[oz_lowrider]

I have just started reloading my new custom 25-06 based on a Mauser 98 action. With the first factory ammo I didn't have any problems and the rifle shot well and gave good groups. Now that I have reloaded the cases for the third time the bolt is hard to close and open. I have checked all case dimensions and the only thing I cand find which might make a difference is the OAL is 3.181" whereas I believe the max is 3.250". Pressures are well within limits and there is no sign of excess. There is an area about .250" from the rim which shows some sign of binding on the case. Any suggestions? The fact that this does not happen with new factory ammo puzzles me.

[ArchAngelCD]

Did you check the case length after you did a resize? You may need to trim your brass.

[oz_lowrider]

Yes, I have checked case length after sizing. I just tried a factory round and it chambers and the bolt closes and opens smoothly. So it has to be something I'm doing wrong. I've loaded 243 and 6mm for years and never had a problem. This has me stumped. It has to be either the diameter or taper of the case and that means I'm not full length resizing correctly, agree?

[ArchAngelCD]

It sure sounds like it. Unfortunately without seeing what you are doing I can't even speculate on what the problem could be. I'm betting you probably had the die just slightly out of adjustment if I had to guess at all.

Hopefully someone will be along soon who has better ideas than I do... Sorry...

[JimKirk]

I would guess that you do not have your sizing die adjusted properly!

Raise the ram all the way to the top, screw the die all the way down until it touches.
Lower ram some, turn die down 1/4- 1/2 turn more.
Raise ram, you should feel a cam over "bump" as the ram tightens against the die.
Keep the ram raised, tighten the die lock nut.
Adjust the primer punch stem so that it is sticking out 1/16"-1/8" of the bottom of die.
I like to leave the stem lock loose until I have a case in the die and the ram raised all the way to the top, this aligns the stem with the primer hole, lock the stem nut now.
Of course you need to lube the case before sizing.
I've been loading 25/06 for 40 yrs, you will be very satisfied once you get the bugs worked out.

Jimmy K

[JimKirk]

The area that has marks about .250 from rim,
are they circular(going around the case) or
are they linear fine scratches or
are they just shiny compared to the rest of the case?

Jimmy K

[RainDodger]

Are you using a Wilson case gauge (or similar) to ensure headspace is within limits? I had the same problem with a .30-'06 and the Wilson gauge pointed out the obvious problem. The problem will not likely be the case overall length, but the distance from the base to the datum line on the shoulder (headspace). A "general" adjustment of your sizing die is not always correct. You should always use a case gauge when adjusting your die.

[Kernel]

Most likely your sizing die wasn't screwed down far enough. A common mistake. Make sure the press handle is “camming over” when you stroke the press while resizing.

If that’s not it……. you say it's a custom chambering? Perhaps it was cut to minimum specs, so it’s tighter than a normal factory chamber. If so, a standard die might not work.

This can often be corrected by taking a few thousandths off the top of your shell holder. This allows the case to enter further into the die. Conversely, you could take a few thousandths off the bottom of the die body, it achieves the same results, but in my experience it's easier to modify the shell holder.

[JimKirk]

Get a gauge if you want, but a simple candle and some smut will tell you the same thing.
A gauge will tell if your case fits the gauge, but it will not tell you if it fits your chamber.
Think about it, your chamber and the gauge may be different sizes? The gauge only tells you what you chamber should have been.
Smut the shoulder with the flame from the candle, chamber, then look where the smut has been rubbed off. One candle many calibers. There are folks on here(THR) that have been loading forever and don't own a gauge.

Jimmy K

[oz_lowrider]

Thanks for the replies. Yes that's the problem, I hadn't resized correctly. The die wasn't set low enough and the case wasn't being fullr resized. I need to pay more attention to detail. My ming was more on depriming.

Hopefully it's cured.

[JimKirk]

Now do the simple smut test and you'll be able to save your brass from over sizing.

Jimmy K

[ArchAngelCD]

I need to pay more attention to detail.
That should be the rule all the time. I try not to have any distractions when I'm reloading. It takes only a small mistake or overlooking something small to cause a big problem. (as I'm sure you know) I'm happy to hear you found the problem. Don't forget the range report when you shoot the new ammo you build.