improper use of die?

[richard295]

bought both rcbs neck sizing die and fl die for new rifle over ebay.
When I got the dies, I noticed the fl die had a slightly bent internal stem which would probably prevent the neck sizer button to center properly. So I ordered a replacement stem and sizer . . . but in the meantime I used the fl die without the stem and sizer . . . like a body die. It was adjusted properly. Then I used the neck sizing die to size the neck since I was about 10 thous under where I needed to be with the neck. The reloaded cartridges were tough to close the bolt on. Some of them could not be used. I am wondering if using the fl die without the internal stem and sizer could have moved the taper either too much forward or backward? Tough to visualize what is happening on the inside of that die without using stem and sizer button. Hard to measure and compare end result. Any opinions on this?

 

[sonofagun]

Sounds strange. Missing stem shouldn't cause a problem. Does factory ammo work OK? Sure you've got the right ammo for the gun's chamber?

 

[richard295]

got situation corrected. Not wise to use fl die without sizing piece. Shrinks the neck too much and could distort where the shoulder starts. Actual problem due to something else which has been corrected.