Stuck case

Mbogo · Rookie Member Joined: Dec 19, 2007 Posts: 2

Hi,
I have been reloading 375 H&H for a few months now. I wanted to reload 270 Wiinchester and attempted it a couple of weeks back using Hornady dies (New) and got the very first case stuck. I somehow got it out and tried again this weekend with the new spindle etc (that I had wrecked earlier when getting the stuck case out Sad

)and the same thing happened. I made sure the case was lubricated, including mica for the neck.
I have ordered a stuck case remover from Hornady. But I am not sure what is going on.
Thanks
Jas

Doublejs · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 11:21 am Post subject: Re: Stuck case

What type of lube are you using? Is the bottom of the shell ripping off or what? Was the brass new or once fired? Is the die set right?
I prefer the spray lubes. And be aware that to much lube will mess things up also.
I have only had a couple cases stuck in many years of reloading, but almost every one was a mag caliber that was loaded to the max. (e.g. case had expanded when shot)
Defenitely get the case remover, mine was from RCBS as that was the press I was using. It is excellent and works great.

Bushmaster · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 12:11 pm Post subject: Re: Stuck case

Doublejs...I've had problems using Hornady's One Shot on .30-06 cases. One out of every 5 or 6 will stick in the sizing/decapping die. Didn't have any trouble with .30-30 cases. I have sense relegated the One Shot to rocking chair squeek duty...

Mbogo...Welcome to this fine site. We will solve your problem. If not me...One of the others...So pull up a stump and grab a beer...

That said...I use the RCBS lube and pad and have never had a stuck case with it. .30-06, as you know, is about the same as .270 cases and you may be having the same problem I was having with One Shot. Doublejs is correct when he said that too much lube isn't good either, but you will have to determine what is too much lube for your cases. I lube the hell out of mine and watch for lube dents on the shoulder. That's were the first sign of over lubing will show up. So lube them good and look for dents on the shoulder. If they start to show up, clean your die by wiping the access lube out of the die and use just a tad bit less lube until it goes good for you...Incidently...The dents, other then not neat looking, won't hurt the case. Just load it and shoot it and the dent will disappear.

A lot of people read to not over lube the case, but never say what is "over lubed" and end up under lubing the case...By The Way...I use the RCBS lube inside the case neck too...

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 1:04 pm Post subject: Re: Stuck case

Bushmaster had a good point about lubing the inside of the case neck it makes a difference. Tell us a little about your procedure and I'm sure we can help, and welcome to the HuntingNut Very Happy

Joe

Doublejs · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 1:53 pm Post subject: Re: Stuck case

Bushy,
I use RCBS Case Slick, never tried any other or had the need to. I don't know if One Shot is the same as Case Slick. The Case Slick is a light oil (like WD-40, but doesn't have the same smell as WD-40). Anywho, whatever works for you...as we all know, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. Smile

I also agree w/ Bushy on the lube dents.

wncchester · Member Joined: Apr 08, 2006 Posts: 160

Seems a lot of folks are suddenly sticking cases lately. The problem does not come from failure to lube inside or outside of the neck nor from "hot' loads. Stated pure and simple, sticking cases comes from insufficent lubricant on the thicker lower part of the case. That's where the most sizing pressue is needed and that's where the lube must be well applied. Learn to feel the extra pressure needed to stick a case too, backing out and re-lubing before it sticks is the best system of all! Very Happy

There's really no need to damage the decap/expander rod when pulling a stuck case. Before drilling/tapping, screw the decapper UP as far as you can get it to go but not jammed hard into the neck. That usually gets the rod clear of the drill and tap.

Vince · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 9:12 pm Post subject: Re: Stuck case

Gidday Mbogo...as Bushy said mate, grab a beer and pull up a stump.

If you can mate...a couple of pics of the cases, dies and a stuck case might help to cast some light on the problem.

Now don't be offended, but I can't help askin' the obvious question...Are you using the correct dies and/or shell holder for the calibre? Its happened before mate.

Cheers, Vince

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 1:53 am Post subject: Re: Stuck case

Since it was the first case through the die I'd check the die and spindle pretty good. Something could be cut wrong.

I haven't used much of it but when I first tried the One shot on some .30-06 cases it was a little sticky. I then flushed the inside of the die with some degreaser and, after it was dry, shot a little of the lube in there. After that it worked fine for me. I've been using some Dillon spray-on lube for years (seems a little lasts a LONG time!) but am considering switching over to the One Shot because its a little less messy.

Mbogo · Rookie Member Joined: Dec 19, 2007 Posts: 2

Thanks for the many replies. I use the One-shot spray-on lube by Hornady, and I just put "enough", just the same as I was doing for the 375s. I also lube the inside of the neck with mica. The cases were all new. And, yes the rim just tore off from the bottom on the return stroke of the reloader. I am also using the correct case holder (Hornady #1) and the box says 270 Winchester on it. On the up stroke itself I felt a great deal of resistance at the very top of the stroke. Should have stopped there I suppose!! I have not checked the diameter of the base of the cases yet. I will also post a picture later today.

Thanks
Jas

FALPhil · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 3:32 am Post subject: Re: Stuck case

I always lube the inside of the sizing die itself before I start the sizing operation.

English Mike · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 10:15 am Post subject: Re: Stuck case

Try Imperial Sizing Die Wax - the reduction in effort needed when compared to other lube's I've tried (RCBS & Lee) is quite noticeable.
Rolling cases on a lube pad guarantees the lower part of the case is covered.
Check to make sure they polished the inside of the die; it's not unknown for this step in the manufacturing process to be missed occasionally.

PaulS · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 3:06 am Post subject: Re: Stuck case

You need to lube a new die before putting it into service.
I would make sure there was adequate lube on the body of the case and if they don't want to go stop and find a better lube. You can buy a quart of 15w-40 Mobil 1 cheaper than you can buy most case lube and it will last a lifetime. I use Mercon V for my cases that I full length resize. Most of the cases I reload I am using carbide neck sizing dies - no lube at all.

jeh7mmmag · Member Joined: Dec 24, 2006 Posts: 223 Location: DFW, TX.

Try some Kiwi mink oil boot wax. Just like Imperial Sizing Die Wax and a large can $3 will last a lifetime.

I always clean my dies before starting with Laquer thinner and polish the inside with steel wool on a dowel rod and drill, and prelube with a long ear swab. Also polish the expander while it is out.

For the inside od neck I used a small cup of #12 bird shot with mica mixed in. Just stick the neck in the shot and it is lubed.

Crackshot · Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 4:29 pm Post subject: Re: Stuck case

As was said, Check the die. I have had 3 size dies from Hornady that were not correct dimensions and had to send them back. Also I use Imperieal size wax when I size my 375 H&H cases. They are tough to size new or not. The impereial wax is easy to apply and does not hinder your reloading in any way.

Doublejs · Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 6:05 pm Post subject: Re: Stuck case

Crackshot, did Hornady say anything when you sent them back. And was this a 3 piece set of pistol dies or 3 different sizing dies? Just curious...

I have always bought redding or RCBS dies, no prblems so far (knock on wood)