Please Help Case Sizing

[jandmtv]

hi guys,

i had a real crappy day today at the range with my AR. i shot about 250 of my reloads, but i had about 7 cases get stuck in the chamber to the point that i had to knock it out with a cleaning rod. 2 of the rounds fired, and the cases would not extract, and the other 5, they were live rounds that got stuck, but they didn't go all the way in, and the bolt didn't close all the way, so they didn't fire.

all of these cases were sized on my Redding T7 press, using redding sizing die. the die was adjusted down until it touched the shell holder, then the ram was lowered and another half turn more on the die. so i know the die was adjusted right. any ideas on what could cause this?

it wasn't only one type/brand of brass that got stuck, i had LC. and Winchester and Federal brass get stuck.

i have shot about 200 of my own reloads before without any problems, this is the first time. all the cases were properly lubed before resizing, then trimmed to 1.750"

is it possible that the chamber on the barrel somehow got damaged? or did i adjust the die down too far and its creating a bulge at the base of the case? any info would help, thanks

[ar15barrels]

Get a case gauge.
Sometimes a case just does not take the sizing or you short stroke the press due to outside distractions.

I went so far as to install a Redding body die in the powder check station of my 1050 so that any case that was not fully sized the first time will get an extra bump to the shoulder if it needs it.
Properly sized cases are not really effected by this die and there has been no need for lubrication nor have I stuck a case in it.
Ever since installing that body die, I have not had any more problems related to cases needing to be sized more.

[4D5auto]

Yes, a case gauge is the answer. Tray a small base sizing die from now on. Also, if your seat die is not properly set, you may also bulge the case at the taper, which will cause you problems. To eliminate future problems, I suggest you drop the brass in your head space gauge before reloading, if it doesn't fall within spec, don't waste the time to load it, it will likely cause you a problem.

[jandmtv]

any specific brand of case gauge i should look for?

[anyracoon]

Dillon or Wilson both make good case gauges. I frequently check my sized brass to make sure cases are being sized right. I'll also check my loaded ammo with one as I inspect for primmers that are not pressed in all of the way. I readsome where that the Dillon case gauge is a little tighter than the Wilson.

[CSACANNONEER]

Get a case gauge.
or you short stroke .........due to outside distractions.

Those distracting websites have viruses!

[ar15barrels]

any specific brand of case gauge i should look for?

Dillon.

I drop every 223 round I load into a dillon case gauge before I shoot it.
Any with trouble will either stick in the gauge, or not feel/sound right.
Those suspect rounds get closer inspection before acceptance.
This also lets you look at and feel the primer to weed out any with a problem.

[CAT_101]

If your chamber is a 223 and not a 5.56. You may be gitting the 5.56 stuck. Just a thought.
I met a guy at the range and we both had our Oll's I tryed his and he tryed mine, my ammo stuck in his chamber and not in mine.

[ar15barrels]

If your chamber is a 223 and not a 5.56. You may be gitting the 5.56 stuck. Just a thought.
I met a guy at the range and we both had our Oll's I tryed his and he tryed mine, my ammo stuck in his chamber and not in mine.

You obviously don't know the dimensional differences between a 223 and a 5.56 chamber.
The ammo external dimensional specs are the same.

[Gunsrruss]

Small base dies.....

Make sure on the automatics that you use small base dies. I had the same problem as you with my .308 and 30.06. By the time I got my .223 I knew better. I also had to pull down like 2,000 rds. and resize with small base. Also make sure them hummers are trimmed right. Your problem is a small base problem

[jandmtv]

how do i know if my dies are small base dies?

all of those cases that i mentioned were resized on a redding die, but from now on ill be using a dillon die.

and no one in the area has .223 case gages in stock. i cant order online for a while, i had some fraudulent charges on my accounts, so i had to close most of my accounts and cards.

[jandmtv]

Make sure on the automatics that you use small base dies. I had the same problem as you with my .308 and 30.06. By the time I got my .223 I knew better. I also had to pull down like 2,000 rds. and resize with small base. Also make sure them hummers are trimmed right. Your problem is a small base problem

i think you may be right!

i just took my digital calipers and measured the opening at the bottom of the redding sizing die and it measured .378 and my dillon die measured .373

[CSACANNONEER]

If you want to borrow my .223 case gauge, let me know and we can figure out how to get it to you. I'm planning on going to Angeles on the 16th. Or, if you're headed up to the Ventura gun show this weekend, you can stop by my place or maybe just meet me there.

[30Cal]

95% of the time, you won't need to use SB dies.

Get a case gage. You'll need it either way. FL sizing really shouldn't even be attempted without one IMHO. The manufacturer instructions for blindly setting the sizing die are a half step above worthless.

[jandmtv]

If you want to borrow my .223 case gauge, let me know and we can figure out how to get it to you. I'm planning on going to Angeles on the 16th. Or, if you're headed up to the Ventura gun show this weekend, you can stop by my place or maybe just meet me there.

thanks! but i dont think im going to be in the area anytime soon. but angeles range is a possibility. are you going to be in the SFV are anytime soon? you still have my number?