Big props to Redding

[Shmackey]

I got a case stuck in my Redding .308 sizing die a couple of weeks ago. I don't mean just regular stuck. I'm talking epic stuck. If you set out to achieve this kind of stuck, you'd fire up the TIG welder and dust off the sledge hammer. Among other absurd things, I removed the entire case rim with pliers and broke off my RCBS removal tap inside the case, so the primer pocket was nicely filled with tool steel.

So I sent it off to Redding with a check for their stuck-case removal kit and a friendly letter. They turned it around in about a week, with the new stuck-case removal kit, a sample of Imperial lube, and the die as good as new. Along with removing the case (they must have a better TIG welder than I do) and cleaning it all up, they also replaced the decapping assembly that I mangled.

Redding dies are not cheap, but I've considered them the best (along with the underrated Hornady) for a while. It's good to know they have great customer service too.

 

[chevy_dmax]

I broke my rcbs tap also. I wouldn't call it tool steel. Was very very easy to snap. I bought a Irwin from home depot and is a much better tap, quality wise and way easier to start also.

I thought of sending it back to rcbs, but I don't want another China made tap.

Bill.

 

[fguffey]

Why? All the broken tools, damage to the die, then the bashing, beats me, well not exactly, their is a mind set, everyone using tools and those they purchase from insist a 1/4" tap is adequate, I use 3/8' tap and drill on every thing except small diameter cases, for those there are other options. With a 3/8" (.375) tap and die remover the hole through the primer pocket/flash hole is large enough to allow the primer punch/sizer gall assembly to be removed from the bottom of the die before rendering the tap scrap.

There are different types of taps, with the punch/sizer assembly removed the reloader can use a starter tap, meaning the tap is turned 10 turns before a full thread is cut.

F. Guffey

 

[fguffey]

"Was very very easy to snap"

All of my taps are easy to snap, all of them are U.S.A. made, some are 50+ years old. Some are in sets as in of 3, blind end, bottom and starter.

F. Guffey

 

[fguffey]

gall, sheould have read 'ball', forgive.

F. Guffey

 

[CaneCorso85]

I've had a very similar experience with them as well. I didn't order the removal kit, but it sent a check to cover return shipping and they promptly removed that bastardly under lubed .308 case and polished my die, all within a week. Got the sample of the sizing wax as well.

Lessons learned from that:

1) Redding customer service and warranty are outstanding

2) Prime your dies with sizing wax before first use.

 

[Maj Dad]

Plus 2 on the Redding & Hornady dies. They are my favorites and not for sentimental reasons...

 

[colt1911fan]

This is probably a dumb question, but what does a tig welder have to do with a stuck case in a die?