wierd Redding shellholder problem

[wolfman]

I just started using the +.002 shellholder in my competition shellholder set last night, and discovered that cases are tight going into it- they sort of click in and out of place as if they were sliding past a detent ball or something. Talk about irritating! Brass is once fired, and slides into other shellholders holder in the kit just fine, so the problem is with the shellholder, not the brass. I'm sure Redding will resolve the problem, but I was quite surprised to see it.

 

[amlevin]

If you look closely at the beginning of the shell holder's groove where the extractor ring fits you'll probably see a spot where the brass is rubbing. Not unusual for a cutting tool like the one that forms this groove to create a burr that will catch the case.

I had this happen on another brand of shell holder. I inserted and removed a case several times, looked for the spot that got a slight buildup of brass rubbings, then proceeded to knock this "bump" off with a small dremel tool bit. If you don't have a dremel you can fold up some 600 grit wet/dry and remove the bump easily. It's usually right at the 'entrance' and once this small amount of metal is removed the rest of the shell holder works just fine. No need to wait for another. Somebody just missed it when they were finished at the factory.

 

[bigedp51]

wolfman

On the flip side of what amlevin said your brass might be slightly oversized so see where the case is rubbing/binding. Meaning is it touching the outside of the rim or inside the extractor groove. You could also try different brands of brass BUT the case must be able to move and float in the shell holder in order to self center in the die.

 

[tenring]

I had exactly the same problem with one shellholder in my Redding competiton set, and it was the only shellholder that sizes my 30BR bases down without pushing the shoulder excessively. There was a small burr just as the rim began to enter the groove, making it difficult to get in and then to remove it. I took a 6BR case and treated the rim with 3-0 paste grit and tried to turn it enuf to remove the burr. After about 45 mins I gave up. Sent e-mail to Redding, and they told me to return the shellholder for examination. That would put my 30BR out of commission for a while, so I decided to push it in and pull it out with much exertion.
Its just a PIA. Will try the Dremel tool method.

 

[searcher]

I love the Redding Competition Shell Holders. I have, though, quit trying to use my A/R-fired brass in them. Every little nick or burr holds things up.

 

[amlevin]

I love the Redding Competition Shell Holders. I have, though, quit trying to use my A/R-fired brass in them. Every little nick or burr holds things up.

That's the thing about precision tools. They don't forgive very much. For AR Brass I use Lee Shell Holders. they're sloppy enough.