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Posted: 5/23/2008 10:34:11 AM EDT
| I tried to load some .308 using some once fired brass and the Lee collet neck sizing die. The brass came from my bolt action rifle but when I try to use it after reloading, it jams and the bolt won't close. Seems too tight for the chamber. Any ideas? |
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Here are some measurements: Factory load (works): Overal length: 2.7845 Case length: 2.0095 Bullet diameter: .3055 Case diameter above shoulder: .3130 Case diameter below shoulder: .4525 Same case fire once then neck sized adn reloaded (bolt won't close): Overal length: 2.7475 Case length: 2.0085 Bullet diameter: .3040 Case diameter above shoulder: .3310 Case diameter below shoulder: .4560 So you think it's the diameter of the case above the shoulder? What would cause that to buckle out? Maybe too much muscle on the factory crimp die? |
| There are many instances of Neck Sizing creating a "Sticky Bolt" and is described in most reloading journals. This is due to the case not having the shoulder set back by a full length sizing die. Again, you are doing nothing more than sizing the the round (slightly) with the gun's chamber instead of the die. The only other thing I can think of is the possibility that you did not trim to the right length after re-sizing and may be crimping with your throat. |
Are you crimping? Looks like too much crimp, causing case to bulge, IF I'm reading your info correctly. Try an UNLOADED UNPRIMED case after sizing to see if it chambers. If it does, Try an UNLOADED UNPRIMED case with proj, and crimp. to see if it chambers, thus figuring out which step is goofing you up. DO NOT DO ANY OF THIS WITH LOADED AMMO! You have alot of leverage on that press handle, and you can over crimp causing a bulge just behind the shoulder if not very careful. Let us know. |
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