Reloading Trouble

[charliedontsurf334]

I bought this reloading press and ezuipment and some .308 dies.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=423081

Everything was going smooth until I tried to load the projectile into my brass cases. The problem is that the neck is too wide to hold the projectile! I cannot get the projectile to stay in the case.

The instructions aren't worth the paper they're printed om.

Does anyone know what is wrong?

[Rem222]

I'm not a expert but it sounds like the case is not being sized properly. If it was the bullet would be held tightly in the case neck.... I'm sure some other reloaders will chime in soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THOL_S7Hngs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uZbTZCsIGQ

These are general videos that might give you some ideas....

[sequoia_nomad]

I'm not familiar with Lee dies, but assuming they are similar to Rcbs, it sounds like the expander is screwed too far in and expanding your necks too much. Maybe try backing it up a little. I don't use Lee and I don't load .308, just my 2 cents.

[bruce381]

search some vids on you tube tha show reloading basics. But sounds like sizer is NOT set right, when ram come to full top screw die down to just touch it then lock it down and resize a few cases that should hold bullet.

[tujungatoes]

Sounds like you may need some hands on instruction. If you happen to be in the LA area I'll be happy to come by and get you going. If not, post your location and I'm sure someone local will be happy to help you out.

[sonnyt650]

For Lee rifle dies the full-length sizer squeezes the neck to too tight on the lever downstroke, then the decap pin expands the neck back out to just tight diameter on the upstroke. You should feel friction on both the downstroke and upstroke. If you feel friction check the diameter of the expander by pulling the decap pin out and measuring the fattest part, should be smaller than the bullets. The bullets themselves should be .307" (what bullets are you using?) and the expander .306" or less. If both of these check out ok, try sizing the case without the decapper and see if the case mouth inner diameter is squeezed down below .307" -- if not check whether the sizing die is set correctly. If all else fails send it back.

If you're using other dies this might not apply.

[Boots]

charliedontsurf, where are you located?

And yeah, as mentioned, I would double check first if the die is adjusted properly. Then as Sonny mentioned, measure the expander.

[Divernhunter]

Sounds like the sizer die is not adjusted correctly. If you are near me I will help you out. I am in the Modesto area.

[rob1105]

Ditto on the sizer die being off. Use your calipers to check the case messurements after sizing. Your reloading book will have all the correct dimensions of a trimed and sized cassing

[ireload]

Like others have stated, sizing die is not properly adjusted. You will need to turn the adjusting die more towards the shell holder while in the press.

[bootcamp]

Lower the handle/raise the platform. Screw the die until it hits the shellplate. Lower the platform and screw the die in another 1/4 turn and lock the die.

[brianinca]

Could be the wrong part. I got a 44 Spl expander die in my 45 ACP Lee Carbide 3 die set (!!!). THAT was a head scratcher for awhile trying to seat bullets!

Regards,
Brian in CA