.308 win not chambering.

[Boomer]

When I have encountered this problem with full length resizing, it is a result of one of two things. Either I have used the incorrect shell holder, or the correct shell holder was out of spec and too thick, which prevents the shoulder from being set back enough. I have come across out of spec shell holders from almost everybody including Redding, but Lyman seemed to have the poorest tolerance control. The shell holder depth (from the surface that contacts the resizing die to the surface that the cartridge sits on) should measure no more than .126" for cartridges that share the .308 head size, and less is better. I have one that measures .123" and that is the one I use to full length resize. An out of spec shell holder should be either discarded or it can be marked and used on a second press for bullet seating or for priming on a second press or bench mounted priming where it's height does not effect the operation.

Edited to add . . .
The base of the full length seating die could be trimmed by a machinist to resolve the problem as well.

 

[khoeep]

I can't find which brand of dies you are using but your problem sounds very similar to a problem that I had with my .22-250 and RCBS die. Even with the die set up according to the instructions, it would still not re-size properly and so after 4 loadings would no longer chamber. The solution was to ship the die back to RCBS along with some fired, unsized brass. They then adjusted my die to fit the chamber and I've had perfect results ever since. If you go to the RCBS web site this problem is covered as the number one question in their FAQ section.

I was using lee dies

If you back your die out 1 1/2 turns it will make matter worse. Phone Sinclair tomorrow and order a Redding body die for about $22.50. You can run the ammo you have already loaded through the body die.
The once fired brass you bought may have been fired from a sloppy chamber while the chambers in your rifles may be a little tighter. What type of brass are you using?

im using winchester brass.

*update*

after tinkering with the dies for a few minutes and re-full length sizing, i've noticed that the shell holder would not contact the dies (rinky table would start tipping over, and would thus miss the last 1/8th of an inch).

now to re-reload some more ammo to see if the problem persists.

cheers,
Payam

 

[John Y Cannuck]

The base of the full length seating die could be trimmed by a machinist to resolve the problem as well.

I've trimmed the top of a shell holder to correct this problem as well, however, only after chambering a smoked dummy round proved where the problem was.
I did mine by trial and error, removing only a tiny amount using the side of a new grinding wheel on my bench grinder. Decidedly not the most accurate method, but being a dedicated cheapskate, I worked carefully, and it was satisfactory.

 

[beretta boy]

Had trouble once when switching over from an off-the-shelf Model 70 to a new custom Mauser 98 in 270. I had been using Lyman dies succesfully for the Model 70, but they wouldn't size the brass down enough for the new custom chamber, which was a little tighter. Went to an RCBS die set and never looked back. About 15 die sets later, still no problems with RCBS ...
the Lymans hit the trash can.

 

[Why not?]

I was following the instructions on the dies. they say to put in the shell holder, make a full stroke, screw in die until it makes contact plus a turn and a half more.

You are not using a full length sizing die. Those are the instructions for a Collet type die.

You need to get a FL sizing die and run all the brass through that first.

Ted

 

[Brutus]

You need to get a FL sizing die and run all the brass through that first.
Ted

This is sound advice.

 

[Savage12]

My advice would be to read the instrustions more closely and adjust the die so that on the downstroke of the press you have a slight camming action against the die. Don't do this with carbide, you'll ruin it. Essentially, adjust your die so it makes contact then tighten a little more.. try your press and there should be a slight "springy" resistance at the very end of the stroke then it will sort of "lock" in place. This ensures the whole of the case is sized. I'm near 100% sure the speer book included with the rock chucker should tell you this. Of course I neck size now so what do i know

 

[John Y Cannuck]

You are not using a full length sizing die. Those are the instructions for a Collet type die.

You need to get a FL sizing die and run all the brass through that first.

Ted

Might also be instructions for dies on a Lee aluminum press. Bit more spring.

 

[khoeep]

success. i made several batches of ammo, cut to specs. i seated my fathers bullets further down on one, re-full length sized another batch, and did both on a third. the two batches where the bullets were seated further down were successful and yielded usable bullets. the batch with only full length sized casings would only chamber reliably in my rifle.

From what i can tell, it appears the problem was a mix of poor resizing on my part (yes im using a resizing die, not a collet die), and a change in bullet seating.

whatever the problem was, it appears to have been fixed. thank you ladies and gents.

Payam.