.284W FL resizing issues

[reubenski]

I am currently shooting 162gr Amax's at 2850fps in a Broughton, 26" #6 contoured barrel set in a Stiller TAC300. I am using Norma 6.5x284 brass necked up using .270 and .284 Sinclair expander mandrels in separate operations. I am using a graphite dry lube during all of this. After firing the brass takes on a noticeably different shape. The gun also shoots once fired brass better as well.

The problem comes in when FL resizing using a Redding FL bushing die. It is an extremely tight fit. I really have to put some back into it when resizing and it should not require that much effort.

The once fired, resized cases fit factory .284 specs. The once fired NON-resized cases are .003 longer at the shoulder,1.778). The headspace measures .004 longer at 1.807 than resized cases.

My question is; Are these measurements out of the ordinary? If so, is my chamber to blame? I bought the gun from a very reputable smith. If not, Why is it so tough to resize? Thanks.

 

[Baily]

After reloading 10 different type of cases in the past 12 years I had a lot of problem when it came to seating and resizing. I just could not get it right. I was thinking I was just stupid or something. Well-On my 6 Dasher I had the smith chamber my die with his reamer that chambered the gun and I had a long throat so that none of the bullet was in the shoulder neck junction. All my problems went away for me.

 

[JoePellegrene]

See if this helps,

Try using a light coating of Imperial sizing wax instead of the dry graphite.

Take your once fired case measurement,1.778) and bump the shoulder back to 1.777 or 1.776, no more.

If the wax doesn't help then maybe it's your press. Bigger reloading presses have a lot more leverage for sizing the larger cases.

 

[reubenski]

Thanks, I resorted to using a spray lube and leaving the dry lube to neck sizing only. That fixed my issue.

 

[JHardy]

Another tip on all of your resizing to avoid the possibility of a stuck case. Keep a sized case for each of the chamberings you shoot. When you get ready to size your brass, lube the already sized case and run it through your die to "prime" the die for the fired and expanded brass. Lube the fired brass as usual, and you are good to go. That first fired case will not feel or be sized differently than the others.

BTW, RCBS Case Lube II and Balistol,spelling) really work better for sizing your brass. On the RCBS lube, use a lube pad but not to roll the cases. I just touch my fingers to the pad and distribute on each case before it is sized as I can get this just right by feel. With the Balistol, I use the same technique as I like to distribute the lube lightly with my fingers.

Imperial is great and cleans up well, but the others lubes "wet" very well and are very slick for a nice "sharp" finished shoulder.

Good luck,
Jim Hardy

 

[reubenski]

Thanks for the tips! I've PM'd you wiht some .284 Shehane questions.