The shoulder of the casing is the issue here. Small base dies don't matter because it's not the head of the case that is the issue. The lee doesn't have enough adjustment to properly bump the shoulder back and to me that is a sign that the dies are probably an issue. I've never run into anything like this with better dies. Either that or (and I'm not trying to be a dink) the op is not using them correctly.
Just for fun seat your bullet deeper not enough throught in rifle
Be careful if you bump the shoulder too much you could end up with misfires.
RIFLEF
Thanks for the advice.
Here is my brass on right, do you think I am pushing the shoulder too far? Would that misfire or something?
My plan was to bump the shoulder another half inch and then try some reloads.
Thanks for the advice.
Here is my brass on right, do you think I am pushing the shoulder too far? Would that misfire or something?
My plan was to bump the shoulder another half inch and then try some reloads.
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Get yourself one of these http://w ww.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/measuring-tools/case-gauges-headspace-tools/rcbs-precision-mic-cartridge-headspace-tool-prod33476.aspx
That way you can see exactly how much you are pushing the shoulder back when you resize.
Ok, first, thanks alot to maynard for sending me a go gauge to test my rifle.
Now, the results:
The bolt will close on the go gauge, but it requires a moderate effort, like closing on a case that was resized with the lee FL die.
So, the chamber is really on the tight side. Should the bolt close freely on the gauge, or is a moderate tension acceptable?
Since it's on the tight side, (but it works with factory ammo), should I just keep it that way and bump the shoulder a tad more using a headspace gauge, and then be done with it? Maybe I need the cases a few thousands smaller than factory, but if I only fire that brass, then it's fine I guess? I am not really into sending the rifle back for warranty work.
What would you do about it?
Thanks
The go gauge should be tested with the firing pin assembly removed. Cost wise having the barrel set back is the the same as having a new barrel installed. I am talking just the set back Vs installing a new barrel, not the price of a new barrel. Myself, I would bump the shoulder back on my brass and keep shooting until the barrel is shot out.
Fine, I am keeping the rifle this way, I don't really want to send it back. I will only be shooting reloads anyway.
Thanks, I will just bump the shoulder back enough to have the rounds chamber properly and that's going to be it.