Maybe nobody mentioned this yet. Sizing .223 Rem is nothing like sizing large caliber brass. It's possible to get a 223 case stuck, but it never happens to me and I never lube the neck. I mean that I NEVER lube the neck. A light spray of lube on the outside of the body and the brass just pops in and out of the die without trouble. Since I use mine in 5.56mm semiauto chambers, I never even trim it. Size, prime, load and shoot.
Why is it easier to size a 223 neck compared to 30 caliber? The brass is the same thickness (usually 11 thousands plus or minus .0005) but the smaller diameter neck doesn't spring back very much. Since the larger diameter neck tends to spring back after the ball is withdrawn, it is necessary to use a larger ball to do the same job, which requires more mechanical force and friction is likely to be much higher. So lubrication is critical on larger calibers, but not so critical on 223.
I find 7mm, 270, 30 and 338 caliber brass requires specific care in every step. Trimming, deburring and lubrication are the norm. I use dry lubes inside the case neck. Either mica or graphite work beautifully. I believe lack of lubrication sticks your expander ball. It has happened to me before, but always related to my lack of care.
Do you have any good books on rifle reloading? Have you been able to read explanations of the procedure in depth? In my humble opinion, it's not adequate to read internet forums or the instructions accompanying a press or dies. A good published how-to manual is invaluable.