lubing case necks

[762cavalier]

I recently loaded some 6.5 grendel rounds using virgin 6.5 brass. Ran the brass through a resizing die to make sure they were uniform. went to the range and the rounds wouldn't load without forcing the op-rod forward(converted Mini-30). I ordered a case length gage to check the rounds and when it arrived the cases stuck out of the gage a couple of thousandths.

question- When I resized them is it possible for the expander to pull the case out of spec?

Do you need to lube the inside of the case neck? What is the best way to do it?

Just trying to figure out what went wrong and I still have to pull down 45 rounds of ammunition

[C.G.]

1) You don't really need to resize Lapua virgin brass.
2) Lapua brass tends to be fairly short, so it sounds like your sizing die is screwed in too far if the brass comes out oversize.
3) No lube inside of neck!

What kind of dies are you using?

[762cavalier]

Using Redding dies.

[762cavalier]

Another question. wouldn't screwing the die down too much set the shoulder back too far? causing excess headspace? Or does the fact that the brass may be shorter to begin with cause it to "grow" into the die and make it oversize?

Haven't had this issue with other rifles (7.5x55 for example) but I am still kind of a NOOB to loading for bottleneck cases.

[C.G.]

Using Redding dies.

Good dies, the original version came out with a larger expander ball and Redding sent everyone a smaller one for free (I forget the sizes right now), but that is not what would cause this problem.

Read your die set up instruction carefully again, sounds like you are setting the sizing die down too far.

[C.G.]

Another question. wouldn't screwing the die down too much set the shoulder back too far?
Yes, it can.
ing excess headspace? Or does the fact that the brass may be shorter to begin with cause it to "grow" into the die and make it oversize?
When you resize the case may get longer, but shouldn't be as much as you say it did.

Answers above.

[762cavalier]

Thanks C.G. When all else fails read the directions.

[bigmike82]

On my Lee press instructions, it says to lube the case necks when sizing.

[C.G.]

On my Lee press instructions, it says to lube the case necks when sizing.

On the outside, not on the inside (which is what the question was).

[bigmike82]

Sh**, you're absolutely right. You lube the inside when you use the full-length size, not the neck only.

[30Cal]

The expander ball will pull the shoulder forward. If the case squeals coming out of the die, this is most definitely happening and they'll probably be longer at the shoulder than before they went into the die. I use a pencil to lube the inside on every 2-3 cases.

[ar15barrels]

Use graphite lube inside the necks of new brass.
Once they are fired, there's enough carbon left to act as a lube.

[C.G.]

Use graphite lube inside the necks of new brass.
Once they are fired, there's enough carbon left to act as a lube.

That makes sense on new brass and will not contaminate powder. I've only reloaded fired brass so never had to deal with lack of lubrication.

[Whitesmoke]

Maybe I'm reading the question wrong.....

But couldn't this be caused by not sizing the brass enough? (i.e. not having the sizing die screwed down low enough..??)??

[Ahhnother8]

When I resized them is it possible for the expander to pull the case out of spec?

YES. Polish the expander ball until it shines like chrome.

Do you need to lube the inside of the case neck? What is the best way to do it?

YES. Use graphite, wax, or sizing lube. I use a Q-tip, applying lube every 5 cases. You can feel the difference in the press handle. It is NOT subtle. You must then remove the lube (tumbling) before loading them.

For plinking ammo or poor brass, just screw the die down and don't worry about the variations in case head to datum line measurements. As long as the biggest one chambers, all is good.

Lane