Case head separation in sizing die... Need help !

[olivierlamothe]

So I was reloading some 7.62x54r in my press tonight... At one point I pulled on the handle and only the rim of the cartridge came out... the brass did separate in 2 parts, the rest of the catridge stayed stuck in the die.

It’s not my first time dealing with stuck cases but usually the rim stay there. This time I have to say i’m out of ideas. I read about filling the case with Epoxy potty and after pushing it out with a rod and hummer hoping the case will follow but I doute it would work as it’s usually stuck really hard in the die.

Any better idea before I mess this out with Epoxy ?

Thanks guys !

Olivier

 

[Fore300]

The epoxy trick really works well but I have never had it with out the base in there. I so think that is likely your best option

 

[billdick]

I had it happen once and I used a rat tail file. When you turn the file counter clockwise it bites in and you pull. You'll have to thread the decapping rod out and up out of the way.

 

[olivierlamothe]

I’ll try the rat tail and after Epoxy tricks and if it still don’t work I’ll try with molten lead. This sucker is going to get ou one way or the other!

Thanks guys for the advice!

I’ll let you know what happened

Cheers

 

[buckbrush]

throw the die in the deep freeze for 8 hrs or so. The case will be very loose if not falling out already when you take it out of the freezer.

 

[Dogleg]

Take the decapping rod out and find a tap that fits into the broken case. Turn about 1 full turn until it bites in, then drift it out with a punch from the top.

That’s basically the same way I get separated cases out of chambers, when a cleaning brush doesnt work.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

You best start thinking about why this happened. This is not the sort of thing you need to have repeated.

 

[Markus]

throw the die in the deep freeze for 8 hrs or so. The case will be very loose if not falling out already when you take it out of the freezer.

Certainly worth a try!

 

[caramel]

throw the die in the deep freeze for 8 hrs or so. The case will be very loose if not falling out already when you take it out of the freezer.

This work pretty good, did it once with success

 

[Hitzy]

Better in the die then your rifle.
Check the rest of your brass for seperation indicators.

 

[tiriaq]

You best start thinking about why this happened. This is not the sort of thing you need to have repeated.

Better in the die then your rifle.
Check the rest of your brass for seperation indicators.

The case may well have broken because of incipient separation. Check all your brass. May well be a headspace issue.

 

[olivierlamothe]

You best start thinking about why this happened. This is not the sort of thing you need to have repeated.

I found out the the brass was dommaged at the base... that plus the fact that I was trying new lube method with graphite. It resulted in what happened.

Better brass inspection and more lube next time !

 

[olivierlamothe]

throw the die in the deep freeze for 8 hrs or so. The case will be very loose if not falling out already when you take it out of the freezer.

Interesting proposition, tho what does deep freeze means? Is my regular home fridge is enough?

 

[tiriaq]

Freezer. Brass shrinks more with cold than steel does. Might loosen the broken case.

 

[GunsNotPuns]

I had it happen once and I used a rat tail file. When you turn the file counter clockwise it bites in and you pull. You'll have to thread the decapping rod out and up out of the way.

The rat tail file is more useful then many reloaders know.

 

[olivierlamothe]

Finally got it out !

I ended up poring molten lead in the brass to the top of the die and than punching the slug out with a punch and hammer. It did work well !

Thanks for your help guy !

Cheers

Olivier

 

[peterdobson]

Check your rifle's headspace as we agree with other as to determining cause.