Total length- full length resize?

[Catpop]

QUESTION: IS THERE DIE THAT WILL TOTAL FULL LENGTH RESIZE A CASE?
Dilemma: I have a new 270 Win with a minimal chamber. It will handle factory ammo and new factory brass fine, but only about 10% of cases full length resized in both RCBS and Lee dies (and three different shell holders). The other 90% are lightly snug to not closing at all. Smoking the cases indicates the problem lies in the part of the case not able to enter the resizing die, ie, the part covered by the shell holder.
I could only use new brass, but since I help develop loads for my friends, I hate to develop the loads in my rifle, then ruin my cases in their rifle. And if I use their cases, I can't develop them in my rifle at my leisure.
Any thoughts? Thanks in advance, Catpop

 

[243winxb]

RCBS Small Base 2-Die Set 270 Winchester

the problem lies in the part of the case not able to enter the resizing die, ie, the part covered by the shell holder.

Each rifle should have its own brass. If the new brass has been fired in your rifle only, it should resize with a standard die. The area covered by the shell holder can be expanded from to hot of a loading. Or buy RCBS Small Base 2-Die Set 270 Winchester. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/754934/rcbs-small-base-2-die-set-270-winchester Lee will custom fit you FL die if you return it to them.

Can't close bolt on rifle
Posted by on 20 October 2011 06:57 AM
First make sure the the sizing die is adjusted so that the shell holder contacts the base of the die when the ram is at the top of its stroke when resizing a case. This ensures that the sizing die is bumping the shoulder back as well as reducing the diameter of the case. If the shell holder does not contact the base of the die, the diameter of the case is squeezed down, making the case (and distance to the shoulder) longer.

If this does not solve the problem, return the sizing die with a couple of fired cases, and we can modify the die to suit.

Our address is:

Lee Precision Inc,
4275 Hwy. U
Hartford, WI 53027.

http://leeprecision.net/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/List/Index/13/product-support

 

[Catpop]

Thanks 243winxb, 2 great answers! Can you explain what a small base die is before I pursue this farther?

 

[243winxb]

Never needed a SB die. No die is going to go below the shell holder. If your near or at maximum loadings, reduce it. See if it makes a difference using new/unfired brass. RCBS FAQ -

Q. I see a Small Base Die Set listed for my caliber. Do I need these or should I buy a Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set? How does each set differ?

A. The Small Base Die set is intended for use for ammunition to be used in auto, semi-auto, and lever action rifles so that the loaded round chambers and extracts easily. The Small Base Sizer Die sizes the case from the shoulder to the head of the case a couple of thousandths smaller than a Full Length Sizer Die. In certain calibers it also sets the shoulder of the case back a thousandth or two more than the Full Length Sizer Die. The Full Length Die Set or Neck Die Set is not normally recommended for ammo to be used in auto, semi-auto, or lever action rifles. The Full Length Die set is recommended for ammunition used in bolt action rifles, particularly for ammunition to be used for hunting. The Neck Die Set can also be used to produce ammunition for use in bolt action rifles. The Neck Sizer Die sizes only the neck of the case so it will hold the bullet firmly. It does not size the body of the case nor does it set the shoulder back. Neck sized cases will usually chamber for three or more firings, depending on the powder charge and chamber dimensions. However, over a period of time, a slight drag will be noticed when the bolt is locked. At this point, cases will need to be full length sized and the shoulder set back so they will chamber and extract easily.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If the small base dies still don't do the job you can send a few once fired in your rifle cases to RCBS and they will make a set of dies specifically for that rifle. That is however a very costly route and usually only done for match rifles.

I have a feeling the RCBS small base dies will do what you need...

EDIT: I didn't know Lee would custom fit a die to your chamber, good info!

 

[steve4102]

The part of the case that is in and just above the shell holder does not expand under safe operating pressures, it is solid brass cept for the primer pocket and flash hole.

Screw your FL die unto the press 1/4 turn past the point it contacts the shell holder and size em up.

 

[gamestalker]

I've expanded a few webs over the years, it was always the result of running excessive pressures. I even managed to have this happen with a belted magnum , but not until after 10 or 12 very warm loads.

And the other thing, which was already mentioned by steve4102, is until the die is adjusted down far enough to actually contact and force the shoulders down, they will move forward, the brass of the body has to go some where prior to the shoulders getting forced back down where they belong.

GS

 

[KingM]

First I suggest not loading for other people but if you do use their rifle since it is kinda pointless to build it for yours then fire it in theirs. If your just going to build fodder then load it to the minimum.

You should set your die up as Steve suggested. Depending on your press you should feel what most of us refer to as cam over. After contact of the shell plate you feel a pop of the handle.

You can get the brass a little deeper in the die by putting a feeler gauge under the head in the shell holder.

 

[Catpop]

Thanks to all for taking the time to input on my situation.
*I summed up the answer from the responses to my original question as NO, there is not a die that will totally full length resizes the case to factory new specs.
Again thanks to all, Catpop