Problems sizing 223

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Rushthezeppelin

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Well I had my second stuck case today resizing 223. It was very hard to get up in the die (Lee FL 223) and of course didn't want to come back out. Got the case unstuck and the mandrel out of the case and went back to resizing.

Anyway I ran into 2 more cases (so far) that have had that same feel of being incredibly hard to get up in the die. I made sure to stop before they had gotten too far into the die. On one I even took it out and made sure to put more lube (lee sizing lube mixed 1:10 with alcohol) on it and it and it still felt just as hard. Take it out and measured it against other cases and the neck didn't measure out to be more expanded than others.

Anyone know what this could be due to? I'm pretty sure all the ones I'm on are only once fired cases, although some are random range pickups and not necessarily mine. Could these be cases that has been fired so many times that they are hard? I figured you would see split necks before you have trouble sizing but don't know for sure.
 
#1 make sure you didn't pick up a brass washed steel case on accident (use a magnet)

#2 MORE LUBE. (reduce the ratio or use it full strength)

You should be using that LEE lube full strength on bottleneck rifle cartridges. Get a lube pad like this one:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/274234/lyman-case-lube-pad

Apply the lube to the pad, spread it around evenly with your finger and let the pad rest for a few minutes to soak in. Then lightly roll the cases in it.

FWIW I've used RCBS 2 lube on a Lyman lube pad, for 18 years now, and I've *never* got a case stuck.
 
Trent said:
FWIW I've used RCBS 2 lube on a Lyman lube pad, for 18 years now, and I've *never* got a case stuck.
Click to expand...

Ditto.

Rushthezeppelin, How are you applying this lube? Are the cases that are getting stuck of the same headstamp as the rest or no.

Is the die new and did you clean it real good before use?

If it is not new, is it possible that there is rust inside?
 
Applying it in a tupperware type container and shaking for a few minutes. Usually fairly generous with it. I did manage to get one of the hard feeling cases to size fine afterall. I think it was just a real tight primer which is rather odd since it was PPU and they are usually easy to deprime/size.
 
I dont have much more to offer than the above advice except that I also use the lee case lube cut with alcohol and never had such an issue. 1:10 seems a bit too thin, try 1:50. I agree with Trent, a lube pad is the way to go. The pad allows for more uniform and consistent lubrication regardless of the brand of lube.
 
Tight primer doesn't keep mandrel from coming out of case.
 
Applying it in a tupperware type container and shaking for a few minutes.
Click to expand...

Sounds like your Problem. Lee says it should be applied to your fingers a rubbed all over the case. Your "tupperware" method may not be getting the case coated evenly.

Switch lubes or switch application techniques and the problem should go away.
 
I have read a bunch of threads on here about stuck 223 cases. I have sized several thousand with Unique lube and never had one stick.
 
The lube is fine, the dilution may be too much. I use the same Lube and technique. It separates after is sits so you really need to shake the heck out of it. My small little spray bottle is clear. I keep it at around 50:50

More Lube Scotty More Lube!:D
 
I've a had a few close calls back in the day, but I've yet to stick a case, and I now use a spray on lube (DCL).

Improperly lubed = stuck cases

GS
 
I also thin with isopropyl alcohol as per the Lee Reloading manual instructions, 1:10 and use a tupperware container. I cant think of a reason why your cases would stick, I've done it in summer, and winter in -26C with no issues. Did you remember to shake the solution?
Did you check inside your cases? I've had a situation where something really didn't feel right, and looked inside to discover a big chunk of ceramic tumbling media (bought brass from an online source) Lee makes a hell of a quality product, because it punched right through it, with no damage to the decapping pin. But it felt more difficult and I had no idea until I looked inside, no rattling or anything.

One thing I also do, is shake the tupperware until more or less all of the cases are standing up, and spray a bit of the lube solution to make sure you get the inside of the necks. Hope you aren't having anymore stuck cases!
 
Imperial Sizing Wax = Never Stick a Case Again!

That case lube is the best produce ever made for sizing cases. It's inexpensive and a 2 oz. tin lasts a VERY long time. Imperial Sizing Wax will not fail you...
 
Imperial sizing wax is the answer. I have never had a stuck case since I started using Imperial....it doesn't take much and works great.
 
Make sure you lube the entire case wall right down to the base. Lube does not flow down the sides, you must apply it manually. A thin uniform coat is better than a thick coat at the top and dry at the bottom.

I use either STP oil treatment or just the leftover drippings from changing the oil in my car (new oil, not old). A quick wipe down with a towel after sizing and no stuck cases. Remember a little goes a long way. I know .223 is one of the tougher cases to size because the rim is so small, it's easy to pull it out of the shell holder.
 
I use a lube pad too, it seems to lube the body and not the neck. I also like Imperial if you are using your fingers to lube cases. Haven't had much experience with the sprays, old school I guess.
 
Sounds like a lot of people offering good advice.

I just want to say that I try to keep it simple.

I throw 200-300 cases in a plastic tub - spray 2-3 shots of Dillon case lube - mix it around 3-5 seconds - add a shot or two as needed.

Been doing it this way w/ all calibers for 15 years w/o a stuck case.

Just did 3000 .223 last weekend zero problems.
 
There are lots of good lubes made and readily available. Nearly every time we read about hard sizing it's the result of insufficient lube. Newbies (and old timers) take note and save yourself a lot of problems.
 
I too, am of the opinion that the OP isn't getting a proper coat of lube on ALL of the cases.
Don't mean to beat a dead horse - but proper lube on all of the cases is the answer.
 
W.E.G. said:
Instructions on the tube say it can be thinned with WATER.

Tell us why you decided to use an off-label method.
Click to expand...

The LEE manual reveals other ways such as rubbing alcohol which contains some water.. Been doing it for years.
 
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