Sizing trouble

dastt

dastt

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
34   0   0
So I'm trying to reload some .222 for my friend, and I'm running into a bit of a hiccup with his brand new Hornady FL sizing die.

I set up the die like I have with every other die set (I've been reloading for about 4 years now) and when I run the brass into it I get a ridge form at the bottom of the cases. Out of 5 cases I get 1 normal case sized without the ridge. Also the ridge isn't uniform around the brass it's almost like a wave, up and down.


What's causing this? And are the brass with the ridge still ok to use? I've only done 8 because I don't want to ruin the lot, they are mixed Hornady/sake/Winchester and all are doing it.
image_zps3o1ipn2d.jpeg


These are both sized through the same die, you can see the one on the left looks normal and the one on the right has the ridge.
 
What kind of case lube are you using. Lube should be a very thin coat from shoulder to rim and inside the neck - avoid the shoulder and outside of neck if at all possible.
I use a 1:10 mix of liquid lanolin and Isopropyl alcohol (99%) sprayed from a small pump sprayer, no need to aviod the shoulder/neck area with this type of lube...
 
I am using Hornady lube which works amazing with my .223 and 6.5cm

I'm not sure it's a lube problem as it seems like the brass is being scraped at the bottom
 
This looks like a VERY tight metel-to-metal contact, thus the mirror finish on the bottom part of the casing. Maybe the Die is out of spec? I would send that photo to Hornady tech support if I were you.
It almost looks like a Small Base (SB) Die but I would doubt it in .222 caliber
 
MRP said:
Is there a chance there's a 222rem - 222rem mag mixup?
Click to expand...

Must be something like that, as it appears a major fault, (of something,) not just a wrong setting.
Does the calibre on the die match the calibre on the head stamp?
 
The cases are all stamped 222 nothing indicates being a magnum. The rifle is a CIL not sure the exact model number.

Jerry I'll measure when I get home.
 
You're using three different types/lots of brass. Some brass tends to harden very quickly. I find Lapua/Sako brass hardens very fast and Winchester is a toss up.

I have never seen anything like your OP pics. When I first looked at the pic I though you were comparing a non magnum case to a magnum case until I actually read what your issue was.

I am surprised that the brass actually flowed all the way down like that so evenly instead of peeling off. If the lip of your sizing die has a sharp edge it must be pretty smooth to leave such a polished finish. A rough/striated finish would indicate a sharp lip normally.

I don't have any explanation but was making some observations which may or may not be relevant. IMHO you should try some NEW brass to see if you have a similar issue. If all is well toss the brass you are now using.
 
dastt said:
The cases are all stamped 222 nothing indicates being a magnum. The rifle is a CIL not sure the exact model number.

Jerry I'll measure when I get home.
Click to expand...

Betcha a double double that this is a stacking of tolerances... wide/large chamber (around .377"and small FL sizing die - around .374").

Switch to a Redding body die and all will be well. But let's see what the cases measure out at.

I would try and keep to 1 headstamp if possible.

Jerry
 
Mystic Precision said:
Betcha a double double that this is a stacking of tolerances... wide/large chamber (around .377"and small FL sizing die - around .374").

Switch to a Redding body die and all will be well. But let's see what the cases measure out at.

I would try and keep to 1 headstamp if possible.

Jerry
Click to expand...


Jerry you're pretty spot on holy crap ahah
This is all sako headstamp
image_zps8ys8hued.jpeg


image_zpsic5bcaoe.jpeg


image_zpsn4lo07rv.jpeg


This is a piece of sako brass that sized normally with no ridges
image_zpsdae5hnq0.jpeg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom