How do you get a really stuck case out of a die?

Toss it in the freezer for a few hours, brass and steel expand (or is it contract ?) differantly .
I got a case out of an RCBS die this way,,,, before I got a stuck case remover,,,
Worth a shot,,,, so to speak,,,,

Do you have one of these?
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/504741/rcbs-stuck-case-remover

Those work pretty good! Twice in 35+ years of reloading I have needed one.

Take a look at the RCBS stuck case remover mentioned in Post #3.
If you have access to a tap, you can jerry rig something similar.
If not, the freezer option is a reasonable way to try... (can't hurt).

Like IWAC, I've needed one twice in my reloading career too.
The reason I bought one in the first place was a stuck case that refused to budge.

A stuck case remover is one of those inexpensive tools that you hope you never need to use but nice to have when you need it. (Like a fire extinguisher)

Let us know how you get it out.

Steve

I think the OP said he tore the case up pretty good so there us probably nothing left to use the RCBS stuck case remover on.

Check with Redding, they may have a case removal service like some other companies do.

Just curious, was there a reason for no lube initially?

Redding has parts that look the same as RCBS, for a higher price, but they provide more complete instructions:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/136542/redding-stuck-case-remover

Notes:

• Kit is used when a cartridge case becomes stuck in a sizing die, usually resulting in the rim of the case becoming damaged.
• A hole is drilled through the primer pocket of the case using the supplied drill bit. Then the hole is tapped.
• Spacer is placed over hole. Spacer will contact sides of the die and the die lock ring.
• By running the bolt through the spacer and threading the bolt into the now-threaded cartridge case, the Allen wrench is used to tighten the bolt.
• This will usually pull the cartridge case out of the die.
• Kit is effective, but if the case is severely jammed into the die, it is possible to pull the base of the case off without removing all of it.
• Check that if the case is pulled out, all of it is removed from the die.
• Kit is reusable.
• If a case becomes stuck because of not enough case lube, rather than no case lube, by letting the stuck case sit in the die for an hour or so, the lube will sometimes flow around the case and release it.

Also:
"If all else fails and you have a stuck case without a means to properly remove it, Redding offers one free stuck case removal with the direct purchase of the Stuck Case Removal Kit (Redding P/N 22000). Send the die, along with a check or money order for $ 30.00..."

http://www.redding-reloading.com/tech-line-a-tips-faqs/122-stuck-cases-causes-and-cures

He would have had to tear the whole case head off inside the die for there not to be a primer pocket still there.

Drill it out with a #7 drill bit.
Tap it with a 1/4"x20 thread tap.

Set a socket wrench over the end that will rest on the die, but clear the case inside.
Screw a 1/4"x20 bolt and washer in it.
Tighten, and the case will come out easily.

Your biggest problem then is getting the sized case neck off over the expander ball inside it!!!

rc

^^^ yeah that. I have a Forester and RCBS case remover. One of them I chipped the end on the tap by going to far in with the exspander assy still in. My mistake. But they both work great.

I sort of thought I understood what's going on - then I found a YouTube video:

Am I right to assume that this is mostly for rifle cartridges, or do pistol cartridges have the same issue when someone doesn't use the lube?

Don't feel bad. Most of have BT/DT. (twice for me) First, call Redding.. If they offer no help, just bite the bullet...order a new one.

Mark

Just bottle neck rifle cartridges with no lube.
(Don't do that again!!)

Most all straight wall pistol calibers use carbide sizing dies anymore, and don't need to be lubed.

BTW: Have you ever set down and really read the instructions in any good reloading manual yet??

It doesn't seem like it.

If they offer no help, just bite the bullet...order a new one.

Click to expand...

That's really needless advice.
He can pull the case out of the die and be back reloading in 15 minutes if he can follow the instructions offered above.

rc

rcmodel said:

He would have had to tear the whole case head off inside the die for there not to be a primer pocket still there.

Drill it out with a #7 drill bit.
Tap it with a 1/4"x20 thread tap.

Set a socket wrench over the end that will rest on the die, but clear the case inside.
Screw a 1/4"x20 bolt and washer in it.
Tighten, and the case will come out easily.

Your biggest problem then is getting the sized case neck off over the expander ball inside it!!!

rc

Click to expand...

Only cases I've ever had stuck came out fine using this method.

I used a 1/4" self drilling teks screw instead of drilling and tapping, but it's exactly the same idea.

I bought the RCBS kit when I had a stuck case. Just took a few minutes and I was back to loading.

rcmodel's approach is really the same principle. After I bought the kit, I realized that I could have used his method and saved myself a trip to the store, since I already had everything I needed at home. Still, the kit is a good idea if you don't have the drill and tap already.

If you are using lee dies that will work as the expander rod collet can be loosened and the Rod used to drive the case out.

Most all other brands of dies use a threaded rod for the expander, and that won't work.

If we had known you had Lee dies, that would have been the advice you would have received.

rc

Call Redding and see if they can extract it for you. Not a DIY option, but may be a lot easier.

readyeddy said:

Call Redding and see if they can extract it for you....

Click to expand...

"If ... you have a stuck case without a means to properly remove it, Redding offers one free stuck case removal with the direct purchase of the Stuck Case Removal Kit (Redding P/N 22000). Send the die, along with a check or money order for $ 30.00..."

http://www.redding-reloading.com/tech-line-a-tips-faqs/122-stuck-cases-causes-and-cures

I assembled my own stuck case remover kit a few years ago based on the above advice.

I had a 35 Remington stuck, and I destroyed it trying everything I could to get it loose.

I got the parts for the kit at the local hardware (a real hardware store, not a big box store). I use a ¼ x 28 so I get more thread engagement. A couple of spacers that sit on the case head, and off I go.

I've had to pull quite a few cases for myself and friends. It is a quick process and no damage to the die. I got a lot of cases stuck when experimenting with different case lubes.


I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately - Thoreau

Gummi Bear said:

...... I use a ¼ x 28 so I get more thread engagement. ......

Click to expand...

Quick comment - you'll also get more leverage! ....but on the other hand, the threads will be smaller, and more likely to rip out?

Is this something that happens on rifle cases, or does it also apply to handguns? I think I read something years ago that a 45 ACP case wouldn't get stuck if you didn't use lube, but I never wanted to test that.

Also, does anyone ever use penetrating oil, and let the parts sit overnight?

I managed to stick a .308 Win case enough that I completely ripped the rim off the case trying to remove it. That takes a lot of force and a strong press

Insufficient lube, of course.

Stuck case remover does the trick.

IMHO most reloaders dealing with bottleneck cases will need one eventually,
so you may as well buy one now if you lack it.