Author Topic: Case sizing problem (Read 494 times)

Scott Fisher · « **on:** June 02, 2005, 12:48:24 PM »

I neck sized some .308 win cases three times and all was well, but I decided to full length resize on the fourth reloading and I could push the bullet in the case mouth with my hand after resizing. They were not hot loads and the primer pockets were still tight as new. The cases are Winchester brand and I have never encountered any problems with their cases in the past. Its hard to believe the cases would be work hardened after only three loads. Does anyone know why this would happen, or how to correct the problem. thanks! :?

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 03, 2005, 04:23:03 AM »

Sounds like a die problem to me , if you neck sized and it was ok and f/l is not check your dies

MT4XFore · « **Reply #2 on:** June 03, 2005, 06:20:45 AM »

Scott,
If your neck sizing die and your f/l sizing die are the same brand, try swapping the expander ball on the decapping rod. It sounds to me like the expander on your f/l die is a tad bit too large. If you are handy with tools, you could chuck it up in a drill and CAREFULLY "polish" it smaller with emery paper. I seriously doubt that the cases are work hardened yet. Hope this helps a bit.
Jim

Scott Fisher · « **Reply #3 on:** June 03, 2005, 07:15:51 AM »

When the cases were new as per usual I full lengthed resized the cases and did the normal prep (trimming, deburring case mouth and flash hole).
I always full lenght the first time and on the third or fourth time depending how much the shoulder moved. I used Federal match brass when I first started loaded for the .308 and never had a problem. This brass is no longer available, so I went with Winchester brass when I used up the Federal brass. I am wondering if I got a bad batch of brass. I loaded up some rounds with some new Winchester brass (unknown if the cases were from the same case lot although I bought four fifty round bags at the same time, I did not notice if they were from the same lot). I fired the new batch of brass and resized the cases and the neck tension on the bullet was much tighter then the other batch of brass ever was. I believe the dies are fine and are not causing the problem. I will be shooting a lot in the next couple of weeks and be monitoring the new batch of brass closely to see if it maintains it ability to grip the bullet.