Stuck case in die...now what ?

Mush

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An improperly lubed 300 wm case is stucked in my Redding FL sizing die.
The case base is "stripped" .

I don't want to damage the die.

What are my options ?

Mush
 
Swear, loudly.

Then YouTube it and try the drill-tap-pull method. When I had one stuck in my lee die I froze it I oiled it I pounded it with a hammer I tapped it (the threads stripped) then I gave up.

I called lee and got a new one for $5 more than their stuck case removal fee.

Good luck
 
...i know there are better ways to do this...once i did what you did with a .243 Win case...i zip-disced off the base of the case then found a tap that was just over-size to the inside diametre of the case, carefully 'threaded' it into the case but not so much that it affected the wall thickness that much, removed the top of the die and when i drove out the tap the case came with it without damaging the die...tap was still good as well...although it did require some sharp blows to get it to move...but i figured, what did i have to lose?

...keep us up on your choice...there may be better options...sure taught me to not go sparingly on the lube!

best
 
As mentioned a drill,tap, socket with a washer , and a bolt will get it done. Also putting the base of the case on an ice cube for a minute will help if its really wedged in there.
 
Assuming you can pull the decapping rod out, just hammer the brass out with a punch after spraying some lube all over the brass/die.
 
Most of the reloading die manufacturers have stuck cartridge case removal kits. Consist of a drill and a tap, bolt and spacers, and instructions how not to do any further damage. Generally the de-priming pin assembly cannot be removed completely, but can be pulled out of harms way for drilling and tapping.
 
Disclaimer, I have not done this, this is just what I would do.

Go pick up on of those compressed cans of air, and spray it upside downs into the primer hole. It will come out incredibly cold and may help the brass contract and loosen up a bit, then you may have an easier time tapping it out.
 
Tried with tap and bolt a stripped the threads. Tried with bigger bolt and it stripped again.
Removed the decapping stem but expander ball stayed in the case.
Tried to blow the case out with hammer and punch... no go :(

Thanks to all .

That one goes to the trash.

Mush
 
A stuck case remover set is a 1/4" tap, drill bit, collar, machine screw and an Allen wrench. You may already have all those, and can substitute a socket and washer for the collar. Youtube will give you better instructions than I can type. You may as well keep everything handy because you'll likely need it again.

Resist any urge to hammer the case out with the expander rod, pry on the case, push it out with the threads or anything else other than the puller. Its almost a sure bet that you will at least damage the expander rod, which by the time you find and or wait for one will have you wondering if it would have been easier to just throw it away.

My stuck cases have been reduced to few after I adopted the idea of taking any extra effort in sizing as an warning to stop and relube that case. Its a lot easier avoid the problem than fix it.
 
I bought an RCBS stuck case remover for about $15 and have used it three times so far. Worked perfectly every time. I probably could not have built a home made version of it for that price...
 
I bought an RCBS stuck case remover for about $15 and have used it three times so far. Worked perfectly every time. I probably could not have built a home made version of it for that price...

I used the home made method a couple times before my bolt snapped. The RCBS kit is better quality and the allen bolt is a harder steel. I recommend going with the RCBS kit from the start and never looking back
 
Just go buy a stuck case remover or use a home made one with a 1/4 in bolt,a few washers and a socket.......Google is ur friend!!! Less chance of ####ing up ur dies beating on them like some suggest
 
I stuck a case in a FL die about 30 years ago. Taught me to be diligent about lubing my cases.

I have been using Imperial sizing wax for over 20 years with no problems whatsoever.

Easy enough to remove with the proper tools, though.

Regards, Dave.
 
I did this once with a 308 SB die. My solution was to drill and tap ...the primer hole....i put the die in a vice.. padded...threaded on a bolt, passed through some flat stock and i had a excellent prybar/leverage.

Case was of course toast...but the die was just fine. Reload long enough and you find interesting ways to screw things up... everyone does it...once.
 
Disclaimer, I have not done this, this is just what I would do.

Go pick up on of those compressed cans of air, and spray it upside downs into the primer hole. It will come out incredibly cold and may help the brass contract and loosen up a bit, then you may have an easier time tapping it out.

That'd be my first move. Google "Freeze the balls off of a brass Monkey" and you'll see why...
BTW Propane is colder
 
That'd be my first move. Google "Freeze the balls off of a brass Monkey" and you'll see why...
BTW Propane is colder

Liquid helium is even colder!

But cans of "compressed air" are much easier to get and spray in liquid form...
 
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