Stuck (Seized) Case in my Die!!

[brockgl]

Okay, I am ticked. I just got a new bottle of spray lube from Hornady, and the first few cases were a lot harder to resize than it normally is with the wax-like lube I've been using from Lee. And then that horrible thing happened! I pulled really hard on my press to bring down the case and lo and behold, the case was stuck in the die! My press ripped itself from the bottom of the case, bending the 'lips' of the case downward, and it left the case inside the die. I tried vice grips, but it didn't budge. All it did was pinch in the brass from all sides. Is my die fubared? Will it have to be replaced? Or can I get this case out of there.

(Note: If I ever get this case out, I am going back to using wax lube instead of that spray crap.)

 

[JDGray]

What brand dies are you using?

 

[brockgl]

The dies are RCBS Competition Dies for .30-60

 

[ranger335v]

Common problem. The brand of dies, brass nor press matter. You simply didn't get the brass lubed well enough and then jammed it into the die so hard it stuck; it happens. That's why there is a good market for "Stuck Case Removers". Get your self one of those, Hornady and RCBS have good ones.

Forget penatrating oil. it can't get into the stuck place. And don't try to pry or chisel it out, you are much more likely to damage the die walls.

Most folks seem to think it's most important to carefully lube the neck/shoulders of a case. It isn't, the critical part is down near the head/web; that's where cases get stuck.

 

[Slenk]

Dril the primer pocket out for a 1/4" tap , using 1/2" socket 3/8 drive works best and heavy flat washer screw in a 1/4 " bolt through the washer and socket . Works the same as stuck case puller.
Slenk

 

[WayneConrad]

Stuck case remover kit

I have read that with the spray lube, you must let it dry completely or it doesn't work. Have you considered either Unique Case Lube or Imperial Sizing Die Wax?

 

[armoredman]

One-Shot spray lube is OK, but it works much better as a lube for sizing cast bullets.

 

[strat81]

Get some Imperial Sizing Wax.

If you are not comfortable removing the case on your own, mail it back to RCBS and they'll remove it. Better to pay $3 for postage than to destroy the die.

 

[brockgl]

So, I drill a hole in the case using the tap, then I screw in the bolt with a washer on it, then I slide the washed into my press head and pull out the case? If so, that sounds easy enough.

 

[mkl]

So, I drill a hole in the case using the tap, then I screw in the bolt with a washer on it, then I slide the washed into my press head and pull out the case? If so, that sounds easy enough.

Not exactly.

Drill the hole through the primer pocket with a drill size appropriate for your tap. Tap the hole you have just drilled. Hold the die in a vertical position and place the socket over the end. Place the washer on top of the socket. Run the bolt through the washer/socket and screw into the bottom of the case. Use a wrench and continue to tighten the bolt so that the case is slowly extracted from the die.

The socket is simply a spacer with an interrior diameter larger than the case head, and an outside diameter such that it will rest on the bottom of the die body. When you tighten the bolt you are extracting the case from the die into the socket.

 

[USSR]

brockgl,

OK, you've given Hornady their "one shot". Now get yourself some Imperial Sizing Die Wax and make stuck cases a thing of the past.

Don

 

[JDGray]

If it were Lee dies, you could remove the collet and decapping pin, and tap the case out with a punch. RCBS, wont work that way. I was able to remove a stuck 300 Win Mag case from a RCBS die by tapping on the decapping pin, after removing the adjuster nut, but wouldn't recommend doing that.

 

[KI.W.]

I load 14 diferent calibers using "Lee-thootpaste" and never, ever stucked cases in dies. I make also from 30-06 to 308 and 9,3x57. Also 8x57 Mauser to 9,3x57and 7x57 to 308 also 308 to 22-250, only using that thootpaste.
If case stucks in the die, it is kaputt because there is cold welding. This die shall to scratchs cases. You need the new die.

 

[ForneyRider]

I do it from time to time.

Forgot the lube.

I use the stinky Lee lube. I have the Hornady One Shot as well.

With Lee dies, you loossen the decapping pin nut, then tap the pin through. Works great.

 

[brockgl]

Thanks for all the help guys, I did get my case out and my die seems to be completely undamaged. I used the method that you all suggested. Went to Lowes, bought the appropriate drill bit/tap, used a bolt through a washer on top of a socket, and it lifted that puppy right out. It was REALLY stuck. However, my One Shot is now sleeping safely and securely in my kitchen trash can, and my Lee Stinky White Toothpaste stuff is on top of my workbench preparing for it's next use. You all have no idea how relieved I am, so thanks so much for the help!