Testing Cases After Resizing?

[General RE LEE]

https://www.hornady.com/reloading/precision-measuring/precision-tools-and-gauges/lock-n-load-bullet-comparator#!/

I'd suggest getting this tool, and the appropriate inserts for the calibers you reload. If you get the 0.416 and/or 0.375 caliber insert, it can be used as a case gauge for most shouldered "big bores". Obviously, it's good for measuring base to ogive, and other bullet dimensions also.

To measure base to shoulder on a piece of brass, you attach the gauge to your calipers with the 0.375 or 0.416 insert, place the case in the gauge so it sits on the shoulder, and record the measurement from base to shoulder. Measure several once fired cases to get a baseline. Then, size a case and measure it. You are aiming for 0.002" less than your unsized measurement. Adjust your die down 1/16 of a turn at a time (screw it in further), until you get 0.001-0.003" less than your once fired cases before resizing.

If you're already screwing the die in to touch the shell holder, and the cases aren't being bumped short enough (can't be sure that's the problem till you measure), then you may have to sand your shell holder down a little to increase the amount you can screw it in for sizing. Some sandpaper on a flat surface, and some elbow grease can take off a few thousands of an inch easily enough.

Doing it this way will greatly improve your brass life, by preventing excessive work hardening from being squished too small during sizing, then blown back out during firing. It will also potentially improve accuracy, by providing a consistent chamber fit, while still sizing the case small enough to chamber easily.

I bought the bullet comparator set to get CBTO length. Sounds like I can use it to get base to shoulder measurements

 

[AZShooter]

I find it interesting that all three cases (7mm STW, 6.5 Creedmoor and .308.) will not fit their respective chambers. You tried all three or just one that is a tight fit?

It may not be the sizing if you have a controlled round feed actions. Some bolts require the brass be picked up by the extractor or you will have a very hard time closing the bolt. You didn't mention anything about the actions.

Were these three rifles customs or factory rifles? Would be easier to sort out the issue if you had one rifle with the problem. If it is all three then we need more details. Where they customs? Reason for this comment is that a gunsmith can headspace on the tight side where it is highly unlikely to have all three factory rifles with tight headspace issues.

If the the press ram made contact with the shell holder the next attempt will be to lower the die even further with a 1/8 turn towards the shell holder. It will be mildly camming the press. Usually that will be enough to get the cases sized enough for an easy fit. Lube and size again and wipe off any lube and try the brass in the rifle again.

If camming won't size enough then you remove some metal from the shell holder by placing it against the side of a grinder wheel and take some off the top where it contacts the press ram. Those shell holders are case hardened and will be difficult to remove metal by hand sanding with emory cloth.


Let us know what happens when you try it.

 

[ButterBean]

Thank you how do you do that excactly? What are you doing with the die exactly along with the case and the rifle.

Bud the best thing you can do is stop right here and get a reloading manual and start reading, your gonna be so confused by the time this ends that you won't know what to do, don't worry about bumping your shoulder right now, concentrate on loading a live round correctly first, Keep it simple then work in to the rest

 

[Ken61]

What entoptics and Hella 52 said. That is the way I have done it for years and it works,
Don't over do it. Keep screwing in the die until the bolt closes properly then load ammo..

 

[The Oregonian]

Bud the best thing you can do is stop right here and get a reloading manual and start reading, your gonna be so confused by the time this ends that you won't know what to do, don't worry about bumping your shoulder right now, concentrate on loading a live round correctly first, Keep it simple then work in to the rest

Yes, rather than ask one off questions you need to develop a systematic approach. Find respectable relpaders on youtube and watch lots of their videos. People here can tell you who to put your faith in.

I started 7 or 8 years ago without a mentor, which is what it sounds like you are doing, so I know the difficulties. Reading is great but watching is even better.

 

[GLTaylor]

Absolutely agree with BBean. AZshooter also makes a good point.
Stop. Get your bearings, read some loading manuals and give us some more info. Get someone knowledgeable to help you.
This isn't adding up......

 

[Rich Coyle]

Bumping the shoulder by screwing the die down will probably solve your tight fit.

Don't over do it. When you think you are close go 1/16 turn with the die.

 

[General RE LEE]

Thank you all for the help. I have been absorbing as much info from my loading manual, You Tube, this forum and other places. I might have been a tad dramatic about all 3 rifles having the issue. I will double check although I know the Remington Sendero 7mm STW was tight closing.

 

[West Calamus]

Did you read the instructions that came with the resizing dies or did you not have instructions for sitting your dies? Yea its a good idea to run your cases though your rifle before you add powder and bullets. You did good so far.

 

[Ken61]

Just a "be careful" comment.
I never try a loaded round in my chamber with my rifle on the bench without removing the firing pin.
My rifles are mostly Rem 700s and I have the tool that makes it easy. I know we are talking about testing empty cases for fit but----.

 

[General RE LEE]

Did you read the instructions that came with the resizing dies or did you not have instructions for sitting your dies? Yea its a good idea to run your cases though your rifle before you add powder and bullets. You did good so far.

Yes instructions say thread die in press till it makes contact with shell holder.

 

[slikmrc]

I would start with the basics, Clean and inspect the dies. Check the mating surface on the die and shell holder. You can use a feeler gauge with an empty die and with a case in it to make sure they are mating up. Clean the neck and shoulder of the case with 0000 steel wool before you lube it. Cases should have enough lube to size smoothly but not to much. Clean the inside of the necks. The cases should go in the dies smooth but firm, and the expander button shouldn't bind to much when it expands the neck. I also run one empty case thru the rifle a few times before sizing to get a feel for it then size, clean and try the case in the rifle. I always clean the rifle chamber and recoil lug recesses before doing this. Consistency is key when your dealing with .002 tolerances. Be safe, you'll get it figured out

 

[West Calamus]

Yes instructions say thread die in press till it makes contact with shell holder.

Put a wittness mark with a sharpie on your die and turn down 1/8 turn after touching shell holder then try running though chamber. Let me know if that works. I usually try to set die so there is just a little resistance on the bolt the last 1/3 of bolt lock down.

 

[General RE LEE]

So I experimented turning the die down a little more at a time and it didn't really make a difference. I then took a factory round and discovered maybe its just a tad stiff closing the bolt to begin with. Because I'm starting reloading and trying to pay attention to little details maybe I hadn't noticed it before. I will see what happens when I get some loaded rounds.