Not too proud to ...

[15thaf5thbw]

... ask for some help.

I got a case nice and stuck in my RCBS small-base 223 sizing die. Performing multiple attempts to re-grasp the base of the case with the shell-holder only deformed the base to the point where the shell-holder would no longer grasp the case base at all. Tried vise grips on the protruding base. More deformation. Ground the base off flat with the bottom of the die then drilled it out so I could remove the decapping rod. Now I have a case lining the inside of the die. Tried drilling that out. No joy. Tried prying it out with a screw driver. No joy. My most recent attempt is a bit of physics. I put it in the freezer. I'll remove it when ice cold and try tapping it (hard) against the top of my big vice to see if the temperature change affected the inside diameter of the case and/or the die and hopefull it will just "pop out". Yeah, I know. Probably not.

Any other ideas besides the ultimate fall-back of purchasing a carbide small-base sizer die (if that even exists)?

[5.56Geo]

I can tell you RCBS has great customer service from experience! I stuck a case once and called them, before I even finished my story the lady asked me for my address. She told me a new one was on it's way. A few days later not only did I get the part I needed but she sent me some extra decapping pins. RCBS takes GREAT pride in customer service. I would give them a call and see what they will do for you. keep us posted and good luck.

[anyracoon]

I had one with the same die get stuck this morning. Several years back I bought the RCBS stuck case removal tool, drill bit, tap, end cap & threaded bolt. take about 5 minutes to pull stuck case. Dillon does make a carbide die that is suposed to be the equal to a small base die, but you still need to lube your brass!

[Divernhunter]

Buy the RCBS stuck cases tool. You will need it again.
NEVER grind off the end of the case. Buy the tool and use it before anything in the future. I have used mine on many cases over the years.

PS When I have to call RCBS I usually start the conversation with I did a stupid thing or being a idiot I did......" They have always been really great on service. Even when it is my fault.

[gunboat]

Next time -- As others have said a case removal kit or just buy a 1/4-28 tap, proper size drill, 1/4-28 class 8 bolt and necessary spacers --
Todays problem - if you don't send it back to rcbs - reccommended - If you have access to a lathe, the brass case can be bored out using plain tool steel bit, not a carbide tool bit! - the tool steel will scoot over the hard die surface without cutting. A light touch is needed -
Unfortunately have had to do this a few times --
my tuppence

[damndave]

After I got a stuck case in my Redding die, I did the same as you and lost the entire head of the brass. I thought it was impossible to get out, but the CS at Redding told me to send it in. They have a thing where if you buy the stuck case remover from them, they will get the stuck case out.

I learned not to try and get it out without the tool. I have lent it to a number of people and it works like a charm.