.223 sizing issue

[SC_Dave]

Using a Hornady LnL AP with RCBS AR series dies. I don't seem to be getting a complete resize on the cartridge. In particular the neck is not getting completely resized and thus a cambering problem. I have the die adjusted down to the point it touches the shell plate. I don't think the brass is getting all the way into the die??? Suggestions?

David

 

[rcmodel]

Seems to be a recurring problem with folks using the LnL press.

All I can suggest is screw the sizing die down further to take all the slop out of the press linkage.

I'm confident the neck is getting sized.

I'm also confident it's the shoulder that is not getting pushed back where it came from causing your problem.

rc

 

[mstreddy]

David, I had a similar issue with my RCBS standard dies on my LNL. I took off some metal from the bottom of the die, but it still was not enough to get me a full resize on the press. I've since reverted to sizing on my rockchucker SS and once I've trimmed, swaged crimped pockets, chamfered, etc... then I go back to the LNL for the priming and all other steps. You can try coming down another 1/8 to 1/4 turn and see if you get the sizing where you need it. The problem is that the shellplate has some flex.

Eddy

 

[SC_Dave]

Thanks guys.

RC you are right. I said neck in my OP but I meant shoulder.

 

[Walkalong]

Check to see if the die still touches the shell plate when actually sizing a case. If you adjust it to just touch with no sizing going on press flex will have it slightly off when actually sizing.

I had to take a hair off the bottom off of two different .223 sizers for use on my LNL, but be very sure you need to do this before actually doing it.

 

[SC_Dave]

Check to see if the die still touches the shell plate when actually sizing a case. If you adjust it to just touch with no sizing going on press flex will have it slightly off when actually sizing.

I had to take a hair off the bottom off of two different .223 sizers for use on my LNL, but be very sure you need to do this before actually doing it.

Thanks walkalong, I'll do that and report back. In the event that I do need to trim the die base where is a good start? .005?
David

 

[rcmodel]

Buy an automotive feeler gage and stick a blade under the case in the shell holder, then size it.

At some point, you will come up with a feeler gage blade that sizes the case ' Goldie Locks just right' and that is how much you need to take off the die.

rc

 

[SC_Dave]

Buy an automotive feeler gage and stick a blade under the case in the shell holder, then size it.

At some point, you will come up with a feeler gage blade that sizes the case ' Goldie Locks just right' and that is how much you need to take off the die.

rc

Gotcha. Thanks RC

 

[Russt]

I had a similar problem w/RCBS & Lee dies on the LNL press. In my case the die/dies weren't sizing far enough down on the body of the case. I was taking .223 once fired & converting to a 20 practical. I had the barrel in hand and was having problems with chambering. I took a black sharpie & marked the entire case black so when it chambered I could tell where the hold up was. I was using a rock chucker at first so I took some off the shell holder, allowing the case to go farther into the die. It was better but not a cure. I then ran across a set of Hornady N.D. dies and tried them. They worked wonders. Evidently they're made just enough different than the Lee & RCBS so they size farther down onto the body of the case. Now when I convert I run them through the Hornady die, then neck them in the Redding S die & no more chambering problems.

 

[SC_Dave]

Update

I adjusted the die down till is touched the shell plate plus a 1/4 turn which put the press in slight cam over. Not much threads left on the die for the set screw on the RCBS locking ring to bite into. So I put on a Hornady split locking ring which seemed much better.

When actually sizing a case I made sure the die came in contact with the shell plate and still had slight cam over and it did. Each of 20 cases I sized passed the Wilson case gauge test. Next I finished loading those 20 cases and after completion they all passed the Wilson case gauge with no problem so I think my problem is solved. I am going to manually cycle them through my son's AR which seems to have a more finicky chamber than mine but I feel like they will be fine.

Another solution I thought of for die adjustment was to not use a locking ring at all. My though was to adjust the die until I was sizing the case completely then apply some medium strength wicking thread locker. That should keep the die in place yet allow you to break it loose should the need arise. You could even add a couple of witness marks to help you keep an eye on it.

Thanks guys,
SC

 

[Walkalong]

Not much threads left on the die for the set screw on the RCBS locking ring to bite into. So I put on a Hornady split locking ring which seemed much better.

I have done this myself on a few dies. I like the Hornady lock rings anyway, and when there is not much thread to hang onto, they are our best bet.

 

[brickeyee]

The Hornady split rings are far better than the RCBS set screw rings.

Even with a piece of 7 1/2 shot the set screws do not work as well.

When I purchase dies that do not have a slit rings clap I just pick up a pack of Hornady rings.

I have aluminum rods large enough to make them, but it ends up costing more than buying them.