resizing problem

[howelljeffrey]

I am new to reloading. I ordered the Lee Classic Turret press and a set of Hornady New Dimension dies (3 die). I got it all set up with the resizing/decapping die installed per instructions. I am reloading .40 s&w once fired brass. When I run the case into the die, it decaps properly but the resizing is turning out weird and lopsided, creating a slight lip around one side of the base about 1/16" up from the base. The die is also leaving ugly vertical striation marks on the case. I have tried loosening the lock ring and running it up to make sure everything is centered. I also changed out the shell holder but I'm still getting unsatisfactory results. The case is running all the way up into the die as far as it can possibly go. I would really appreciate any advice!

 

[jcwit]

I'll bet you're resizing brass that was fired in a Glock. Brass has a bulge down side from firing in an unsuported chamber. Cure for it as far as I know is to get a Redding Rx push thru die.

Hope this helps

 

[JimKirk]

Does it look like this?

Jimmy K

 

[howelljeffrey]

Does it look like this?

Jimmy K

Yes...is it still ok to reload like this?

 

[jcwit]

There was a thread about this last week or earlier this week. I do not remember what the consensus was. Try the search function. Maybe walkalong or rc or bushmaster will hop on here.

 

[jcwit]

jeff what are you shooting it in? May not get much of an answer till tomorrow.

 

[LiveLife]

Hi all,

jcwit, he said they were once fired brass so even though he doesn't shoot a Glock, it will still be a problem.

howelljeffrey, you may need the Redding G-RX die to size all the way down to the base of the case ($37 from MidwayUSA) or I found the shell holder top is thinner than the progressive/turret shell plate, thus allowing you to size further down the case. If you have access to a single stage press, you can try your die/case to see if that will fix your problem. If using your die in a single stage press works, you may be able to find a new/used single stage press for a decent price (I find them for $25-$35 at gun shows/classified ads).


Here's one thread that talked about Glocked cases (less supported Glock barrel chambers bulging the base of cases).

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=6212826#post6212826



Here's a repost from another thread that may be pertinent to your problem:

"For Lee reloaders,

I found sizing some 9mm brass on Lee Pro 1000 using shell plate #19 quite do not size all the way down to the bottom of the case and would fail the case gauge. But when I size the same case using the standard shell holder #19 in a single stage press, case is sized all the way down and pass the case gauge.

Upon closer examination of the shell plate and shell holder, I found shell plate top thicker than the shell holder, which explained the above.

If you have this problem using progressive press/shell plate and already have a single stage press, you can mount the sizing die on the single stage press and see if this improves sizing (most reloaders I shoot with have found this addresses the sizing issue). The Redding G-RX die is $37 from MidwayUSA and AFAIK, it is only available in 40S&W.

I switched to single stage and progressive press setup and size/deprime on the single stage press. Since the switchover, I have found only a handful of cases that failed the gauge test."

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=6223734#post6223734

 

[JimKirk]

Cure: Redding 40 S&W G-Rx push through die. Some feel that bulged brass is not safe, others that it is. If it looks bad I'm tossing it, I like my fingers. I use the 40 S&W G-Rx with my 357 SIG. The once fired brass that I have got had nowhere as pronounced line as the photo I enclosed, but they still would not chamber in my 31 model Glock with out a push. I would get some hangups while firing. Not anymore after I got the G-Rx.

Jimmy K

 

[howelljeffrey]

Thank you all for the suggestions! Much appreciated.

 

[rfwobbly]

Your eyes will lie to you faster than you would ever think. You really should buy a "case gauge" or a "cartridge gauge" and let that be the deciding factor as to whether the brass is good for reloading. You can get these for about $12 at Midway and that's the cheapest peace-of-mind you can buy.

After my 9mm gauge helped me discover 3 un-chamberable rounds within a 250 competition round lot, I went and bought one for the rest of my calibers. What a time saver !!!

 

[jcwit]

There's your answer in posts 7, 8, and 10. Only thing to add is some advise to use the barrel chamber as the case gauge. This is with the barrel out of the gun of course.

 

[steve4102]

Cure: Redding 40 S&W G-Rx push through die.

I have a Redding G-Rx die for my Glock. It is not carbide and requires lube, PITA for me. I shelved the Redding die and replaced it with a Lee Factory crimp die, it's carbide(no lube). Remove the guts from the LFCD and push the brass all the way through just like the Redding die, Cheaper, no lube and a multi tasker.

 

[jcwit]

Well now, how about that! Brilliant idea, seriously. Another one of those so simple things we mostly don't see.

 

[JimKirk]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=500129&highlight=Redding+Carbide+G-Rx

JK


Steve would you like to sell yours(G-Rx), I know someone who is wanting one?


I have to lube for the 357 SIG anyway, so it's no big deal for me.

 

[LiveLife]

I have a Redding G-Rx die for my Glock. It is not carbide and requires lube, PITA for me. I shelved the Redding die and replaced it with a Lee Factory crimp die, it's carbide(no lube). Remove the guts from the LFCD and push the brass all the way through just like the Redding die, Cheaper, no lube and a multi tasker.

Lee should sell a shell plate/holder adapter to use with FCD as cheaper carbide competition to Redding G-RX and no lube (BTW, G-RX only comes in 40 S&W)!

Should send Lee an email ...

 

[steve4102]

Lee should use your comment to sell FCD as cheaper carbide competition to Redding G-RX and no lube (BTW, G-RX only comes in 40 S&W)!

Should send Lee an email ...

Lee is coming out with a kit they call the "Bulge Buster". It consists of the shell holder, push stem and bottle. Carbide LFCD sold separately.

 

[Walkalong]

Your eyes will lie to you faster than you would ever think. You really should buy a "case gauge" or a "cartridge gauge" and let that be the deciding factor as to whether the brass is good for reloading. You can get these for about $12 at Midway and that's the cheapest peace-of-mind you can buy.

Absolutely.

I am sure the Redding G-RX die works like a champ, but if my regular sizer won't size it to fit my case gauge, it has been stressed more than normal. There is too much free 9MM & .40 range brass for me to worry with cases that my sizer can't size.

Lee should use your comment to sell FCD as cheaper carbide competition to Redding G-RX and no lube

The FCD might not do it because the carbide ring is smaller than the sizer ring, but then again, maybe that would be perfect. Anyway, if Redding doesn't have a patent, I am sure others, including Lee, will come out with them as well, if they think there is money to be made. (A market for them)

 

[JimKirk]

It's not that the sizer won't size to the proper size, but it is the problem of getting that last .003-.005 of the brass up into the die. The way normal shell holders and dies are made does not allow this to happen. The shell holder could be too thick, but if you got it thin enough to fix the problem, it probably would break. The solution is to pass it(the brass) all the way through the die.

I do think Redding has over priced this G-Rx die, but folks are buying them like hotcakes, I hope Lee does get it's version out, maybe it will put some pressure on Redding. Probably not.

Jimmy K

 

[LiveLife]

I do think Redding has over priced this G-Rx die, but folks are buying them like hotcakes

If people are buying over-priced single purpose die like hot cakes, there certainly is a market. I just wish it was carbide and came in 9mm and 45 ACP also.

I found that using a single stage press with the thinner shell holder (shell plate top is thicker) and Lee carbide sizer will size the case all the way down to the base of the case. You can often pick up a single stage press (new/used) for less than what the Redding G-RX die costs - and you can reload all the rifle cases now.

I have extra shell plates and even thought about grinding the top of the shell plate to get the extra sizing to the base of the case - maybe I might do a test.

 

[JimKirk]

Check the link in post #14... Carbide on the way, at what price?? You may see one in 45 ACP, but I doubt you'll ever see it in 9mm because it is tapered. The 9mm carbide dies I have, still need to be lubed.

Jimmy K

 

[LiveLife]

I still think using the thinner top regular shell holder on a single stage press is cheaper and more "productive" solution. I have very few cases failing the case gauge out of thousands of fired brass. Loaded 1000 rounds for our morning trip to one of shooting spots before morning coffee with pre-sized/primed cases.

The carbide version of G-RX may cost more then steel die and if they only come in 40/45 caliber, no help for 9mm bulged cases.

 

[JimKirk]

So your regular 9mm dies don't remove the bulge, even with the thin shell holders?

I don't think you will ever see any kind of push thru die from any company for the 9mm, because the 9mm brass is tapered, I just don't see a way for it to work. The 45 ACP should be no problem, buy a 45 die, cut the top off and push it thru.

If you will look, that is what Redding has done with the G-Rx, only they made the bottle adapter to fit the top end( I don't have the adapter). Really, that is what mine looks like, the bottom half of a 40 S&W die!

Jimmy K

 

[Superblackrifle]

use a little bit of sizing lube

 

[LiveLife]

JimKirk,

True on the 9mm being tapered (case base wider then neck).

So, if you just need a little bit to fully size down to the base of the case, won't grinding the top of the shell plate/holder be an option?

The cost of shell plate/holder should be cheaper than the G-RX die for most (Lee shell holder $3.50/Lee Pro 1000 shell plate $14.50).

 

[JimKirk]

I may have misunderstood what you were saying.

I still think using the thinner top regular shell holder on a single stage press is cheaper and more "productive" solution

What I thought you were saying... that you wished they made the G-Rx in 9mm & 45, but then you say... that by using a thin shell holder would fix the problem, Is that correct?

I just wish it was carbide and came in 9mm and 45 ACP also.

If that is correct then you would not need a G-Rx ....Right?

Being I have a 357 SIG, I can't run it up(in the die) any farther, because it would set the shoulder back too much, then I could have headspace problems. The SIG is a bottle neck cartridge. If it was straight like the 40 S&W or the 45 ACP then it would not matter if it went farther in.

Jimmy K