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FL sizing problem

JorkkiL

Hi!

I'am new to reloading and ran into a problem when trying to full length size cases for my 6.5x55 Swedish. I have new Lee C-frame press and Lee FL die.

Problem is when I run case into die there is tiny gap between die and shellholder. No matter how much I put pressure, gap is still there. I have set die accordingly, ram up, die touching shellholder plus 1/4 turn more. Tried also touch plus 1/2 turn more.

Hope someone can help or maybe have same problem.
 
Does it have a decapping stem in it...if it does is it bottoming out inside the case..
If so back it out or take it out and see if the problem exists
 
Is your C frame press the aluminum one?
If so be careful with too much force.
I broke one.
Improper lube can cause a very tight and hard stroke. You could be right at the verge of sticking a case in the die.
Check your sized cases in your chamber, they may fit without going for full contact to the shell plate.
You size for fit.
 
My reloads chamber just like factory ammo but I still wonder why this gap is there.

I’am also little worried if case bottom is not square with bolt face because die is not making contact with shellholder. But maybe I don’t need to worry about that.
 
Most FL dies will size MORE than necessary. This will allow sizing for a small range of chamber lengths.
Frame alignment of the die and shell holder will keep the case square.
Heavy force/large cases and an aluminum C frame may flex a small amount.

When sizing a fired case you should be able (with proper lube) to FEEL when the SHOULDER is being BUMPED. Force will go up to move the ram.

Take a few fired but unsized cases. Back the die out until the case is hard to chamber.
Turn the die in in small increments until the sized case will chamber without any noticeable extra force.
That sets your cases to your chamber.
Now, turn the die in just a tiny bit to allow just a little headspace over the chamber length.
The Lee C frame has a hard stop in the linkage. You want to adjust the die to hit the stop at just the right setting.

You should be able to FEEL the die sizing the body and force go up when meeting the case shoulder and bumping the length.

Short case, chamber easy. Long case, chamber hard.
A very short case, with excessive head space will chamber easily.
Most factory ammo is sized a little short. This allows them to fit in almost any chamber.
 
Last edited:
^^^^ +1
If the sized case chambers, you do not want to screw the die in any farther. I would do what Rocketvapor suggests and you will be fine. If you keep screwing in the die beyond that, you will over size the brass, weaken the case and get head separation blowing gas all over the place. It sounds like to you have a long chamber compared to the die.
 
Yeah the instructions for setting up dies doesn't apply to only bumping shoulders back 1 - 2 thousandths.
I have no idea what kind of a gap is between die and shell holder. I can't remember the last time i looked under there.
 
Not mentioned yet, but if you are loading for an old Swedish Mauser, your should check headspace, or have a gunsmith check it.
A Field gage will check for maximum serviceable headspace.
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

6.5x55 Swedish Mauser Field Length Head Space Gauge

Head Space Gauge by FORSTER Product Overview: Every gunsmith knows that proper use of a headspace gage is the most reliable way to test the length of a rifle chamber. "Headspace" is the distance between the face of the breech and the base of the cartridge when the action is closed, and...
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com www.midsouthshooterssupply.com
 
Are you measuring your cases shoulder to head dimension before and after sizing, using a tool designed for the job? The reason that I ask is that you have given me the impression that you think that the goal is to size the case to the point where the shell holder touches the die, making no mention of how much the shoulder is pushed back in the process. The gap that you see is a function of the force that is applied to the press linkage during sizing, that is not when simply running up the ram without a case being sized. Years ago I noticed this when sizing .220 Swift cases with a one piece RCBS FL die. Curious, I used feeler gauges to measure the gap. It was .006. The press was a Rock Chucker. For presses like it, with compound linkage and the linkage bars, those bars stretch under load, changing the position of the ram at the top of its stroke.
 
Op likely watched the Lee single stage rifle die adjustment help video. The short video DOES NOT address proper brass to chamber fit, the firm touch plus a 1/4 turn( AFTER LOWERING THE RAM) will result in most brass chambering. And according to the video zero die to shell holder clearance.
 
Rocketvapor said:
Not mentioned yet, but if you are loading for an old Swedish Mauser, your should check headspace, or have a gunsmith check it.
A Field gage will check for maximum serviceable headspace.
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

6.5x55 Swedish Mauser Field Length Head Space Gauge

Head Space Gauge by FORSTER Product Overview: Every gunsmith knows that proper use of a headspace gage is the most reliable way to test the length of a rifle chamber. "Headspace" is the distance between the face of the breech and the base of the cartridge when the action is closed, and...
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com www.midsouthshooterssupply.com
Click to expand...
No I have new Tikka T3X but thanks for your earlier post, it cleared things for me.
 
BoydAllen said:
Are you measuring your cases shoulder to head dimension before and after sizing, using a tool designed for the job? The reason that I ask is that you have given me the impression that you think that the goal is to size the case to the point where the shell holder touches the die, making no mention of how much the shoulder is pushed back in the process. The gap that you see is a function of the force that is applied to the press linkage during sizing, that is not when simply running up the ram without a case being sized. Years ago I noticed this when sizing .220 Swift cases with a one piece RCBS FL die. Curious, I used feeler gauges to measure the gap. It was .006. The press was a Rock Chucker. For presses like it, with compound linkage and the linkage bars, those bars stretch under load, changing the position of the ram at the top of its stroke.
Click to expand...
I’m not measuring headspace because I dont’t have tools for that but going to buy one.
 
Coyotefurharvester said:
Op likely watched the Lee single stage rifle die adjustment help video. The short video DOES NOT address proper brass to chamber fit, the firm touch plus a 1/4 turn( AFTER LOWERING THE RAM) will result in most brass chambering. And according to the video zero die to shell holder clearance.
Click to expand...
Yes, after watching videos and reading instructions I was in thought that die should EVERY time touch shellholder when sizing.
 
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