Reloading problem??

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Pat C.

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Jul 27, 2011
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Cedarfalls Ia.
I just started reloading and ran in to a problem right off the bat. I was taking primers out and a casing stuck in the die and wouldn't come out. I used the lube , but hadn't tumbled or cleaned the brass. do i have to clean the brass every time i reload these casing?? Their 223 and didn't look all that bad, but there was a little carbin on the outside of the brass. How do you guys do it step by step if you could please. Thank You Pat C.:banghead:
 
Short Tumble, lube, size/deprime, tumble again removes lube and for polish, trim/chamfer/debur as needed, prime, charge, seat and crimp
 
It isn't absolutely necessary to tumble. As for lubing, it is important to properly lube the brass or you'll encounter exactly what has occurred. As follows, lube the outside and inside of the neck, and lube the body below the shoulder. Be careful not to get lube on the shoulder, and don't use heavy amounts of lube or lube dents will occur.

GS
 
Pat C.,

Your first problem is to get the stuck case out.
There are many, many ways to get this accomplished and I'm not going into all of them. Depending upon your die set, un-screw the depriming/expanding rod and spray some 'liquid wrench' or WD-40 or what ever penetrating oil you have. Let it soak in and extract the brass. Clean the die very well after getting the case out. Another way is to (if you can) remove the die from the press and stick it into the freezer. Brass shrinks more than steel/iron. (Cold enough to freeze the balls off of a brass monkey. The monkey is the name given to a brass rack used to hold iron cannon balls in one place on a sailing ship - get your mind out of the gutter.)

Now to why did the case stuck. You stated that you used "the lube". Not knowing what lube, all I can say is the area that needs the lube is the side walls of the case, not the neck. Cleaning the brass is NOT a requirement. It only protects your die from un-needed ware and possible damage. Grit/sand will be pressed into the brass. Cleaning is a good idea because of this.

Getting a case stuck is a frustrating thing to happen. I know, I've done it (too many times).
 
Using Remington lub wax. Using redding dies. should have asked frist about removeing the brass from the die!! I removed the primer knock out pin, but didn't know the ajustment ring was in it and broke it. will try and order a new one monday!!:banghead::banghead:
 
30 yrs of reloading NEVER stuck a case How do you do this ? Tell me how this is done with out correct prep.
 
He's a newbie to reloading. Cut him some slack. Probaby he didn't use enough lube, or put it too far up on the case. The important thing is he learned proper procedure from his mistake.

PatC, you can also buy a stuck case remover made by RCBS and others at your favorite shooting supply store. Hopefully you won't ever need it again. ;)
 
I don't know what remington sizing wax is, but whatever you used it wasn't enough, some case lubes are pretty touchy between too little and too much.

I have recently started my first bottleneck case reloading(.223) and haven't had any problems to speak of after a couple batches of 100 cases.

I use the pump spray lube and lay all the cases out in lines on a cotton rag, going down the line spritzing them at an angle from the front so they get a small amount inside the neck. Then I roll them to spread the lube, let dry for a few minutes(don't hurry, let them dry for sure).
Just like this guy(from 3:18 in):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEdFj2uZst0
 
Update Frist Thank You for all the advise and help!! Contacted Redding and told them what happened and they are shipping a new dipriming assembly free. Real good folks there no questions ask!! Wasn't expecting it for free especially when it was my screwup!! Pat C.
 
I've come close to sticking a case back when I first started reloading. But instinct told me to not stop in mid stroke, so I continued with assertive pressure and made it in and out of the die by the skin of my teeth. The most important element of resizing to me is making sure the case if properly lubed.

I've used a number of types and brands, all worked flawlessly, but I've now settled on Dillon spray on lube for the last decade and a half-ish. Spray on's are not a good choice for impatient reloaders though. More reloaders have stuck cases with these type lubes than any other type made. The trick to them is to make sure the lube dries completely before resizing or they will absolutely stick a case. I prefer spray on's because they don't leave the case with much residue, I don't ever experience lube dents, and they don't gum up the media at all.

GS
 
I have gotten a few cases stuck when I first started reloading and not knowing how much case lube to use. This is one of the reasons I prefer Lee dies. Case gets stuck, they are easier to take apart.
 
My latest experience with a stuck case was when the neck expander got stuck. Reason, grit on the inside of the neck. Once I started brushing the inside of the cases the problem has not reared it ugly head again. YET, but no doubt I will experience something new when I try to cut a corner in the Case prepping stage. I do not cut corners in the reloading process, just the prep, and I learn alot that way. Mainly to just do it right the first time. :)
 
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