FL resizing issues, LEE dies, FC brass...

bsand

bsand

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Hey guys,

Yesterday I finally got the headspace gauge I ordered from Amazon.ca. I checked all the rounds that I had completed, all but 10 passed the headspace/case length tests.
I had full length sized 10 rounds just for the heck of it (fire formed to my chamber), then loaded the charge and sat the bullet. Everything went well, until I got the headspace gauge and started to check the rounds. I have since re-adjusted my die, turned die until contact with shell holder, lowered ram and turned 1/4 turn more, raised ram and tightened lock nut. Upon checking the cases in the headspace gauge the brass head sticks out 0.005" more than the bottom of the case gauge.
Any ideas on what is going wrong? All my necksized brass fits in the gauge and my rifle. I don't remember if I had checked for fitment in my rifle of the FL sized brass before pulling all the bullets yesterday. I'm not sure where to start looking at my mistakes, as all the necksized brass fits/passes just the 10 that I full length sized dont..
 
Well it wouldn't be the first time that some Lee stuffwas out of spec. As long as the die is fully closing...

Option 1: Send Lee an email, they may replace it.
Option 2: take 5 thou off the top of the shell holder (make sure you mark it)

II'm sure a few other guys should be by soon.
 
I'm using imperial sizing wax, I dab my finger on wax, slide the case between wax finger and thumb, then I take my finger and hold over the neck while twisting and pushing down. I haven't had a case stick yet, but when I was being less liberal I could feel the difference between no neck lube and neck lube. I was smart enough to stop like 1/8th from the down ram and brought it back down and lubed as described above.
 
bsand said:
What are you talking about? I'm sizing 308 win using a Lyman 308 win gauge.
Click to expand...

"NOW" you tell me, I thought all you Canadians had were British .303s and duct tape. So go back to plan "B" as per below.

yomomma said:
Well it wouldn't be the first time that some Lee stuffwas out of spec. As long as the die is fully closing...

Option 1: Send Lee an email, they may replace it.
Option 2: take 5 thou off the top of the shell holder (make sure you mark it)

II'm sure a few other guys should be by soon.
Click to expand...
 
I am not sure I understand right.
Headspace must be in a specific tolérance in a rifle ( go and no-go gages)
If your brass is resized too long, it just wont chamber.
If resized too short, it will fireform every time and will not last long.
If you full lenght resize and it dont chamber, then you investigate the problem.
 
A) once your die is touching the shellholder, the brass can go no further into the die. The extra screwing in of the die only ensures you have removed any flex from the linkage/press.

B) Did you clean ALL the lube off the case before inserting it in the gauge? If not, clean out the gauge and try it again.

C) Are they all the same brand of brass? Different brands (even lots) can have varying amounts of spring-back.

D) are you using the case gauge before loading the bullets or after?
 
I had the same thing happen with .308 and my Lee die, using the Lyman gauge, found that I had real trouble FL sizing and getting consistently ok head space. Got frustrated with, and bought a Redding die set and have had zero issue since. I use an RCBS single stage. I still use the Lee for bullet seating as I like it better, very odd things these die sets.
 
*MALICE* said:
A) once your die is touching the shellholder, the brass can go no further into the die. The extra screwing in of the die only ensures you have removed any flex from the linkage/press.

B) Did you clean ALL the lube off the case before inserting it in the gauge? If not, clean out the gauge and try it again.

C) Are they all the same brand of brass? Different brands (even lots) can have varying amounts of spring-back.

D) are you using the case gauge before loading the bullets or after?
Click to expand...

B). Yes used microfiber cloth all lube wiped off
C). yes all same brand and lot! I once fired
D). Both, tired them before pulling the bullets and after, after they were sitting same, until the second resize now.

I heard back from Lee they asked me to send couple once fired and the die for them to test
Regarding necksizing I'm assuming that all the brass I have currently minus those 10, should be safe to only neck size? When would I have to full length size? I'm trying to decide when I should buy a seperate FL sizer from Redding
 
bsand said:
B). Yes used microfiber cloth all lube wiped off
C). yes all same brand and lot! I once fired
D). Both, tired them before pulling the bullets and after, after they were sitting same, until the second resize now.

I heard back from Lee they asked me to send couple once fired and the die for them to test
Click to expand...

Just to clarify for D; you are sizing the cases in the die, then checking them in the gauge? If you check them after seating the bullet (or after seating the bullet and then pulling the bullet) those operations could (theoretically) affect the shape of the brass.

One more addition: Most people assume that their case gauge MUST be correct, much like most people assume that their die is sizing correctly. But to date, I have yet to see a case gauge come with an inspection certificate......
 
*MALICE* said:
Just to clarify for D; you are sizing the cases in the die, then checking them in the gauge? If you check them after seating the bullet (or after seating the bullet and then pulling the bullet) those operations could (theoretically) affect the shape of the brass.

One more addition: Most people assume that their case gauge MUST be correct, much like most people assume that their die is sizing correctly. But to date, I have yet to see a case gauge come with an inspection certificate......
Click to expand...

Yes I checked after sizing. But before I pulled everyting I figured I'd check them in the gauge to confirm they pass spec, that was when I noticed that the round was longer than max head space.
 
You really should check the suspect cases to see if they chamber in your rifle. You can do it with or without the bullets seated. I'm betting they chamber just fine. Experienced reloaders test their brass in their chambers regularly, particularly if you get into partial resizing - which custom fits the brass to your rifle. Then you can put the headspace gauge in the drawer with all the other toys you don't need - or sell in on CGN.
 
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