Brass Sizing - some cases wont size

[Archon_g24]

I'm sizing Remington 30-06 brass that I bought from a vendor so I do not know the history. Using a Hornady headspace comparator, I set my RCBS sizing die to match a new round. Most of the cases size properly but there are a few cases that are long at the shoulder.

What would cause these cases to not take on the correct shape? Should I just scrap them and move on?

[TheGaut]

Is the stamping common amongst the bad ones? They could be factory off, I've seen that with 308.

If it's random, it could be the amount of lube you're using. Also first pass resized, I would check the case length if the off ones need significant trimming, that could be the issue. I would trim then resize those again.

[highpower790]

Probably 270 brass if it has a long neck.

[Archon_g24]

The case stamps are the same for the bad as the good ones.

I'll check the case lengths.

I only sized 50 pieces so I was lubing them by hand - one small drop of RCBS case lube and rubbed on by hand.

[pacrat]

I'm sizing Remington 30-06 brass that I bought from a vendor so I do not know the history. Using a Hornady headspace comparator, I set my RCBS sizing die to match a new round. Most of the cases size properly but there are a few cases that are long at the shoulder.

What would cause these cases to not take on the correct shape? Should I just scrap them and move on?

Are you hard bumping the SH and Die base together? That should resize them to minimum SAAMI spec. If that is your goal.

Most bottleneck commercial factory ammo is actually just a bit "shy of SAAMI spec" as loaded. This is to assure that it will fit/function in all factory rifles.

Because of the two conflicting standards, some dies will not resize all cases to "factory spec" because "factory spec" is undersized.

Any attempt to return fired cases to "factory spec" with bottleneck rifles cartridges is just overworking the cases needlessly.

Try this first. Run the cases through your rifle by hand. If the bolt closes fully into battery. All that is really required is neck sizing your cases to hold new bullets.

JM2c

[dexstoy]

My problem with the 30-06 was they didn't want to size, basically getting stock ing the Die (RCBS). I ended having to polish the inside of the die with polishing compound and a Dremel. They are still the tightest dies I have but still clear the case gauge. I was breaking decapping pins left and right, just a pain. But we are all good now. I just started loading 30-06 for the first time 2 weeks age.

[pacrat]

My problem with the 30-06 was they didn't want to size, basically getting stock ing the Die (RCBS). I ended having to polish the inside of the die with polishing compound and a Dremel. They are still the tightest dies I have but still clear the case gauge. I was breaking decapping pins left and right, just a pain. But we are all good now. I just started loading 30-06 for the first time 2 weeks age.

This will solve you broken pin problem

https://www.amazon.com/Lee-LP90292-Precision-Decapping-Die/dp/B002SF2ZXU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467078954&sr=8-1&keywords=lee+depriming+die

That's all I use for depriming everything. I've had to send multiple RCBS stems back because they bend so damn easily. Sure, they replace for nothing, but PIA none the less. If the Lee pin missed the flash hole. The pin just slides upward in its collet.

06 cases take a lot of force to resize FL. Quite a bit more than 308 and problably 4 times the force of sizing 223.

[OpenSightsOnly]

The case stamps are the same for the bad as the good ones.

I'll check the case lengths.

I only sized 50 pieces so I was lubing them by hand - one small drop of RCBS case lube and rubbed on by hand.

If you are using a single stage press, try using Imperial Sizing Wax.

Or, try using a bit more lube

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

Brass Sizing - some cases wont size

[QUOTE=Archon_g24;18395434]The case stamps are the same for the bad as the good ones.



I'll check the case lengths.



I only sized 50 pieces so I was lubing them by hand - one small drop of RCBS case lube and rubbed on by hand.[/

Let me rewrite this. I failed to notice in your original post the shoulder is the problem.

When set I up my dies for one particular rifle, I find a fired case that is either tight or won't chamber. Lube it, resize it and try chambering it again. If it fits, your good. If it doesn't, screw the die down 1/8 turn and repeat until it either chambers or you can't get the ram to the top of the stroke. I've never had the latter happen to me and I've reloaded thousands of 30-06.

If you need to use the Ammo in multiple rifles, after it chambers in one, try it in the others. Repeat as necessary.

[Archon_g24]

I'm just trying to size these back to match a factory new Nosler Trophy Grade round since I bought this lot used at a show and do not know the history. Once I fire them in my Springfield, I'll size them to match its chamber.

The only thing I can think of that would cause this issue is a defect in the base of the round that is preventing the shell holder from pushing it up far enough into the die.

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

Are both die and shell holder from the same manufacturer?


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[Archon_g24]

Yes - RCBS everything. 47 of 50 sized just fine so there's got to be a defect with these cases.

[pacrat]

The only thing I can think of that would cause this issue is a defect in the base of the round that is preventing the shell holder from pushing it up far enough into the die.

You never answered my first question.

Are you hard bumping the SH and Die base together?

[Archon_g24]

Are you hard bumping the SH and Die base together? That should resize them to minimum SAAMI spec. If that is your goal.

Most bottleneck commercial factory ammo is actually just a bit "shy of SAAMI spec" as loaded. This is to assure that it will fit/function in all factory rifles.

JM2c

Yes. I installed the shell holder and raised it to the to of the stroke then lowered the sizing die down so it hits the shell holder. Backed the ram out and adjusted the die down to cam over the press. Then I made a couple more adjustments until the sized cases matched the sample round. I then ran two and checked them then ran the rest. After that, I checked them all with the comparator and that's how I found these three.

Also, I deprime on a separate press using the Lee die. I don't like how sizing feels when trying to pop out the primer in the same step.

[CSACANNONEER]

Did you anneal the brass? If the shoulder is not bumping back, there could be a little more "spring back" in the few pieces that don't resize properly. If the reason they are not resizing properly is that the base (by the case head) is still a little bulged, you may need a small base FL sizing die. Or, it may just take a different shell holder to correct either problem. It's not easy to say for sure what the problem or solution is over the internet.