Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

[g00s3_07]

I'm fairly new to reloading, but have done so with relative success. However, I am having trouble with my .223 and .308 reloads being very tight when chambering. The loads are being fed into a 700p (.308) and a 700 tactical (.223). Both loads are fl sized for the moment. Any suggestions?

Nate

 

[cooper_257]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

the shoulder probably isn't getting bumped back far enough. try screwing the die down until the press cams on it at the end of the stroke. were these brass fired out of the gun they are being reloaded for?

 

[Tripwire]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alerion</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm fairly new to reloading, but have done so with relative success.
</div></div>

It behooves you to define "relative success"....and in detail.

 

[g00s3_07]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

Yes, all my brass is sorted first by weapon, then by brand. I will try to readjust the dies. I hope it is as simple as such.

 

[g00s3_07]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

Relative success, for me, includes the general setbacks (lagging accuracy, inefficient loading practices, realizing I need more equipment, etc.) But with time and experience all my loads are improving to reasonable levels.

 

[Tripwire]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alerion</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Relative success, for me, includes the general setbacks (lagging accuracy, inefficient loading practices, realizing I need more equipment, etc.) But with time and experience all my loads are improving to reasonable levels. </div></div>

Okay, try this again with a little less drama.....

Were you successful in the past reloading for these rifles, and now you're not?

Follow my lead......

 

[vman]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

just screw your whole die down further... say, 1/16 to 1/8 of a turn.

Size a bit of brass, and try to chamber it. If its all good lock the die down and your good to go my friend.

 

[Truck10]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

Do you Fl size every time or neck size? What are your bullet seating depths? Are your cases trimmed to the proper length? These can all be factors. Do yourself a favor and spend the 25bucks for a Dillon case gage, it's a great tool for measuring overall case length and headspace.

 

[LARMIKE]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">just screw your whole die down further... say, 1/16 to 1/8 of a turn.

Size a bit of brass, and try to chamber it. If its all good lock the die down and your good to go my friend. </div></div>

Exactly like that. Clean you chamber with a large patch first.

 

[Leaddog]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

Is this the same brass that you have been shooting from your rifle without problems? If so, it is probably just as simple as a shoulder bump like the previous posters stated.

If this is once fired brass from somewhere else, it may need a resizing with a small base die. LC brass is notorious for this.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

Its also possible that you're die/shellholder combo aren't capable of getting down far enough on your brass. Do and check what the others have suggested, but if you still are scratching your head, you might need to take some material off the bottom of your die.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

Get a headspace gauge, use it and not the instructions that come with your FL die to set it up properly.

 

[gvanhyning]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its also possible that you're die/shellholder combo aren't capable of getting down far enough on your brass. Do and check what the others have suggested, but if you still are scratching your head, you might need to take some material off the bottom of your die. </div></div>
I use a Forster press and Redding dies. I have encountered this as well. I had everything set correctly but was not getting the die bottomed out. I originally thought I had fully sized the brass but when I ran the case in the full length die again I was at least several thousandths from full length. That was enough that the round wouldn't chamber. Don't know how you're set up in terms of equipment. But that was my problem, good luck.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

Again always set up FL dies with a headspace gauge, a HSG will identify dies shell holders that are out of spec, and help a reloader set shoulder bump to .001-.0015(boltguns), about once a month somebody starts a thread with this exact problem, had they bought a HSG.....................................................

 

[rpk762]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

Measuring shoulder bump is easy just use a 45ACP casing and put the mouth of it on the shoulder of the 308 brass then measure with caliper. Then resize then re-measure. Once you get some movement clean casing and try to chamber. It should pop right in.

 

[remi308]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

Each shellholder varies in thickness and will touch the die at different settings. Hornady being the tallest I have encountered by 7 thousandths. Example with this die is I can size Remington and winchester with one die setting and will have to screw the die down further to fully size others like Lake city 09 308 or other thicker brass. Just sort by brand and watch it closely.

 

[samnev]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">just screw your whole die down further... say, 1/16 to 1/8 of a turn.

Size a bit of brass, and try to chamber it. If its all good lock the die down and your good to go my friend. </div></div>

Listen to the Vman. I find that is usually the problem and the cure.

 

[g00s3_07]

Re: Trouble chambering .308 and .223 handloads

Got the HSG and reset the dies, and all is right with the world. Thanks for all the help.
Nate