Problems with sizing - need some advice

[mugsie]

I just purchased a Lee turret press (old style) and am trying to size .308 cases (don't tell me to buy the new cast one since I just got this one). I am using an RCBS FL sizing die. I also have a LEE shell holder.

My procedure is as follows: I run the ram up to the top most position, as high as it will go. I then screw the sizing die down till it contacts the shell plate. I lower the ram and screw the die down another 1/4 turn or so.

When I put a case in to size it, I run the ram up (this style press doesn't seem to "cam over" as my others do). The die is making firm contact with the shell holder. I then lower the ram and remove the case. When I put it into a case gauge, it seems a little high, about .001 or so. I then tried it in the rifle, and although the bolt will close, it's difficult. The shoulder needs to be pushed back a little more, however since the die is already in contact with the shell holder I don't see how this is going to happen. Do I need to shave a thousanth or so off the shell holder? If so, any ideas as to how? What do you think could be causing the problem?

Thanks for the help....

 

[MAGGUNS44]

Are you lubeing the inside of the neck? You possibly could be stretching the case as you pull the sizer button out of the case.

 

[mugsie]

Yes - everything is being lubed. Outside and inside too.

 

[243winxb]

Info here applyies to you also, sizing. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=493235 If the rounds will chamber as you said they do. I would load and shoot them in a bolt action, not an auto. If the brass was fired in a different rifle, firing in yours will form the brass to your chamber. This can be helpful near the web area of the brass if out of round from another firearm. Make sure your brass is trimmed to the correct length. Also measure the neck diameter of a loaded round, it should not be larger than .343"

 

[mugsie]

I understand all this, but with the die physically touching the shell holder, mo amount of screwing in further will make any difference will it? The only solution I can see is to take a little off the shell holder, which will allow the case to be pushed further into the die thereby pushing the shoulder back further.

Why aren't dies set up this way in the first place? Then we wouldn't need to worry about machining tolerances or mixing and matching shell holders and dies.

 

[rcmodel]

Dies & shell holders are set up that way in the first place.

If your press isn't fully sizing the case, it is very likely due to press frame or linkage flex not really shoving the case all the way in the die.

In otherwords it is very likely a press problem, not a die & shell holder problem.

As a test, run a case up in the die at full ram travel, then shine a strong light behind the die/shell holder and see if you can see a crack of light between them.

If you can, you need to screw the die down some more to take out all the press slop.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

The die makers get it right 99% of the time. I would take a bit off the die vs the shell holder if it ends up that is the problem. That will only affect that die. If you do the shell holder, be sure to mark it as it will affect any thing it is used with.


Since you say the shell holder is touching the die when sizing, you might try sizing a case without the expander in it. That will eliminate the possiblity of streching the neck back out. If it still will not fit the gauge, the gauge is to short, or the die is too long, assuming you lubed the case well.

Mark the offending case with a sharpie or smoke it with a candle and chamber it. It should show you where it is tight. It may be too fat somewhere instead of the shoulder being to far out.

 

[243winxb]

All shell holders measure about .125" It would not hurt to check yours. Click photo for larger.

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