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11/29/2013 3:55:10 PM EDT
I am setting up a Lee Pro 1000 for decapping and sizing of 223/556 only.  I did this years ago, and had no issues; clearly, I am doing something wrong.

When I set the decaping die in, I am running it all the way down to just a hair over the shell plate, when the plate carrier is in the highest position.  Every case is getting stuck, the shell plate is ripping the rim off the case on the downstroke.

Daddy messing something up...  When I back off the die a few turns, the sized shell wont drop into the 'fake chamber thingy to make sure that the case is the right size', as the base of the shell is too fat.

What gives?

Thanks

11/29/2013 4:08:47 PM EDT
[#1]
Try using lube.
11/29/2013 6:44:20 PM EDT
[#2]
You HAVE to use lube on bottleneck cases.....are you???
11/29/2013 7:22:43 PM EDT
[#3]
Are you using the universal decapping die, or a sizing die?
11/29/2013 10:01:30 PM EDT
[#4]
definitely using lube (lyman quick spray), actual 223 full length sizing die in use.
11/29/2013 10:19:53 PM EDT
[#5]
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Quoted:
definitely using lube (lyman quick spray), actual 223 full length sizing die in use.
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Spray lube doesn't work for me. I use mink oil and action is smooth and easy. Reviews are excellent for Imperial sizing wax and it's probably less messy than mink oil.
11/29/2013 11:22:54 PM EDT
[#6]

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Quoted:


definitely using lube (lyman quick spray), actual 223 full length sizing die in use.
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Not familiar with that lube.

 



If it's like Dillon/homemade Lanolin/alcohol lube, wait for the alcohol to flash off before sizing.




In any case read lube instructions and follow them.
11/29/2013 11:38:06 PM EDT
[#7]
    I did this years ago,    
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If the die has been sitting around for years it could be rusted!

Did you take it completely apart, clean it real good with a quality solvent and polish away any surface rust that may have grown on the inside?
11/30/2013 3:31:46 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:


If the die has been sitting around for years it could be rusted!

Did you take it completely apart, clean it real good with a quality solvent and polish away any surface rust that may have grown on the inside?
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Quote History
Quoted:
    I did this years ago,    


If the die has been sitting around for years it could be rusted!

Did you take it completely apart, clean it real good with a quality solvent and polish away any surface rust that may have grown on the inside?

the dies are new
11/30/2013 5:24:58 AM EDT
[#9]
I use Dry Graphite spray lube on my .223 cases to avoid exactly this scenario.
11/30/2013 6:19:45 AM EDT
[#10]
change to a different lube.  try a cream type, like Lee Lube and make sure you get a lil bit in the neck.
11/30/2013 6:41:00 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
I use Dry Graphite spray lube on my .223 cases to avoid exactly this scenario.
View Quote

Quoted:
change to a different lube.  try a cream type, like Lee Lube and make sure you get a lil bit in the neck.
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I'll be doing this ASAP.  Thanks.
11/30/2013 7:06:21 AM EDT
[#12]
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Quoted:

the dies are new
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Quoted:
Quoted:
    I did this years ago,    


If the die has been sitting around for years it could be rusted!

Did you take it completely apart, clean it real good with a quality solvent and polish away any surface rust that may have grown on the inside?

the dies are new


Did you take em apart and clean them?
11/30/2013 7:50:30 AM EDT
[#13]
Also, is the top of the decapping pin flush with the top of the jamb nut?

This is designed so a berdan case or stubborn primer will push up the pin rather than break it.  
BUT if its too high, you will be trying to jam the neck past the ball and wedge it into the neck part of the die.

re: Cleaning.  I have found that lee dies like lube.  The die will be extra sticky if I clean with alcohol and let dry.
So I lube the die a bit after cleaning.
11/30/2013 9:04:26 AM EDT
[#14]
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Quoted:


Did you take em apart and clean them?
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
    I did this years ago,    


If the die has been sitting around for years it could be rusted!

Did you take it completely apart, clean it real good with a quality solvent and polish away any surface rust that may have grown on the inside?

the dies are new


Did you take em apart and clean them?

yes
11/30/2013 9:16:33 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:
Also, is the top of the decapping pin flush with the top of the jamb nut? no, the pin is @ 1cm to 1.5cm taller that the nut, I'll make it flush

This is designed so a berdan case or stubborn primer will push up the pin rather than break it.  
BUT if its too high, you will be trying to jam the neck past the ball and wedge it into the neck part of the die.

re: Cleaning.  I have found that lee dies like lube.  The die will be extra sticky if I clean with alcohol and let dry.
So I lube the die a bit after cleaning.I usually tumble them in clean fine cob, air hose them, nylon brush, soak in lube in plastic bag, reassemble...
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...I used that quick spray to lube the dies.  I am going to reclean them, and use graphite.  We'll see how that works...
11/30/2013 9:24:56 AM EDT
[#16]
use a lee decaping die.
11/30/2013 9:38:28 AM EDT
[#17]
Ok.  

Before anything... Make sure your pin is flush on the top of the die.

1)  raise the shell plate all the way up on the down stroke.

2) screw the sizing die down until it touches the shell plate

3) lower the shell plate all the way down.

4) now turn the sizing die an additional 1/4 turn down

5) Lock it in place.

Spray some lube into the sizing die and allow to sit for a minute or two.

Lube your cases and try to size them .

Measure your cases in a wilson / lee or other case gauge and adjust your die as needed.

This should work
11/30/2013 10:00:53 AM EDT
[#18]
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Quoted:
Ok.  
snip

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These are the steps as I recall, I think I was using bad lube. (and I need to flush the pin)
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