First stuck case!

[RussellC]

Dog gone it, just got my first stuck case:banghead:...still had a little lub on it, not enough! .223 case stuck in Lee sizing die....Ripped the rim right out of the shell holder. How do I get this out? Fortunately I have a Redding small base full length sizer here somewhere!

Thanks for any tips...

Russellc

 

[JimKirk]

Stuck Case
If a case is not lubricated, the rim will be pulled off and the case remains stuck in the
die. If this happens —
loosen, but do not remove the decapper clamp with a 3/4” and 1/2” wrench.
Use
a 3/16” drift punch and large hammer (1-lb. or larger) to tap on the decapper rod and drive the stuck case free.

From the Lee die instructions ....

 

[ReloaderFred]

If you don't have a Stuck Case Remover set, you can improvise one. Pull the decapping rod up as far as you can to get it out of the way. Then use a drill to drill through the primer pocket and tap the resulting hole for a machine screw. Be sure to use lube on the tap, since brass grabs steel and holds it tight, which is what got the case stuck in the first place.

You can place a large nut, socket, or anything else that will give the case room to move, yet provide a flat surface for the head of the machine screw to pull against as you tighten it. You may have to use a washer for the head of the machine screw to bear against. Just tighten the screw and it will pull the case from the die enough to remove it. It only take about 1/8" of travel to break it loose.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[RussellC]

Thanks, appreciate the ideas. Always been careful, but lube was up stairs and given the number I had run through the sizer, I thought I could get away with it.
Not to be.

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

From the Lee die instructions ....

Right from Lee...

 

[Schwing]

I had my first a couple of days ago too. I just used a pipe cutter to cut the base off of the shell and the pin came right out.

 

[dartor]

I have loaded pistol ammo for years. Only this year did I start reloading for rifle. I was aware of the issue of possibly having a stuck case and that when it happens your reloading session is ended if you have no means to remove the case from the die. So before I started any rifle reloading I bought a RCBS stuck case remover.

First caliber I reloaded was 22-250 using Redding dies. I got too much lube on the shoulder of the case and dented a few. I backed off on the lube, no more dents, thought I had everything under control......

Then came .223 and Hornady dies. Lubed the same way/amount that I used on the 22.250...third case stuck. The RCBS stuck case remover paid for itself. I was back reloading in less than 10 minutes.

Haven't stuck a case since but ready in case I do.

 

[Sport45]

Am I the only one who opened this thread to see if it was another One Shot lube story?

I hope you've got the case out with the good advice given. But I feel compelled to ask, what lube was (or wasn't) used here?

 

[Cheesemaker]

What Sport45 said - also keen to know what lube.

I have had good luck with One Shot - thousands of 223 and 308. Just use plenty and let it dry.

 

[FiveInADime]

Lanolin or Imperial for me. Never been remotely close to a stuck case.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Russell, did you try the method set by Lee? Did the case come out?

I stuck one case the first day I started reloading rifle cartridges. One and done, and never again. I started using Imperial Sizing Wax, good stuff...

 

[Dudedog]

No need for a stuck case remover with Lee dies unless you have completely ripped off the bottom of the case.
Just follow Lee's instructions.

If you have not got it out yet it never hurts to run some lube in the die before trying to remove it and let it sit for a bit. (assuming you have some kind of liquid case lube)

 

[USSR]

C'mon Russell. You were using Hornady One Stuck, right?

Don