300 BLK help - sizing die crushing brass

[CMV]

No idea what I'm doing wrong here but I can't get my sizing die to work. It just destroys the brass.

RCBS die set. Lee Breechlock and Classic Turret presses - tried both with same results. Set first time per included instructions w/ die set - touch shell holder then 1/4 turn deeper. Then set with shell holder just touching base of die. Light coat of lube in die before starting & on brass.

It's like the brass goes 80% of the way into the die, stops, and then crushes. I can't see anything wrong (other than the result I'm getting) but don't what I'm looking for either. Inside the die is nice & smooth. Pics best I could get.

I have some new Hornady 300 BLK brass and it crushes them too. The cut down LC 5.56 brass doesn't crush, but gets 5 dents in ) shapes, starts to form the shoulder on the opposite side of the ) dents, and leaves the top at an angle.

 

[CMV]

Never mind - I'm a dumba$$. I set the decapping pin 3/16" below base of die like the instructions said to. Screwing it in further to where there's about 5/8" extended has it making nice brass

 

[Walkalong]

Yep, the expander button must be below the neck area in the sizer.

 

[Captaingyro]

And you're not a dumbass. If that's the worst that you ever do reloading, you'll be way ahead of the rest of us.

 

[gamestalker]

An, Ah Ha, moment. We've all had them, and it's actually a good sign that we are gaining knowledge about what happens when we are preforming each of the steps involved in the process.

GS