Having issues with loose 223 brass in shell holders

[Chris M]

At first I was using a Lee full-length sizing die and the Lee shell holder that came with the set. I noticed my 223 shells were a bit loose in the shell holder. At least compared to my 30-06, 45 ACP, and 44 Mag brass and shell holder combos that fit snugly with very little play.

In only about 50 rounds using the Lee equipment, I had 2 stuck shells where it took very little effort to sheer off a section of the rim of the cartridge.

I ordered a set of RCBS dies and the matching shell holder (#10), and the same thing happened.

Do you find that shell holders by other manufacturers are better fitting? I might just buy a Lyman, a Hornady, and a Redding just to see if they fit any better, but thought I'd run it by you all before doing so.

[justMike]

Do I presume that you are using adequate case sizing lubricant? Hornady One Shot is not recommended (per users) for rifle rounds.

[Chris M]

Do I presume that you are using adequate case sizing lubricant? Hornady One Shot is not recommended (per users) for rifle rounds.

I'm using the same product and method that I've used on literally thousands of 30-06 rounds that I've reloaded and resized - Lyman case lube on a Lyman lube pad.

[justMike]

My Lyman .223 Rem die set had a die that would stick cases and strip rims. Sent it in to Lyman for improvement, and they did.
The Lyman #26 shell holder seems to fit rather well, but those
rims are small on .223 / 5.56. I was using a Lee hand press BTW
and could still strip the rims with that rough die. No issues using
the hand press now.

What are the chances that you got TWO difficult sizing dies? Seems unlikely, but....

Good luck on getting to the root of your issue.

[jsanch03]

Is this happening in the same brand of brass? Could be they sent you the wrong shell holder

[smoothy8500]

Seems the newer dies lately need a little "breaking-in" before they work well. This was based on recent RCBS and Redding purchase.

Use an old bore brush wrapped with a bit of fine steel wool. Lubricate with sizing lube and either hand twist or run a few seconds with a drill. Clean and dry the die completely.

Lightly pre-lube the inside of the die before use with your Lyman product.

[baih777]

You need to lube the inside of the neck.

Side note. Rifle cases you should lube inside and outside of neck also.

[golfish]

You need to lube the inside of the neck.

I agree that this could be a problem.

[Chris M]

I extracted the stuck brass, cleaned and polished the inside of the sizing die, and worked one piece of brass through just a little at a time. Pressed in until just a little resistance, then out. In slightly further until resistance is felt then out. Worked it slowly down, in and out probably a couple dozen times, slightly deeper each time, and even that case rim bent and pulled loose from the shell holder with not much resistance.

[Chris M]

You need to lube the inside of the neck.

Side note. Rifle cases you should lube inside and outside of neck also.

For the next round I removed the neck expander entirely. Slowly worked the brass into the sizing die (see my post above), and it still sheared off the rim with little resistance.

[divingin]

In only about 50 rounds using the Lee equipment, I had 2 stuck shells where it took very little effort to sheer off the rim of the cartridge.

I ordered a set of RCBS dies and the matching shell holder (#10), and the same thing happened.

Do you find that shell holders by other manufacturers are better fitting? I might just buy a Lyman, a Hornady, and a Redding just to see if they fit any better, but thought I'd run it by you all before doing so.

Sounds like a lube problem. Shellholders are by and large pretty much the same (though you will get some variance piece to piece.)

If you're tearing rims off cases, it's your lube procedure, not the shellholder. A too-large shellholder will most times slip off by folding the rim, not rip it off the case.

[Chris M]

Sounds like a lube problem. Shellholders are by and large pretty much the same (though you will get some variance piece to piece.)

If you're tearing rims off cases, it's your lube procedure, not the shellholder. A too-large shellholder will most times slip off by folding the rim, not rip it off the case.

My bad. I used an unclear choice of words. It's folding over about 1/4 section of the rim due to the loose fit.

[baih777]

Try a different lube.
I shoot 223 bolt rifles 8 months .
I use Lee sizing die.
But I mix my own lube.

[FLIGHT762]

Like others said; try a different lube. You may be surprised. You probably have something at home to try without going out and buying a specific case lube.

Some alternatives that can used are, Bag Balm, Chapstick, Mink oil, Synthetic Motor Oil, STP oil treatment, Vaseline and spray Cooking Oil.

If you try Synthetic motor Oil, put a thin coat on, if you use too much, you will put dents into the case shoulder.

[justMike]

With my rough die, once used synthetic motor oil (0W20?) generously and the bass went in and out just fine, that one time anyway.
Just checked a Redding #10 shell holder and it is 'more loose' fit than the Lyman one I have.
Kinda sounds like soft brass among possibly other issues.

Op, sorry you're having all these challenges but you'll solve it eventually.