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Posted: 6/22/2009 10:43:24 AM EDT
I have reloaded for .270, .308, and .243 bolt action rifles and consistently the bolts require extra effort to close over factory ammo. I have the dies setup to size as much of the cases as they will. I feel like I have overlooked some detail. Anyone else have this problem? Thanks for HELP.
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| Thats what I am thinking. My dies are set to the bottom of the shell holder plus an 1/8 turn and the "cam over" can be felt when sizing. These are 3 different caliber dies which should eliminate the dies. Don't get me wrong...these reloads are usuable... Just a different feel when the bolt is closed compared to facrory ammo. I am apparently doing something wrong! |
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Do you lube the inside of the necks? The classic method is with powdered mica, I recommend Lee lube as it is easier. After a few cases, the excess builds up on top of the expander, leave it there. You should then only need to lube every 5th or so to keep it proper. |
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Quoted:
It maybe time to grind a little off the bottom of the dies. I've not heard of this with rifles, but some pistol dies don't size the web area and the fix is either (I think it's dillon) get dillon dies or grind the bottom of the die down. Would it make more sense to grind the shell holder than the die? |
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Quoted:
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It maybe time to grind a little off the bottom of the dies. I've not heard of this with rifles, but some pistol dies don't size the web area and the fix is either (I think it's dillon) get dillon dies or grind the bottom of the die down. Would it make more sense to grind the shell holder than the die? only if you need like ten thou or less... You cant take much off the shell holder before it gets too weak to work. It really sucks to rip the lip off the shellholder :-) you can probably grind 1/16" off the die with no issues. |
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Quoted:
Thats what I am thinking. My dies are set to the bottom of the shell holder plus an 1/8 turn and the "cam over" can be felt when sizing. These are 3 different caliber dies which should eliminate the dies. Don't get me wrong...these reloads are usuable... Just a different feel when the bolt is closed compared to facrory ammo. I am apparently doing something wrong! Buy Headspace gauges for the three calibers and use them to appropriately adjust your sizing die. Another question is when is the last time you cleaned your dies? I try to clean mine every 3-400 rounds. You also can have cases that won't headspace no matter how much you bump them and those have to be tossed. Are you using the correct maximum Cartridge Overall Length? Keep in mind that factory ammo is kept to minimum dimensions to fit ANY Chamber. Unless you are having trouble closing the bolt because excessive force is necessary I wouldn't worry about it. |
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My dies are set to the bottom of the shell holder plus an 1/8 turn and the "cam over" can be felt when sizing. ! #1, can you chamber an FL sized piece of empty brass with ease. If not, screw the die in more than your 1/8 turn more until it does. If yes go to step #2. Also make sure that you have some lube on the Inside of the neck. This will keep the expander button from pulling the shoulder forward. #2, Can you chamber a FL sized empty piece of brass with the bullet seated. If not then your COAL is too long or you may have the seating die set to deep allowing the built in crimp to distort the shoulders. You told us how you set up your FL die, touch the shell holder plus 1/8 more. How about the seating die? How did you set them up? They should be set up, touch the shell holder then back the die OUT one FULL turn. This will keep the crimp feature from coming into play. |
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My dies are set to the bottom of the shell holder plus an 1/8 turn and the "cam over" can be felt when sizing. ! #1, can you chamber an FL sized piece of empty brass with ease. If not, screw the die in more than your 1/8 turn more until it does. If yes go to step #2. Also make sure that you have some lube on the Inside of the neck. This will keep the expander button from pulling the shoulder forward. #2, Can you chamber a FL sized empty piece of brass with the bullet seated. If not then your COAL is too long or you may have the seating die set to deep allowing the built in crimp to distort the shoulders. You told us how you set up your FL die, touch the shell holder plus 1/8 more. How about the seating die? How did you set them up? They should be set up, touch the shell holder then back the die OUT one FULL turn. This will keep the crimp feature from coming into play. I had a problem with #2 ( lol ) a while back. I was fortunate that a very experienced loader examined this for me and saw it. I ordered a case gage and sure enough, it was out of spec. I'd spend the $15 on a case gage as soon as possible. I hear the Wilson is the best. |
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Quoted:
Buy Headspace gauges for the three calibers and use them to appropriately adjust your sizing die. Another question is when is the last time you cleaned your dies? I try to clean mine every 3-400 rounds. You also can have cases that won't headspace no matter how much you bump them and those have to be tossed. Are you using the correct maximum Cartridge Overall Length? Keep in mind that factory ammo is kept to minimum dimensions to fit ANY Chamber. Unless you are having trouble closing the bolt because excessive force is necessary I wouldn't worry about it. +1 If you resize your brass to be as small as original factory ammo, I would not expect to get more than about three firings before you get case head separations. Now, if you are reloading for hunting or for self defense, that might be totally adequate, as easy chambering is very important, even if a little dust/dirt gets into the chamber. For any applicatoin where you want to maximize brass life, only set the shoulder back 0.002". |
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Thats what I am thinking. My dies are set to the bottom of the shell holder plus an 1/8 turn and the "cam over" can be felt when sizing. These are 3 different caliber dies which should eliminate the dies. Don't get me wrong...these reloads are usuable... Just a different feel when the bolt is closed compared to facrory ammo. I am apparently doing something wrong! Buy Headspace gauges for the three calibers and use them to appropriately adjust your sizing die. Another question is when is the last time you cleaned your dies? I try to clean mine every 3-400 rounds. You also can have cases that won't headspace no matter how much you bump them and those have to be tossed. Are you using the correct maximum Cartridge Overall Length? Keep in mind that factory ammo is kept to minimum dimensions to fit ANY Chamber. Unless you are having trouble closing the bolt because excessive force is necessary I wouldn't worry about it. You can split the cost of one RCBS precision mike over the .308 and .243. They use the same ref. diameter on the shoulder. I trim my 7mm-08 and .308 to 2.025" for my rifles. |
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Quoted:
I have reloaded for .270, .308, and .243 bolt action rifles and consistently the bolts require extra effort to close over factory ammo. I have the dies setup to size as much of the cases as they will. I feel like I have overlooked some detail. Anyone else have this problem? Thanks for HELP. Sounds like you have NOT re-sized your cases properly (to the correct spec). F/L re-sizing advice from Sinclair http://blog.sinclairintl.com/2009/02/19/setting-up-a-full-length-sizing-die/ Work on your die adjustment. And, use a gauge to check. Aloha, Mark PS..........IF you have several rifles in the same caliber and IF you want to use the same ammo for all of the rifles (in that caliber)............I suggest that you load to the factory spec. (least common denominator). Neck sizing with bolt guns.......works. But, you have to know what you're doing. |
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I used to run into that on occasion but not often when loading for my 223 varmint and 308.
I stopped running into that altogether when I started running the finished product back through the case gage. That made me look the whole cartridge over before using it. Every now and then I was getting sloppy and kind of crumpling a shoulder. I still make a booboo now and then but they never get to the rifle. |
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