Greetings all! Havn issues with sizing...I'm full length sizing 22-250, several times fired Win brass, with a fl sizer rcbs die and the lee challenger press and I'm havn a peculiar problem. Some of the resized cases are really resistant, and some won't allow me to close the bolt, "its a bolt action rifle" some others no prob. Checking the case length on those that won't close, I found those to be quite under max length, what gives? All of this is checked before I prime so cases have been checked for or trimmed and bullet depth is not a factor. Now, I just got this kit not too long ago, I've reloaded before several times at my buddies using all rcbs equip with no sizing issues whatsoever, so I gotta a little handle on reloading but certainly no journeymen like others. I've reloaded three batches of 30 rounds it was the first batch that had actual finished rounds that would not feed. Went back, gave the sizer die a little turn down...checked for feed, no problems 2nd batch...all fed and shot well, a little resistance on some but pretty good. Now the third batch and the problem has reemerged. I know I could go out and get a gauge or something, but I haven't changed a thing from all the data I kept from reloading at my buds..headspace not so much attention to just as long as it fed was all I cared, bullet depth was where we spent our time resulting in a beloved load with no chambering issues at all. He suggests I upgrade to a different press, he being an rcbs fanatic, or some new brass, any other thoughts would be extremely appreciated.
sizing issues..
- Thread starter shifty225
- Start date
Re: sizing issues..
Sounds like the shoulder isn't being pushed back far enough on some of the rounds. Do you have a way to measure your headspace?
If the brass has been fired alot, it can be work hardened and it might not be sizing as much as it did before at the same setting on the FL sizer. You might have to adjust the FL sizer to accomodate this or anneal your brass.
How is the sizing in the fl sizer? Any resistance or pulling coming out of the die?? If some of the brass is sticking at all on the way out of the fl sizer the brass might be stretching back out on the way out. If that is the case, try more lube or a better lube. Just don't get crazy with the lube. You only need enough so that you don't have any sticking or "squeaking" with the sizing die.
I've had good results with imperial sizing wax.
Sounds like the shoulder isn't being pushed back far enough on some of the rounds. Do you have a way to measure your headspace?
If the brass has been fired alot, it can be work hardened and it might not be sizing as much as it did before at the same setting on the FL sizer. You might have to adjust the FL sizer to accomodate this or anneal your brass.
How is the sizing in the fl sizer? Any resistance or pulling coming out of the die?? If some of the brass is sticking at all on the way out of the fl sizer the brass might be stretching back out on the way out. If that is the case, try more lube or a better lube. Just don't get crazy with the lube. You only need enough so that you don't have any sticking or "squeaking" with the sizing die.
I've had good results with imperial sizing wax.
Re: sizing issues..
Yea itz bottoming out that's certain, but come to think of it Frogman, I did notice a couple times there was some hangups on the way out of the die, in fact, enough that I can almost be sure that it makes the difference between those that sized smoothly and those that stuck on the way out; to those that would chamber and those that wouldn't..., I've always lubed using a pad at my buds, but now, lubing by hand with the stuff that came with the Lee kit...and I think with always being told to not over lube, some of those cases were under lubed....how is that Lee juice? I'll try a "little" thicker coat or try a different brand overall and see if that helps, all in the wrist I guess... thanx much guys!! let ya know here in a few.....
Yea itz bottoming out that's certain, but come to think of it Frogman, I did notice a couple times there was some hangups on the way out of the die, in fact, enough that I can almost be sure that it makes the difference between those that sized smoothly and those that stuck on the way out; to those that would chamber and those that wouldn't..., I've always lubed using a pad at my buds, but now, lubing by hand with the stuff that came with the Lee kit...and I think with always being told to not over lube, some of those cases were under lubed....how is that Lee juice? I'll try a "little" thicker coat or try a different brand overall and see if that helps, all in the wrist I guess... thanx much guys!! let ya know here in a few.....
Re: sizing issues..
Try Imperial sizing wax....it's the best I've used. I've tried hornady one shot, and it worked ok, but you need to wait for it to dry. The imperial wax has been the easiest and most reliable for me. It's not expensive at all and one can will last you a long time. Ijust use my fingers. This way I know the case has been adequately lubed.
Clean up with a micro fiber cloth and your ready to go. Most of the lube usually needs to be on the body. If you put too much lube on the shoulders you can dent the shoulders...
You shouldn't have any resistance pulling the brass out of the die.
Try Imperial sizing wax....it's the best I've used. I've tried hornady one shot, and it worked ok, but you need to wait for it to dry. The imperial wax has been the easiest and most reliable for me. It's not expensive at all and one can will last you a long time. Ijust use my fingers. This way I know the case has been adequately lubed.
Clean up with a micro fiber cloth and your ready to go. Most of the lube usually needs to be on the body. If you put too much lube on the shoulders you can dent the shoulders...
You shouldn't have any resistance pulling the brass out of the die.
Re: sizing issues..
You might also try cleaning the inside of the case neck and/or polishing your expander ball to reduce friction. If you get resistance on the way out of the die it is usually caused by the neck expander ball. I chuck my brass up in a drill and use a brush to clean out the necks. A bit of the Imperial Die Sizing Wax on the inside of the case neck goes a long way too. I just drag my thumb over the neck and that seems to do the trick. Like Frogman said. A little Imerial goes a long way.
Annealing can pay big dividends too because it reduces spring back during the sizing step. Another trick is to put a shim under the case in the shell holder to raise it a couple thousandths of an inch to get more shoulder bump.
You might also try cleaning the inside of the case neck and/or polishing your expander ball to reduce friction. If you get resistance on the way out of the die it is usually caused by the neck expander ball. I chuck my brass up in a drill and use a brush to clean out the necks. A bit of the Imperial Die Sizing Wax on the inside of the case neck goes a long way too. I just drag my thumb over the neck and that seems to do the trick. Like Frogman said. A little Imerial goes a long way.
Annealing can pay big dividends too because it reduces spring back during the sizing step. Another trick is to put a shim under the case in the shell holder to raise it a couple thousandths of an inch to get more shoulder bump.
Re: sizing issues..
It's a common problem for noobs. Your press isn't the reason, all it does is push the case into and pull it out of the die. Problem is, you aren't getting it fully into the die.
First, turn your FL sizer down another 1/16th turn (4.5 thou).
Next, be certain to lube the lower half of the cases well, that's the difficult part to make go into the die.
Push the case fully into the size die and hold it there for at least a full second before withdrawing it, some folks "short stroke" sizing without realising it and slowing down can fix that.
I usually use finger applied Redding Imperial Die Wax or Hornady Unique lubes but fact is Lee's white lube in a tube is as good as any.
It's a common problem for noobs. Your press isn't the reason, all it does is push the case into and pull it out of the die. Problem is, you aren't getting it fully into the die.
First, turn your FL sizer down another 1/16th turn (4.5 thou).
Next, be certain to lube the lower half of the cases well, that's the difficult part to make go into the die.
Push the case fully into the size die and hold it there for at least a full second before withdrawing it, some folks "short stroke" sizing without realising it and slowing down can fix that.
I usually use finger applied Redding Imperial Die Wax or Hornady Unique lubes but fact is Lee's white lube in a tube is as good as any.
Re: sizing issues..
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's a common problem for noobs. </div></div>
Yep.
Why is it that Noobies are so willing to spend a several hundred to get started in reloading and then unwilling to spend another $30 to be able to measure the <oh so critical> position of the sholder?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's a common problem for noobs. </div></div>
Yep.
Why is it that Noobies are so willing to spend a several hundred to get started in reloading and then unwilling to spend another $30 to be able to measure the <oh so critical> position of the sholder?
Re: sizing issues..
Wow thankx for the useless re...I think you need to read the reloading 101 post...I determined my headspace using my actual rifle rather than waste 30 dollars on something that is standard and not custom to my needs....my issue if you read the post wasn't in my die setting....
Wow thankx for the useless re...I think you need to read the reloading 101 post...I determined my headspace using my actual rifle rather than waste 30 dollars on something that is standard and not custom to my needs....my issue if you read the post wasn't in my die setting....
Re: sizing issues..
I had close to the same prob. I put some lube on a q-tip and lightly lubed the inner neck and haven't had a prob with it hanging up while pulling the brass out of the die. Chambered fine since.
I had close to the same prob. I put some lube on a q-tip and lightly lubed the inner neck and haven't had a prob with it hanging up while pulling the brass out of the die. Chambered fine since.
Re: sizing issues..
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter ready</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow thankx for the useless re...I think you need to read the reloading 101 post...I determined my headspace using my actual rifle rather than waste 30 dollars on something that is standard and not custom to my needs....my issue if you read the post wasn't in my die setting.... </div></div>
You will learn soon my friend.
Lets hear you say what you just did if you were to reload Lapua .338LM brass. At $280 a box for just the brass, you would want to hope that you have at least $30 to buy a tool that will let you sleep better at night knowing your precious brass is getting the attention it deserves.
I would like to know what custom chamber you have reamed if a universal guage SET wont fulfill your requirements.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter ready</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow thankx for the useless re...I think you need to read the reloading 101 post...I determined my headspace using my actual rifle rather than waste 30 dollars on something that is standard and not custom to my needs....my issue if you read the post wasn't in my die setting.... </div></div>
You will learn soon my friend.
Lets hear you say what you just did if you were to reload Lapua .338LM brass. At $280 a box for just the brass, you would want to hope that you have at least $30 to buy a tool that will let you sleep better at night knowing your precious brass is getting the attention it deserves.
I would like to know what custom chamber you have reamed if a universal guage SET wont fulfill your requirements.
