question about neck dies

[opos]

How about calling some of the local gun stores (not the big box stores but the local guys) and see if anyone offers a basic reloading class or if they know of a class or NRA class that is available..they are terrific for a new loader..either that or find someone close to you that loads that might tutor you a bit...

I learned in the 60's and there was no internet, little info and few if any classes...we all sort of got together and the older loaders taught us as we went...it really helps.....huge amounts of info on the internet but unfortunately there are also some very bad examples... Ammosmith .com that I mentioned before is free..they also have a loading web site and the guys are super good for basic technique discussions and videos...You will get it figured out and better to ask than to not ask and have an issue...good luck..One last thougth...since you have had some confusion about which die, what lube, and difficulty with force to do the work you may well have a bunch of once fired brass that is not at all uniform in what has been done to it....when you get set to get started I'd strongly suggest using the full length die....set it up exactly the way the lee instructios say...use a case lube (not gun oil) and full length resize all cases back to new specs...sort of a ground level from whereever you have gotten them to now....then load and shoot them and then you can begin to play with the fired cases and neck load to go back into the same rifle...I'd be concerned that with all the things you tried that you probably got things sort of out of whack and you do need a base line to start from.

[Fjold]

OP, you need to read a couple of loading manuals. The first part of each manual gives you the basics on how everything works, how to set up dies and the safety precautions.


You are heading down a seriously slippery slope, on roller skates, with a cliff at the end.

[thegamettt]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions and guidance. I'll just resize this whole batch to factory spec and start my baseline over. I'll go re read my manuals again too. I guess I was too excited to start the first step of de priming, and it was kind of late so..

[thegamettt]

One last thougth...since you have had some confusion about which die, what lube, and difficulty with force to do the work you may well have a bunch of once fired brass that is not at all uniform in what has been done to it....when you get set to get started I'd strongly suggest using the full length die....set it up exactly the way the lee instructios say...use a case lube (not gun oil) and full length resize all cases back to new specs...sort of a ground level from whereever you have gotten them to now....then load and shoot them and then you can begin to play with the fired cases and neck load to go back into the same rifle...I'd be concerned that with all the things you tried that you probably got things sort of out of whack and you do need a base line to start from.

technically I at this point, I have lubed all the cases and necks, and full length resized all of them. I guess now I just have to measure and trim if necessary. Going to get my friend to come over for some hands on training.

[opos]

If you have a friend that is experienced and he (she) feels comfortable with the status as it is now then you might look at trimming...I'd suggest you understand about trimming and champhering, etc before you just start whacking away...I won't comment on how I do my trimming as it may be different than others do..also if you used "gun oil" as a lube you may have gotten some of it inside the cases and it may (or may not) affect the powder or primers..

Sounds like you have someone you can ask for some direction and that can be a big help. As to case lube I'm sure you got a tube of Lee's case lube if you bought a kit...it works ok for case lube..just don't over do it and be careful about too much lube on the neck...too much can cause dents to form in the neck and shoulder when you activate the resizing die.

Good luck and slow and easy wins the race every time.

[thegamettt]

yeah, i'll tumble them before I do anything else to get rid of the lube. I used slip 2000.