case sizing question - stuck case

[Archon_g24]

Hello everyone, new to reloading so today was the first time I resized cases. Working on mil surplus 7.62 NATO LC 75

Everything went smoothly until I got one case that was very difficult to get past 3/4 into die so I backed it out with great difficulty. I pulled it off the shell holder to inspect it and it didn't have any obvious defects so I wiped it off and reapplied some wax with the same result. I ended up tossing it and the next piece went through just fine.

Is the case bulged where it is sticking? If so, what would cause this?

[Divernhunter]

I have had that trouble and usually it if from brass which was fired on full-auto.

Best to just chuck it.

[baih777]

it sounds like you got some military brass fired out of a full auto rifle.
yes this is common for that type of brass.
your using a wax for lube ?
you should see if those empty cases will fit in your rifle. if not you may need the small base dies to get them to work.
do you have a case guage ?

[Capt.Dunsel]

I have had that trouble and usually it if from bras which was fired on full-auto.

Best to just chuck it.

I would like to see a bra on full-auto.

[jameshenry]

I've had real good luck using Dillon Case Lube. Its a lanolin/alcohol mix. Just put the bra ,uh brass in a plastic bag or pan and pump spray a couple of times, shake or stir, let the alcohol evap and size. I use it on straight and bottleneck cases. The press operates so smooth.

[Unretarded]

Lanolin case spray works good.....going to make my own batch up soon,......case gauge and at the minimal a primer pocket reamer will be needed......hopefully your die does close to small base...some are, some arent.

You did a good thing not jamming the case in .....remember, it will always be harder to get out than jam in..........I hate to chuck brass, but it does have a good scrap value.

[Archon_g24]

I'm using Hornady case wax and no, I don't have a case gauge. Good point on seeing if the resized brass will fit into my FAL.

I'm starting to learn that brass prep takes a long time!

[Divernhunter]

There is your 1st problem. I have never been able to get the Hornady stuff to work. Always sticking cases.
Get a Spray bottle of RCBS Spray lube and you may even get most of the hard to size brass to resize. I use it even on my 50bmg cases.

Dump some brass into a metal baking pan , a couple of squirts and shake, another squirt and start sizing. When done toss them into the tumbler to remove the lube then check flash holes for media. Or toss them into a towel, fold the towel over them and rub them clean.

I also have a bottle of the Dillon stuff but I have a case of the RCBS spray and if it is not broken then do not try and fix it. I understand the dillion stuff is much like the RCBS.

[popeye4]

I use both the Dillon spray (it also helps with cracked fingers in the winter!) and Imperial Sizing Wax (the best there is). While you're ordering, it is best to pick up a stuck case remover. They aren't expensive and you're bound to need it someday. If you have it in hand you won't have to wait for UPS.

And yes, bottleneck rifle case prep can be tedious, but for a gas gun it is important.

[Unretarded]

Everytime I think of lowering the bar on case prep, I just picture the guys you see on range day having feed issues and diggin in the guns action and I suck it up and continues on with proper case prep.

One never gets to shoot as much as we want, so the last thing I want to do is spend the range day gouging at the guns action with various objects.

[OpenSightsOnly]

I'm using Hornady case wax and no, I don't have a case gauge. Good point on seeing if the resized brass will fit into my FAL.

I'm starting to learn that brass prep takes a long time!

Try Imperial Sizing Wax - never had a stuck case in 223, 308, 30-06, 7.5 Swiss.

BTW, did you clean the sizing die before use?

[Rizzo]

I use the Lee Sizing Lube and apply it with my fingers while wearing nitrile gloves.
Then use a Q-Tip to apply it inside the case mouth.

It is a tedious process but works for me.

I'm curious about those who use the spray on lube.....don't you lube the inside of the case mouth before sizing?
If so, how?

[baih777]

I use the Lee Sizing Lube and apply it with my fingers while wearing nitrile gloves.
Then use a Q-Tip to apply it inside the case mouth.

It is a tedious process but works for me.

I'm curious about those who use the spray on lube.....don't you lube the inside of the case mouth before sizing?
If so, how?

Using dillon spray lube. I wear nitrile gloves and hold a a handful in my hand , case mouths pointed same direction and give it two squirts of lube. If once fired 308 three squirts.

[Archon_g24]

Yes I cleaned the die before using it. I took a member's advice and tried the RCBS lube and was able to size that piece of brass. I ended up using RBCS lube for the next 50 rounds and they all sized properly.

[Divernhunter]

The stuff works.
When I spray them in the pan I let some get into the necks so that the expander ball is lubed also. It does not have to be in every neck and does not require much. The media will remove the lube outside and inside of the brass after resizing. Just check flashholes for stuck media after tumbling.