Need help setting up dies and resizing...

[Davo]

I am new to reloading and am running into a few problems resizing. I am using Lee deluxe dies to reload .308, and a Lee hand press (which will be upgraded soon). When I use the full length die the case sizes about 80% leaving the area at the case head and the last 2mm or so of the neck unsized. I cannot get the die to size any further. This brass will not chamber. I have had the decapper slip, and have replaced it to flush with the decapper clamp. Thing is I cant get the decapper clamp to screw all the way into the die, there is too much force to get it all the way down. I suspect this may why Im having problems.
I have tried the neck sizer, and that is not sizing either. When I use this die, no resistance is felt, the necks arent touched. Cases are well lubed with both dies. Ive looked at the directions but am obviously missing something.
BTW everything else is going fine...weighing cases and charges, trimming, priming, and seating.
P.S.-the length given in several manuals for the .308 is 2.015 inches...is this the max length? Is there a minimum length also?

 

[Critter183]

I never used a Lee hand press and I don't know the lee dies either, but don't force anything yet. lol

Have you been able to knock out the primers? It almost sounds like you have Berdan primed brass. In that case, your decapping pin is bottoming out in the brass not allowing the die to run down any farther. Forcing it will break the pin, or, as it seems has happened, pushed the pin into the clamp?

Berdan has two flash holes, one to either side of center. Boxer primers use one flash hole dead center in the case. Take a look down the throat of your brass and see what you have.

 

[Davo]

They are boxer primed, and the "practice" brass Im using to learn on has been deprimed. Ive tried putting the pin in deeper, and keeping it flush, but perhaps I should pull it out a bit, and see if that helps.

 

[Critter183]

I wish I could help. I really don't know the machine or dies for it. Hopefully someone will come along soon with good info.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Adjust your decapper pin so the pin stickes down about a quarter inch or so below the mouth of the die. When installing the die on your press, run the ram it's full length and screw the die down so it hits the shell holder, then turn the die another quarter turn and lock it in place. The ram should knuckle over at the top. From these instructions you make your fine adjustments.

And an after thought, you are using the right die? Maybe not a 30-06 die?

 

[Doug b]

Decapper slipped

Sounds to me like you have the decapping stem set to deep in the die body.The replaced to flush with the clamp was what caught my eye.The decap stem on all my Lee dies when set to just barely punch the primer out protrudes about 1/4" above the lock nut.Now your ready to set the full length resize die for the shell holder to lightly kiss the base of the die body(bumps the case shoulder back a few .0001") or really pressed hard against the die body and will chamber in any .308 (winchester I assume) rifle.

 

[Ol` Joe]

Deleted, Already covered.

 

[Davo]

I will try backing out the pin and to see if I can get a better resize, as of now the shell holder and die were never touching each other, they always stopped about 2mm apart. I have rechecked and yes its a .308 die set.
Im off to the range to test my new Savage 10fp with factory ammo, I will try resizing again this weekend.
Thanks for the help guys.

 

[highlander 5]

First Does the Lee Hand press have enough mechanical advantage to full length size cases.
Something here makes no sense a bolt action can't chamber even a partially sized case? I have several bolt action rifles and I neck size my cases and never have a problem getting the bolt to close.

 

[snuffy]

I'm in a mad race to get everything ready for tomorrows opener for deer hunting, but I do have the lee hand press and lee dies for one of my rifles. After I get some venison hanging, I'll do a set-up and let you know how everything is set.

 

[Davo]

I figured out that the decapping pin was seated too far in.
Now Ive just got to figure out the neck die.