Removing stuck case

[nmkid]

This subject has been discussed before. Yesterday I did it again. I stuck a .223 case in the sizing die. It has been many years since I used my case extractor kit, (RCBS?). Of course, I couldn't find all the parts of the kit. After mulling things over, I drilled out the bottom of the primer pocket. Then I placed the case upside down in the vise and squirted some kroil around the case. Probably any penetrating oil will work. I just happened to have some kroil so I used it. After 5-10 minutes I chucked an appropriately sized steel broken screw extractor into my hand drill. Viola! The case twisted right out easy as can be. I have several of the extractor kits so I won't have to buy a case extractor kit that can be used for one thing.

 

[SSL]

Great tip...thanks.
Stuck a case in a die many years ago and didn't have an extractor kit. Went to the local AC store and got a can of freon. Removed the nut from the de-priming rod to make a little room to stick a spray tube in, sprayed the case from the inside with the freon and used the de-priming stem itself and a rawhide mallet to knock the case out. The case, being brass, chilled faster than the die and shrunk enough to slide fairly easily out. I like your way much better. A lot less hassle and mess!

 

[Bc'z]

Get some CTK sizing wax, smells good tastes great.

 

[FNSafari]

Never tried CTK (?) was but have used Creedmoor and Imperial (now owned by Redding) without ever a problem. Small cases, big cases, belted mag cases.

 

[SeabeeKen]

I sized some brass a few weeks ago with Imperial and it chattered like crazy. Went back to Royal case and die lube and no more issues, no dented shoulders, no chattering and wiped off easily. Smells good too. Sweet smelling. Spray, tub, pump, and no waiting to dry

 

[Riesel]

I'm a "One Shot" and done

 

[Bc'z]

Never tried CTK (?) was but have used Creedmoor and Imperial (now owned by Redding) without ever a problem. Small cases, big cases, belted mag cases.

 

[lightman]

I removed a stuck case for a friend one time. He had worked on it with vice grips and there wasn't enough material to drill and tap so as a "Hail Mary" I used an ExOut like you described. It worked and I managed to not damage the die.

You can assemble a "kit" with ordinary stuff from the hardware store but I like the RCBS kit because it comes in a die box that keeps everything in one place.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Get some CTK sizing wax, smells good tastes great.

My wife used to wear something on her lips when we were dating that reminds me of this.

 

[338 Mollett]

OH BOY HERE WE GO !!

 

[divingin]

You can assemble a "kit" with ordinary stuff from the hardware store but I like the RCBS kit because it comes in a die box that keeps everything in one place.

Really? Mine came in a non-resealable plastic bag.

A friend of mine put off reloading for a week and a half while a kit was shipped to him. I gave him a drill bit, tap, bolt, a hex key and a 1/2" or 5/8" machine nut (less than half the price of the kit.) I did have to write out how to use the stuff though. Maybe the extra 50% goes to the technical writer.

Downside was that my buddy misplaced the stuff before the next time he stuck a case.


Edit to add: You also need a fender washer or 3 to put on top of the nut.

 

[K22]

Imperial Sizing Wax = never a stuck case.

PS: Now I did it! The moment I boast you know what's coming next - a stuck case.

 

[Forum Boss]

Here is an article that explains the stuck case removal process with a tool kit:

How to Remove Case Stuck in Die — Stuck Case Removal Kits « Daily Bulletin

By Pete Petros, Lead Reloading Technician, Sinclair International We have all been there -- you place a piece of tumbled brass in the shell-holder of your press, raise it into the die, and suddenly it is like somebody hit the brakes. The case is stuck in the die.

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

Shown are Lyman and Hornady stuck case removal kits, and there is an RCBS video.

 

[DGP4]

I sized some brass a few weeks ago with Imperial and it chattered like crazy. Went back to Royal case and die lube and no more issues, no dented shoulders, no chattering and wiped off easily. Smells good too. Sweet smelling. Spray, tub, pump, and no waiting to dry

I'll second the recommendation for Royal, works fantastic!

 

[tmwinds]

I think I’ve only stuck a couple of cases. Both times I was able to remove the top of the die and squirt some Kroils into it and use a steel dowel and hammer to knock the case out.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

https://www.forsterproducts.com/product/stuck-case-remover/The Forster tool is a good one.

 

[Riesel]

I think I’ve only stuck a couple of cases. Both times I was able to remove the top of the die and squirt some Kroils into it and use a steel dowel and hammer to knock the case out.

Guilty as charged ! !

 

[Big Mc]

This subject has been discussed before. Yesterday I did it again. I stuck a .223 case in the sizing die. It has been many years since I used my case extractor kit, (RCBS?). Of course, I couldn't find all the parts of the kit. After mulling things over, I drilled out the bottom of the primer pocket. Then I placed the case upside down in the vise and squirted some kroil around the case. Probably any penetrating oil will work. I just happened to have some kroil so I used it. After 5-10 minutes I chucked an appropriately sized steel broken screw extractor into my hand drill. Viola! The case twisted right out easy as can be. I have several of the extractor kits so I won't have to buy a case extractor kit that can be used for one thing.

Don.t want to brag but i started reloading in 1963. NEVER had a stuck case. The ONLY lube i have used is RCBS case lube. Lucky me.

 

[JMayo]

When i start pushing down and it's hard....I STOP.
Re lube the case & go again.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Spraying some dang WD40 in my dies one time as rust prevention got me and stuck my case.