Sizing die dimension question

[Mike Lee]

I've tried to look up the answer to this but google just doesn't seem to understand us very well!

Here is the problem I'm having. The problem is chambering my reloads in a Stevens 325 30-30. Closing the bolt that last 1/4" or so is very difficult. I'm finding scratches on the case just forward of the web. If I force it closed, it is very difficult to eject after being fired. It takes a few raps with a plastic hammer. When a Remington factory load is fired it ejects easily even though it hits the ground at the same measurement forward of the web as my sized cases.

It's not a matter of the shoulder not being set back enough. There doesn't seem to be any interference there but marks are visible on the reloaded cases that have been fully chambered.

I'm wondering if this is a chamber problem or a sizing die problem (Lee dies). I can't find any reference to what the die should size that portion of the case to and no reference to case size at the point in front of the web.

Here are some relevant (I hope) measurements for your consideration. All measured just ahead of the web.

Remington loaded but unfired case............................... .412
Remington fired case not resized yet............................. .417
Case resized in my die................................................. .417

Hope I've made this explanation clear enough. Any thoughts on this?

 

[Edd]

Will this help?

 

[Uncle Ed]

Is the die set up per the instructions, meaning the die making hard contact with the shell holder and with press cam over.

Are the cases range pickup brass or only fired in your rifle.

I have three 30-30 dies, Forster, RCBS and Lee and all of them reduce the body diameter and setback the shoulder more than enough.

Fired Rem case .4165
Resized Rem case .413

My guess is a bad die if your die does not reduce the base diameter enough.

You could try pausing at the top of the ram stroke for a few seconds (4 or 5) and see if it reduces brass spring back after sizing.

 

[AllenOne1]

Do the newly fired Remington cases size correctly and operate in this rifle?

I had the exact same issue when I changed barrels. I wanted to keep using the brass from the old barrel but it was causing all of your issues. I bought new brass and have had no more issues.

On an other note I just purchased a Forster die that is much tighter than the Redding that I was using previously, I'm wondering if now using the Forster die I might be able to use the old brass but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[Uncle Ed]

Stupid Question

Did you end up with a neck sizing 30-30 die by mistake? I see several manufactures make just the neck sizing die for the 30-30.

What brand of resizing die?

HORNADY 30cal (.308) SHORT (30-30) NECK SIZER DIE
https://www.grafs.com/catalog/product/productId/5923

Product Information
For reloaders who choose to retain the fire formed dimensions of their cases rather than resizing the entire case, neck sizing-only dies fit a definite need. Although they only work the necks of cases, they do eliminate some problems associated with excessive headspace. Neck sizing can also prolong case life. Should be used for cases fired in bolt-action rifles only. Shellholder sold separately.

 

[MagnumManiac]

I have a similar issue in my Rossi ‘92 in 44 Mag, the action must be springing ‘cause the brass is swelled just ahead of the web. I had to buy a seperate sizing die to size that portion of the case. The Bonanza die I have is too fat for this chamber I have. It is very generous and soots the case all the way to the rim with anything under a max load.
You could try a small base die for your 30-30. My 30-30 is a Win ‘94 and doesn’t have that issue.

Cheers.

 

[Mike Lee]

Is the die set up per the instructions, meaning the die making hard contact with the shell holder and with press cam over.

Are the cases range pickup brass or only fired in your rifle.

I have three 30-30 dies, Forster, RCBS and Lee and all of them reduce the body diameter and setback the shoulder more than enough.

Fired Rem case .4165
Resized Rem case .413

My guess is a bad die if your die does not reduce the base diameter enough.

You could try pausing at the top of the ram stroke for a few seconds (4 or 5) and see if it reduces brass spring back after sizing.

I set the die up according to instructions. One half turn beyond contact. After reading your post i sized several cases with the die turned in a full turn. It took the case down just a bit more than a thousandth and the case seemed to chamber ok.

I'm going to try your technique of holding tight at the end of the ram stroke.

I'm going to give Lee a call and see what they say. I use a lot of Lee products without problems, but stuff happens.

 

[Mike Lee]

Will this help?

Thanks for the diagram. It actually looks like my sized cases are well within specs.

I'll look really dumb if my next thought is the answer. Very dirty chamber!!

 

[Mike Lee]

Stupid Question

Did you end up with a neck sizing 30-30 die by mistake? I see several manufactures make just the neck sizing die for the 30-30.

What brand of resizing die?

HORNADY 30cal (.308) SHORT (30-30) NECK SIZER DIE
https://www.grafs.com/catalog/product/productId/5923

Product Information
For reloaders who choose to retain the fire formed dimensions of their cases rather than resizing the entire case, neck sizing-only dies fit a definite need. Although they only work the necks of cases, they do eliminate some problems associated with excessive headspace. Neck sizing can also prolong case life. Should be used for cases fired in bolt-action rifles only. Shellholder sold separately.

I don't think so but that's possible. The die set is the RGB sizer and seater only.

 

[Mike Lee]

I have a similar issue in my Rossi ‘92 in 44 Mag, the action must be springing ‘cause the brass is swelled just ahead of the web. I had to buy a seperate sizing die to size that portion of the case. The Bonanza die I have is too fat for this chamber I have. It is very generous and soots the case all the way to the rim with anything under a max load.
You could try a small base die for your 30-30. My 30-30 is a Win ‘94 and doesn’t have that issue.

Cheers.

My loads function fine in my grandsons 94 so that could be a clue.

 

[cw308]

I'm thinking on the lines with Uncle Ed , the case body doesn't seem like it's getting sized , your setting up your die with the ram at the top stroke and bottom in you die to the shell holder . The store bought rounds worked fine and after firing and sizing the case body is the same OD . Something's wrong and it's not the chamber.

 

[Mike Lee]

Yes, i think that's it. I gave the chamber a very thorough cleaning and it made no difference. Still need to call Lee.