Stuck Case

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

OK, it was dumb but I ran case up into the sizer without any lube. I ripped the rim off trying to get out and I have soaked it in oil and used vice grips.

Any thoughts short of just buying a new sizer?

TIA

 

[Wardy]

Re: Stuck Case

Invest in a stuck case remover....been there, done that! Its gonna happen eventually. I stuck one and tried removing it without the "proper" tools and it cost me a new decapping pin, small price to pay but if i had invested in a stuck case remover it coulda been avoided. you can make your own with a bolt, tap, pipe coupling and a few washers.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Stuck Case

There's 2 kinds of reloaders. Them that have stuck cases and them that are about to. I didn't stick one for 15 or 20 years. Then I stuck 3 or 4 in one year.

Either buy a stuck case remover kit or make one up yourself.

#7 drill
1/4" X 20 tap
oversize 1/4" washers
and a socket to run everything through.

But I think you can buy one from almost any of the major die makers for 10 or $12. Pretty much 1 size fits all.

Good luck.

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: Stuck Case

Invest in a stuck case remover. I've actually gotten pretty good at removing them quickly, but it's something that happens when you reload.

 

[bohem]

Re: Stuck Case

The only issue with Victor's stuck case remover is that if you rip the threads out of teh bottom of the case, you get to send it back.

A friend of mine had a REALLY stuck 223 case and had to ship it back to RCBS and wait about 10 days.

There's another kit that RCBS makes which works down to about 22 caliber rifles, it pulles the decapping and sizer stem out of the case and you drop a pin down the center of it and hammer it off. It's cheaper than the first method, very quick, and I haven't had one fail yet.

 

[snowdog650]

Re: Stuck Case

Put the sizer in the freezer with the case still attached. Brass will shrink faster in freezing temperatures ... and you will be able to remove it after 6-8 hours.

 

[craigp40]

Re: Stuck Case

You can try the freezer technique, but it didn't work for me about a month ago.

Here's a real easy way to get it out if you have a week or two to wait: send it back to the die maker for removal. I've done this twice now with RCBS and Redding. Both do it for free and only require that you pay shipping. I just sent a Redding 243AI die in about a month ago that had a case stuck in it. They not only removed the case, but they polished the walls and gave me a free sample of Imperial Wax. Not sure about other die manufacturers, but Redding and RCBS both have excellent customer service that go above and beyond.

 

[wfjames22]

Re: Stuck Case

I use the drill and tap method mentioned above. It takes less than 5 min. I have yet to rip the threads out on the tapped case, but I am sure that the next one will since I said that!!

 

[Hummer]

Re: Stuck Case

There is another way. If you have deep well 1/2" drive sockets find the one the lower end of the die will go in.
As you pull on the decap holder, unscrew it and pull it out. This leaves the expander in the case.
Ease a steel rod or heavy spike into the case mouth and cut it so it is about 3/8" above the top of the die.
Put die in deep well socket with spike in top and place in large vise or arbor press and start applying pressure downwards till it comes out.
Sometimes you warp the expander button but they are cheap.

 

[ukshooter]

Re: Stuck Case

I feel your pain man,hope it never happens to me.
TRY THIS LINK
stuck case link

 

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Re: Stuck Case

Thank you all.

Good luck