Lee Challenger single stage press and RCBS small base die

[mausermanbob]

I have a Shilen select match 24 inch bull 223 Wylde barrel.
And a LEE single stage Challenger press.
In a former post I inquired about 223 pick up brass that after full length sizing in my LEE still would not chamber in my Shilen.
Good results from those replies helped me correct some issues.
A range buddy said a RCBS 223 small base die would help with the pick up brass that I still can't get to chamber even after full length resizing.

Two questions:
1) Could an RCBS 223 small base die allow me to resize brass for my Shilen 223 Wylde that my LEE 223 full length resizer can't seem to resize?

2) If yes to 1....would an RCBS small base die screw directly into my LEE single stage Challenger and if not, what other piece(s) would I need to get the RCBS small base die to work in a LEE Challenger single stage?

Thanks for any thoughts
Bob

 

[FDCaptain]

I use a Lee single stage press w/RCBS dies no problems, I use SB RCBS dies for .223/5.56 w/o chambering difficulties, did you check case length and trim, COAL correct?

 

[mausermanbob]

I use a Lee single stage press w/RCBS dies no problems, I use SB RCBS dies for .223/5.56 w/o chambering difficulties, did you check case length and trim, COAL correct?

Thanks FDCaptain

Just the information I am looking for.
Forgot...I do check case length and COAL.
Bob

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

It will help it the problem is oversized brass at the .200 area. If the shoulder has not been pushed back enough then it will not help. Unless you adjust it for more setback.
How are you adjusting the headspace? If you screwed die in till it hit the shellholder with handle all the way down/ram all the way up, you need to turn the die down a 1/8th turn and try again. Do this several times(turning it down 1/8) after each try test the case. Don't use the same case each time, when testing. By doing the extra 1/8 a few times, you are taking out the slack in the linkage. Eyeball the gap between the bottom of die and the top of the shellholder. As long as there is any gap you can turn down another time. Just for giggles, before turning down the first time, run a case all the way in and insert a feeler guage between the die and shellholder. Measure the gap, you have at least that much more you can size it down.

Frank

 

[Bill K]

If you are sure your brass is trimmed to spec prior to resizing and you adjust your SB FL die to make hard contact with your press arm in sizing the case down, it should enter your chamber with no issues.
Make sure all your adjustments are correct and try a couple more cases.

 

[AWS]

I don't shoot a shoot of 223/5.56 but do shoot a number of 20P and 6x45 so I do use 223 brass. I run all 223/5.56 range brass through my SB die before forming pretty much from then on just a standard FL die.

 

[jpx2rk]

I shoot 223/6x45/20P, and have to use a SB die on the last 2 calibers for some "stubborn" cases that don't feed smoothly. If the SB die doesn't size that particular piece of brass so it will fit, I toss that case as it's not worth my time to go down another rabbit hole. I've never used the SB die for 223 but those are all factory barrels.

 

[mausermanbob]

It will help it the problem is oversized brass at the .200 area. If the shoulder has not been pushed back enough then it will not help. Unless you adjust it for more setback.
How are you adjusting the headspace? If you screwed die in till it hit the shellholder with handle all the way down/ram all the way up, you need to turn the die down a 1/8th turn and try again. Do this several times(turning it down 1/8) after each try test the case. Don't use the same case each time, when testing. By doing the extra 1/8 a few times, you are taking out the slack in the linkage. Eyeball the gap between the bottom of die and the top of the shellholder. As long as there is any gap you can turn down another time. Just for giggles, before turning down the first time, run a case all the way in and insert a feeler guage between the die and shellholder. Measure the gap, you have at least that much more you can size it down.

Frank

I'll check the slack in the linkage, good point and the feeler guage is a good idea.

Thanks Frank

 

[mausermanbob]

If you are sure your brass is trimmed to spec prior to resizing and you adjust your SB FL die to make hard contact with your press arm in sizing the case down, it should enter your chamber with no issues.
Make sure all your adjustments are correct and try a couple more cases.

I do check the case length but will check closer, good thought.

Thanks Bill

 

[mausermanbob]

I don't shoot a shoot of 223/5.56 but do shoot a number of 20P and 6x45 so I do use 223 brass. I run all 223/5.56 range brass through my SB die before forming pretty much from then on just a standard FL die.

I think the SB die is the key. Never heard of the SB die before but still on a learning curve of time and experience.

Thanks AWS

 

[mausermanbob]

I shoot 223/6x45/20P, and have to use a SB die on the last 2 calibers for some "stubborn" cases that don't feed smoothly. If the SB die doesn't size that particular piece of brass so it will fit, I toss that case as it's not worth my time to go down another rabbit hole. I've never used the SB die for 223 but those are all factory barrels.

In the process of ordering a SB die and agree some brass just won't work. Those will go to a guy at the range who reloads and has more equipment and experience.

Thanks jpx2rk

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

Triming before sizing is a mistake. When you size the case that brass has to go somewhere. Depending on how "fat" your chamber is, the case can and will grow in length.

Frank

 

[mausermanbob]

Triming before sizing is a mistake. When you size the case that brass has to go somewhere. Depending on how "fat" your chamber is, the case can and will grow in length.

Frank

Good point.
I added a line of "trimming after sizing" to my reloading notes.

Thanks Frank