn away from easy chambering, and grindy chambering. Thats minimal resizing.

I would recomend either getting the tools or making a crappy one by cutting a case, but the hornady stuff is good.

Read the Reloading 101 sticky for die set up.

 

[Magicman]

Re: Resizing problem

Also make sure the cases are not to long which will cause grief.

 

[samnev]

Re: Resizing problem

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Superdave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also make sure the cases are not to long which will cause grief. </div></div>
A good case length gauge will help you and assure that you've sized and trimmed them to the correct dimensions.

 

[KeeblerArmy]

Re: Resizing problem

Ok, let me clarify. I have a basic reloading set up, the cases have been measured and trimmed. The die probably is not seated low enough. I might need to trim more but they should be to spec. I'll double check that too.

 

[buffybuster]

Re: Resizing problem

Is there a "gap" between the shellholder and resizing die? If so, keep turning the die down until the case chambers easily or the press cams over. If you are still having difficulty chambering your case after the die is screwed all the way down and the press is cams over, then you either have a oversize die or a short chamber. (presuming your brass below the max OAL.)

 

[Swan]

Re: Resizing problem

This will tell you exactly what you need, and how to proceed:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1696162#Post1696162

then read the other threads as well.

 

[magnum_99]

Re: Resizing problem

You could also use an RCBS Precision Mic. It will tell you if your brass is resized or not, and let you set headspace precisely on subsequent loadings.

I now never load without it after having a similar problem. Without measurement, there is simply no way to determine precisely how much the shoulder is being set back. You can always do trial and error and screw the die down progressively until the brass will chamber, but there is no real way to determine if you setting the shoulder back too much.

 

[Mark Walker]

Re: Resizing problem

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: magnum_99</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Without measurement, there is simply no way to determine precisely how much the shoulder is being set back. You can always do trial and error and screw the die down progressively until the brass will chamber, but there is no real way to determine if you setting the shoulder back too much. </div></div>

Bingo. Headspace is a critical dimension, and we control it...