Stuck case in my Die!!!

[ArchAngelCD]

It's a long story so I won't bore you but I got a 30-06 case stuck in my Lee full length sizing die. How can I get it out? I removed the locking nut on the top of the die to remove the decaping pin but the pin won't come out through the top. What to do... What to do!! (other than buy a new die!! LOL)

**EDIT**
I have so many Carbide Dies for handgun calibers I called the rifle die Carbide too. Sorry I called the Die Carbide when it isn't...

 

[Okiecruffler]

Happens to everyone eventually, usually after making fun of someone it just happened to. I use a Hornady stuck case remover. Only had to use it once, but it sure made things easy.
And where'd you get a carbide 30-06 die?

 

[mscott]

You can probably send it to LEE for repair. I know Hornady removes stuck cases for $5. You could also buy a stuck case remover kit. If you are crafty you can drill & tap the case head 1/4-20 and with the use of a 1/4" bolt of apropriate length and socket that fits over the case, but not the die, pull it out.

 

[dmftoy1]

I've been able to get them out before by removing the decapping pin and using a long punch and a brass hammer to tap it out.

Lee makes a carbide die for 30-06? Didn't know that!

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[Sport45]

I believe Lee says you can drive it out with the decapping rod. I haven't stuck one (yet) so I haven't tried this. If I did, I'd leave it in the press. Loosen, but don't remove the locking collet and strike the rod with a 16oz or so dead blow hammer. Tie a rag around the die to catch it when it comes out. You wouldn't want to save the day and then find you broke the decapping pin off when it hit the concrete floor...

 

[ForneyRider]

Decapper pins are pretty touch. Try tapping it out according to Lee instructions.

I had a 7mm Mag get stuck when it popped off the shellholder.
I took a hacksaw to the brass. Cheaper to replace one piece of brass than die pieces for 7mm Mag.

 

[rcmodel]

Yep!
Lee dies can be cleared of a stuck case by simply driving it out with the decapper rod.


rcmodel

 

[bigbird1]

another +1 for the hornady stuck case remover, used it many times on 223 , fast and easy . unlike most women!!!

 

[moosehunt]

You run a good chance of messing something up by trying to drive it out. You might get by, but might not. If it's a carbide .30-06 die, it is VERY expensive and I wouldn't chance it, but I also wouldn't expect a case to get stuck in a carbide die. That had to cost what, $500 for that specially made ultra-custom die? Get a stuck case remover--Hornady, RCBS, whatever, as you'll eventually need it again, gaurentee!

 

[rcmodel]

He said he has a Lee 30-06 die.
I doubt very seriously if it is truly a carbide die for the bottle-neck 30-06!

He can in fact drive the stuck case out of the Lee steel sizing die using just the de-capping rod.

They even advertise that fact as a "feature" of Lee dies!


rcmodel

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks for the suggestions so far, I do appreciate them...

As for the die being Carbide, I corrected my first post to remove that mistake. I have so many Lee Carbide Dies for handgun rounds I mistakenly wrote Carbide for the rifle die when it isn't Carbide. Sorry for the mistake and the confusion it caused.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

OK, the stuck case is no longer stuck!! I guess I should have read the Lee FAQ page before I panicked.

Thank you all for the help...

 

[jeepmor]

It happens. I like the drill and tap removal method. Has worked well 3 times now. I'm getting pretty good at it actually.

Suggestion - Redding sizing wax, saves the downtime.

 

[zxcvbob]

Next time, put the die in the freezer (unless like today it's even colder outside) before you try to drive the stuck case out. Brass and steel contract at different rates and I've read that it will loosen the stuck case just a little.

I also might try spraying with Liquid Wrench.

 

[RustyFN]

Just loosen the nut and drive it out with the decapping pin. Been there done that, takes about ten seconds. Lee advertises that feature with their dies.
Rusty

 

[miestro_jerry]

When l else fails, I put the die in my freezer and let is stand over night. The metals contract unevenly and generally will come apart with little effort.

Jerry

 

[bl4ckd0g]

The freezer sounds like a good idea. You might also want to look into purchasing a drill & tap stuck case remover set. It's about $12 from most mfgrs., and I suggest getting a decent tap handle.

Your singlestage would be the best vise if you don't mind cleaining drilled brass shavings off of it.