shellholder- proper fit?

[fguffey]

Don't you guy's read the posts in their entirety? This is like conversing with women.

So far I've tried 3 different lots of lapua brass, and they all fit roughly the same. Of the 5 pieces in the set, the one I want to use is the snuggest fit, and leaves a rub mark of brass on the bottom of the shell holder. I'm not making accusations- just asking if others have experienced the same thing.

I suggested he use a feeler gage to determine the amount of clearance; if he uses one shell holder and the clearance is inconsistent the brass is the perceived problem. Again, if I find cases that do not like my shell holders I check the case head diameter; again, the case fit the shell holder when loaded; therefore, the case should fit the shell holder after firing unless the case head upset when it got hammered.

F. Guffey

 

[fguffey]

And now we are back to case head expansion; who measures? I expect case head expansion; a good number is .00025” that does not mean the case head expansion will be .001 after 4 firings. I have fired cases that had .001” case head expansion during the first firing. I have fired cases once and had trouble finding the primer.


F. Guffey

 

[waldo1979]

Btw, I have some 21st Century shell holders which fit perfectly in my single stage presses with no slop.

 

[wolfman]

Just an update- Mia Culpa

Turns out my loads were stiffer than I had realized, and I was mistaken about new brass being tight. I started this season off with a new reamer, barrels and brass, found a mid pressure, load, and have generally been much more careful about attention to detail. Thoroughly cleaned the shellholders, and all is well.