.308 case stuck in FL sizing die and can't remove decap stem/pin

[Fusilier]

For the first time I've managed to get a case stuck in a sizing die. I have a stuck case removing kit. However the decapping pin is protruding through the flash hole and I cannot remove the stem out the top of the die so I can't (or at least I can't figure out how to) drill the hole to tap for the removal tool.

Any suggestions?

 

[t-star]

just undo the nut at the top of the die and push it back out- you won't be able to get it all the way out until you free the case from the die anyway- it's the nut in the center of the die that holds the decapper in- just take it right out of there and pull up

 

[9x19p]

I haven't had to deal with this, so I'm just thinking out loud.
Have you tried to retract the pin all the way into the die, giving enough room to drill the case?

good luck

 

[sunray]

The ram move at all? You may have to 'reef' on it to get the expander out. Give it a shot of WD-40 and a bit of time first.

 

[t-star]

it's been my experience that when the case gets stuck, the next thing is the rim pulls off- so much for using the ram

 

[t-star]

I haven't had to deal with this, so I'm just thinking out loud.
Have you tried to retract the pin all the way into the die, giving enough room to drill the case?

good luck

that's where i was going

 

[sunray]

"...so much for using the ram..." The idea is to get the expander out.

 

[fiddler]

Tap and die. Drill it out, tap it, and use a bolt and a few washers to back out the case. Don't waste your time with anything else. If you keep the tools handy, you'll be loading again in less than 5 minutes.

 

[Fusilier]

The very first thing I did, after ripping the rim off with the press and before starting this thread, is remove the top nut that holds the decapping stem / expander ball. The decapping rod now floats freely but does not retract far enough up to clear the flash hole. That's my problem.

Do I just clamp the die into my drill press and drill 'through' the decapping pin? I would figure the pin would be too hard and would just prevent me from drilling into the brass.

I've had the die in the freezer for a couple of hours now, I should go see if that helps in any way.

 

[t-star]

invert the die and tap the decapping pin back through the flash hole- you'll need a hammer and something like a finishing nail with the point ground off- point to point, tap gently, and maybe put it your padded vise- see how that works- or the shaft off a drill bit- 5/64's or 1/16th shaft- the flashole typically is 3/32, so a 5/64 is the best you can do- inverted, the rod shoud drop to the neck once it's no longer held by the head
you could also put the die in your press and simply pull up and twist at the same time,provided you figure out how to hang on to the decapping rod- i mention that in passing b/c if you do it that way, you're going to use something like vice grips or pliers, and those can damage the shaft, esp rcbs, which uses a threaded rod

 

[ATOM]

Can you post a photo or two? I'm a bit confused. All the dies I own, of various brands, have the threaded decapping rod locked in place with a nut. Loosen or remove the nut, screw the rod out as far as it will go and that should give enough room to drill and tap the primer pocket.

One thought if nothing else works - soak the thing through the primer hole with WD40 or similar and let it sit for a while, then grab the decapping pin with a pair of vice grips and see if you can't pull it straight out. Most of them are just held in place by a friction collet as opposed to threads or something.

 

[fiddler]

The brass and the decapping pin are buggered. but the rod and sizing ball are not. Pull the rod/ball away from the back of the shell.


Remove the die and insert from the bottom of your press (upside down)


drill hole in back of brass

tap brass

screw in bolt with washers

tighten bolt with wrench until brass comes out

 

[Fusilier]

Remove the die and insert from the bottom of your press (upside down)

Brilliant.

I was able to get the decapping pin / stem wacked up and out of the way using a nail set. I drilled and tapped the base and tried the stuck case remover bast. No go. I stopped when I thought I was about to rip my press of the bench.

After supper I'll try the washer/bolt technique if I have the bits in my workshop.

 

[t-star]

if you can get the case out of the die, just use a tubing cutter to get the decapper/rod out- the case is toast anyway