Sticky bolt with .22-250???

DasJager

DasJager

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I'm at a loss. I have checked all of my case dimensions and then checked again. All are within spec but when I close my bolt it takes quite a bit of pressure to do so. Trim length is OK, case body and neck are good (using a FL die) and I'm seating the bullets to SAAMI length. The only thing I can think of is that the case body at the head is not being sized small enough. It is within spec but still .002" larger than factory ammo (which I can close the bolt on fine). Is this something I just have to deal with or does someone more experienced than I have any suggestions? I thought about a small base die to size it all the way to the case head but I doubt anyone makes one for this calibre seeing as how no one makes a semi or lever in this calibre...?!?!
Accuracy is good (actually it's unbelievable) but this is really bothering me and I can't help but think I'm doing something wrong.

Sorry for the long OP, but I want to make sure I give as much info as possible.

HELP!
 
Are you sure you are full length sizing? Your press may be springing a bit and tghe shell holder is not touching the resizing die. Turn your die down a bit and try another. Make sure it is well lubed and your shell holder is making contact. Nothing to loose just 1 case.
 
The base of the die should hit the shell holder when you over cam the press handle Or try another shell holder. If that does't work take a couple thousands of an inch off your shell holder by rubbing it on a piece of sand paper on a flat surface.

You could also buy a Redding body sizing die. You can run loaded rounds through these without a problem.
 
1. Does the unsized brass chamber easily? (I assume it was fired?)
2. Does the sized brass chamber easily?
3. You are trimming after sizing?
4. Is your seater die set to crimp(too much) and perhaps is bulging the shoulder slightly when seating bullets?

Separate the steps this way and you should tell whether it is a problem with sizing or not. At that point you can start to investigate why one process or the other is creating the difficulty. Sorry if this sounds simplistic as it sounds like you are not new to reloading. 2 thou at the base is not much at a thou each side. Even though the factory fodder is 2 thou less near the case head, the problem may be that the shoulder is not being pushed back enough during sizing. Is there room to put a thin shim under a case head in the shell holder to size one round and try it. Or try another shell holder. Or another die if available.
 
Just another thought here; if you drop a factory round in the chamber you should be able to see a couple thou of sideways play at the case head if you use your finger to wobble it. Can you feel that same play with a sized case? If you can it is likely the shoulder not being pushed back enough.
 
Yes, the shell holder just barely contacts the die at it's highest point. Not sure what you mean by 'springing'? The press is solidly bolted down if that's what you mean.

Snomad, that's a great idea you had there, so I tried it; But my reloads drop in tight with no wiggle at all and the factory loads do have that bit of play. I'm using an older model Pacific Tooling Co. press (before Hornady bought them out). It's my favourite by far , I have a newer RCBS as well that collects dust.
I do trim after resizing. I do not crimp with this particular load (perhaps I should but I can't see that affecting the closing of the bolt?). As for fitting of empty brass I will have to check that out tomorrow and let you know.

Thanks for the help so far fellas'.
 
DasJager said:
Yes, the shell holder just barely contacts the die at it's highest point. Not sure what you mean by 'springing'? The press is solidly bolted down if that's what you mean.

Try turning your die down another 1/4 turn. This will require a little more force to "cam" over at the bottom of the stroke. I'll bet this solves the problem.

Regards

Aubrey
Click to expand...
 
Screw your die down another 1/8 turn like stubble said. The spring is in the handle when the shell holder contacts the bottom of the die. It takes a little bit of "force" to bump the shoulder back even if it's only a couple thou.
 
Yeah, I'm fairly meticulous when it comes to cleaning.

I get what you're saying now. I'll have to give it a try next time around...I just sized and primed 200 pieces of brass...

Thanks for all the tips guys, greatly appreciated. If I bag a coyote in the next couple of weeks with it I'll post pics!
 
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