Hello, I'am new for reloading, today I reloaded my first 20 rounds in .308 Win using Lee Classic Loader, then I tried to cycling the round in my Remington Ltr, I really had a hard time to open the bolt, it fells like the cartridge I reloaded doesn't fit into my chamber. Could any body tell me what is the problem? Thank you
Need some help for Reloading
- Thread starter Silent grenade
- Start date
So, are my loaded rounds still good to shoot or should I take them out?
SupersonicSupply.ca
Expired Business Member
Check the overall length is correct with a set of calipers. If this is fine then you will likely need to pull them - bullet pullers are like erasers for re loaders. You can either full length resize the brass that you have or buy loaded cartridges shoot those to fire-form them to your rifle.
I didn't fire the cartridge and Yes, it was sticky and hard to extract. I think my tool only neck the size.
Yes, I checked length with my calliper, they were fine, I think I just have to pull all my bullet out. Thank you for the answers .
Yes, as SupersonicSupply says, measure the case portion to ensure it is slightly shorter than the max case length for .308. Even a "borderline" case length can make chambering and extraction "sticky".
More likely, though, the problem is as other have said; the brass was fired in a different rifle already and is stretched to that chamber, which makes it too tight in your chamber. The Lee Loader only sizes the neck. In order to get that brass to not be so tight in your chamber, you'll need to do a "full resize" which will require a press and dies for .308.
Not worth it, in my opinion. As long as the case lengths are not too long, and you can chamber the rounds, go ahead and shoot them and they might just form to the chamber better.
As mentioned, a better option is to buy unfired (new) brass or buy factory rounds and fire them (in that specific rifle) and save that brass. If you do that, and make sure to check lengths and trim if necessary, your Lee Loader will work perfectly and your brass will last a very long time.
More likely, though, the problem is as other have said; the brass was fired in a different rifle already and is stretched to that chamber, which makes it too tight in your chamber. The Lee Loader only sizes the neck. In order to get that brass to not be so tight in your chamber, you'll need to do a "full resize" which will require a press and dies for .308.
Not worth it, in my opinion. As long as the case lengths are not too long, and you can chamber the rounds, go ahead and shoot them and they might just form to the chamber better.
As mentioned, a better option is to buy unfired (new) brass or buy factory rounds and fire them (in that specific rifle) and save that brass. If you do that, and make sure to check lengths and trim if necessary, your Lee Loader will work perfectly and your brass will last a very long time.
I'd suggest getting a collet type bullet puller. I found one and the collet on Amazon.ca for 45 shipped, when the kinetic type was 25 shipped. After having to pull 10 rounds with the kinetic one I ordered the collet type that screws into your press.
What should I do with the primer on the empty case?
He doesn't have a press.
Every chamber is a little different, so if you are feeling resistance I wouldn't use them, could cause high pressures or other problems.
Today you learned that you should always either make a dummy or try the first reloaded cartridge to see if it fits in the magazine, cycles and chambers before proceeding.
Today you learned that you should always either make a dummy or try the first reloaded cartridge to see if it fits in the magazine, cycles and chambers before proceeding.
The case length I trimmed to 2.005". is it to long?
You might not need to pull the bullets.
What are the powder charges like? Light? Medium? Hot?
As long as the powder charges aren't "bleeding edge" hot, and the case lengths are not too long, then just go ahead and fire the rounds. If anything, the heat and pressure will force the case to your chamber dimensions (just like new, unfired brass does) and it'll be easier to extract.
You are right, at least I learn something today. I think I'll just buy some factory ammo and fire them first.
It's perfect. You used the Lee Trim tool and .308 pilot?
The powder is Benchmark, the case length is 2.005"
That really is the safest bet. Ignore what I said earlier about shooting them. I would do it, but you shouldn't.
It'll be cheaper to just buy new, unfired brass, than buying factory ammo and shooting them. But both will work, and shooting ammo is always fun.
Yes, I use the small lee hand trim tool with the .308
