RCBS dies don't seem to be lining up

[sgoeing]

I have a new set of RCBS dies for 45-70. In my RCBS rockchucker press I have to turn the shell holder so that the opening is to the right in order for the empty case to line up with the opening in the die. If the shell holder is turned to the left the case isn't lined up correctly. Is this normal or should i contact RCBS. The die seems to have enough play in it,before i tighten the lock nut, to cause this misalignment. Seems like there should be some tighter tolerances here.
Thanks
sgoeing

 

[HSMITH]

Could be the shellholder too unless you didn't have this problem with some other dies and this particular shell holder. Could also be the press is bent. Did you have any problems prior to this? Are you having trouble with BOTH dies or just the sizing die? If both dies I would look closely at the shellholder, if only one die then maybe you do have a bad die.

For the $5 or so it will take to try it I would grab another shellholder and see what the result is.

 

[Ala Dan]

I know this won't solve the problem, but give
the fine folk's at R.C.B.S. a call, or e-mail. Some
great folks over here; and they are always
willing to help with customer tech support!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.

 

[ClarkEMyers]

Did you tighten the lock nut with a case in the die?

Did you try tightening the locknut with a case in the die and the die tight against the shell holder as is sometimes suggested to make everything line up on a common center line? 7/8-14 threads are often loose enough to allow misalignment or to permit careful alignment.

 

[catfish]

It sounds like a shell holder problim to me too.

 

[sgoeing]

I also think it is probably the shellholder since you can turn it and things align differently. I tried this with other shellholders and they didn't change, thus the press seems to be straight. When I get a chance I will pick one up. I like the idea about lining it up with a case in the die. I hadn't thought of that but it sounds like it would work well. If the problem persist I will give RCBS a ring. I just don't want to pack anything up and send it to them right now as I am doing a fair amount of loading right now.
Thanks
sgoeing

 

[BluesBear]

Is it possible there is a burr or a bit of primer residue lodged in the rim groove?

I had some primer smut build up in a .38 super shellholder once and it prevented cases from going in just enough misalign a case every now and then. I broke 3 or 4 decapping pins before I finally figured it out.

 

[sgoeing]

I just got a set of 38/357 dies and they are doing the same thing. Emailed RCBS and they are sending a new ram right away. Great Service. HOpe this takes care of the problem.
sgoeing