Issues with 270 WSM reloading

[panzerman]

I have several issues when trying to reload 270 WSM cartridges; right now I have a case stuck in the resizer die and have no idea on how to get it out, I tire pliers and have destroyed most of the case rim so..... next cant seem to get something right when resizing as some cases will chamber after resizing but some wll not, a visual comparison seems to show that the shoulder is not at the same angle,.... other issues with seating a bullet where the neck seems to get pushed down a bit as the bullet is required to seat fairly deep and some of the copper is actually stripped from the bullet as it is seated.. What the heck am I doing wrong?

[ADAM]

you may have 7mm wsm die post some pick

[Fjold]

You have a couple of different issues:

One, you didn't lube the stuck case correctly and it is stuck in the sizing die. Get a stuck case remover, soak the die in penetrating oil before attempting to remove it.

With some cases not chambering and the angle of the shoulder changing, it sounds like you have the seating die screwed in to far. Your case vary in length and the longest ones are hitting the step in the seating die and pushing the neck down which changes the shoulder angle and creates a bulge just below the shoulder which makes the cases to large to chamber. This also tightens the neck and squeezes down on the bullet as it seats.

Unscrew the seating die 1/2 of a turn and adjust the seating plug down to correct the COL. Chamfer the inside edge of the case mouth also.

[Brd_Hntr]

Case stuck in a die is a fairly common mishap. Don't ask. Tools to remove stuck cases can be bought or made from everyday items.

Take a look at this video to see what you want to do.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=stuck+case+removal+tool&mid=F2AA31068B11C65B7146F2AA31068B11C65B7146&view=detail&FORM=VIRE1

As to the reloading issue do you have a case length issue?
Have you correctly adjusted the sizing die?

[Brd_Hntr]

Case stuck in a die is a fairly common mishap. Don't ask. Tools to remove stuck cases can be bought or made from everyday items.

Take a look at this video to see what you want to do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EJjOnnCVXg0

As to the reloading issue do you have a case length issue?
Have you correctly adjusted the sizing die?

[panzerman]

You have a couple of different issues:

One, you didn't lube the stuck case correctly and it is stuck in the sizing die. Get a stuck case remover, soak the die in penetrating oil before attempting to remove it.

With some cases not chambering and the angle of the shoulder changing, it sounds like you have the seating die screwed in to far. Your case vary in length and the longest ones are hitting the step in the seating die and pushing the neck down which changes the shoulder angle and creates a bulge just below the shoulder which makes the cases to large to chamber. This also tightens the neck and squeezes down on the bullet as it seats.

Unscrew the seating die 1/2 of a turn and adjust the seating plug down to correct the COL. Chamfer the inside edge of the case mouth also.

Gotcha, was looking for a home remedy as I don't have a stuck case removal tool yet. WRT the adjustment of the seating plug; I did play around with the bullet seating plug but just when I thought I had it right I got a case that the neck and been pushed down a bit again. As long as the overall length of the bullet and cartridge doesn't exceed the max length I suppose that is ok then? Is that what I should use as a guide? The projectile is long and requires a deep seating depth. I did get a chamfer tool yesterday and will put that to work tonight.
The brass came form a guy shooting a BAR, I have been told that the auto rifle allows the case to swell more and this causes problems with reloading WSM fired from BAR's, is this worth paying attention to or just nonsense? I have never had issues with squishing the neck in any other calibers that I have reloaded so I am guessing that the short fat case with steep shoulder is just a little more picky then the rest?

Yep I do have the correct die, it is for 270 WSM.

Thanks to all.

[Henry Shooter]

I was having the same problem with the shoulder bulging on my 300 wsm when I first started loading for it.
After checking the height of the seating die which, I did haves little low, I would still on occasions have bulging.
I was using Nosler brass, Nosler 180 accu bonds and hornady 178 A max bullets
Cases were preped size and cleaned and I was still getting occasional bulgIng

Solution:
During sizing I used imperial sizing wax from Sinclair. Both inside neck and casing received a small amount. Sizing went a lot smoother.
Seating the bullet I use graphite lube. Sinclair makes a ceramic bead and graphite powder applicator in a small cup that you dip the bullet base into then seat into casing.
The bulging problem went away and the graphite does not affect the neck tension on the bullet nor the powder charge.
I believe that the wsm neck angle and the casing diameter increase the risk of bulging.
Of course most important is proper case prep.

[Coyotegunner]

The stuck case remover is kind of a must have.It has happened to me a few times over the years and is something that really works on a persons mind until it is remedied.The manufacturer of the dies(I use RCBS)will remove the case if you want to send them,as a last resort.
I have used Hornady 1 shot for lube,spraying across the necks and getting the sides as I move.Works good.
I now use Dillon case lube,roll the cases on a $1 store cookie sheet,that I sprayed it on.I then wipe the shoulders off to save dented necks.Then I have a small tupperware filled with graphite and #8 lead birdshot to lube the necks.The shot helps it get inside the case necks.(Thanks Drews Reloading Shop for that advice)
These other experienced folks have already advised checking the height of your dies.The instructions on the dies are a good starting point,but sometimes chambers vary and I have had to test the ready brass in the chamber,before proceeding as well.Then make a note how far in to set the dies etc.for that particular rifle.
I always check case length and trim accordingly.Chamfer and debur after that.
The seating plug,I always back out after loading a batch,before putting the dies away.It makes me adjust it to the correct overall length when I start a new batch in that caliber.
When you set your seating die in the press according to the instructions.There should be approx the gap of the thickness of a nickel,when the press handle is down.

Last.You can probably PM any of these folks on here for their phone number,me included.Most reloaders are kind of a brotherhood that wants to help another person out.I have a stuck case remover,brand new,and with any luck it will stay that way.I see you are in the High Desert.I am in Apple Valley,the other side of Highway 18.
I sent you a PM with my phone number

[panzerman]

CoyoteGunner,
Thanks much. You are the second guy to suggest graphite so I think I will try it out. Yep I need to adjust bullet seating depth correctly, thought I had it at one point yesterday but then it started pushing necks down again after about 5 rounds. After my first mistakes a month ago, I spoke to a few guys who told me to chamber each piece of brass after resizing to make sure it would chamber as I had some issues with new loaded rounds not chambering. Ok, that worked somewhat but while some cartridges would chamber smoothly others would be damn tight and stiff and a few wound not chamber at all. Resizing them again worked for half of the non chambering brass but not all.
I am using RCBS dies as well. I will work on getting the case out and use your suggestions, if I continue to run into issues I may even give you a shout if that is good to go?

[Fjold]

WRT the adjustment of the seating plug; I did play around with the bullet seating plug but just when I thought I had it right I got a case that the neck and been pushed down a bit again. As long as the overall length of the bullet and cartridge doesn't exceed the max length I suppose that is ok then? Is that what I should use as a guide? The projectile is long and requires a deep seating depth. I did get a chamfer tool yesterday and will put that to work tonight.
Thanks to all.

Back out the plug on you seating die as far as it will go.
Unscrew the seating die itself a couple of turns
Put a resized case in the shellholder and run the ram up all the way.
Now with the tips ofyour fingers slowly screw in the seating die.
You will feel it when the case touches the step inside the die.
When you feel that, stop.
Now unscrew the die one full turn and lock it down.

This will prevent the die from distorting the neck or shoulder of the case.

After this is all set, whaen you get ready to load the round you can set the setaing plug to adjust your cartridge over all length.

[panzerman]

Back out the plug on you seating die as far as it will go.
Unscrew the seating die itself a couple of turns
Put a resized case in the shellholder and run the ram up all the way.
Now with the tips ofyour fingers slowly screw in the seating die.
You will feel it when the case touches the step inside the die.
When you feel that, stop.
Now unscrew the die one full turn and lock it down.

This will prevent the die from distorting the neck or shoulder of the case.

After this is all set, whaen you get ready to load the round you can set the setaing plug to adjust your cartridge over all length.

Perfect, worked like a charm! But then you know this. Thanks much!

[panzerman]

Crap, went to range yesterday and began having same issues as before with the cartridge not wanting to chamber or being very difficult to chamber. It is all Winchester once fired brass from a 270 WSM BAR. Overall length is good, cartridge case length is good, everything seems to meet the measurements so what the heck am I doing wrong? Interesting side not is that I fired 3 types of bullet wts, 130 gr Scirocco's, 140 gr Accubond and 150 Nosler partitions. The Howa 1500 with 22" bbl really liked the 140 gr and I shot sub MOA but the others strung the shots vertically over 4-5 inches at 100 but produced decent groups at 50??? Where am I making mistakes?

[FLIGHT762]

Your issue may be your not bumping the shoulder enough back from the brass that was fired in the BAR. If you don't have some type of headspace/bump gauge, you don't know where you're at. Every other day or so, there's a question like yours on this forum and 95% of the time it's not having the sizing die adjusted down enough. There is a small amount of spring left in the press even after the sizing die touches the shell holder. Screwing the die in another 1/8-1/2th of a turn will usually bump the shoulder of the case to near minimum and many times, this extra turn in is all that's needed.

Having a good sizing lubricant will also make a difference. After 40 years of reloading, I've found Imperial wax and Dillon spray does the best job. If you don't have access to Imperial, you can use Kiwi Mink oil paste in the tin. You can find it in any large retailer, yes, it does a great job. Your initial post about having a case stuck in the die is evidence you're not using enough lube or using the wrong lube.

The other 5% of these issues is having the seating die screwed down too far and it causes the shoulder to be crushed/deform during bullet seating and will not allow chambering. The seat die should be backed off about 1 full turn off of the shell holder. Crimping, if needed should be done in a separate operation.

If you're a serious reloader, you should get a headspace/ shoulder bump gauge. A good set is the Hornady : http://www.midwayusa.com/product/479...ith-comparator

Use it with a set of digital calipers and it will show you where the issue is. Lots of info on the net about how to properly set your sizing die up and how to use the gauge.

[panzerman]

Thank you, I appreciate the help. I have been using lube from rcbs but will switch that as well to see if either of the three you suggested works better as well as get the headspace/shoulder bump guage.