Help! Noob Screwup...

mwsenoj · April 21, 2011, 01:09 AM

It is my first time actually trying to reload and I have encountered a serious problem. I have the very first live round that I have ever loaded stuck in my crimping die. I did have a light layer of lube on the case and it is still stuck. I have tried to use force to get it out but I have just sheared off the rim of the case. I put it in the freezer to see if I would get lucky and the brass would contract more than the steel in the die, but I just sheared off most of the rest of the rim. Please help.

Thanks in advance,
the new village idiot,
Matt

FrankenMauser · April 21, 2011, 01:22 AM

What cartridge were you working with?

What brand of dies are you using?

Is the cartridge stuck in the sizing die, seating die, or crimp die (could be seat/crimp)?

mwsenoj · April 21, 2011, 01:24 AM

.223

it is a Dillon die in a lee handpress (non-bench)

the stamp on the dillon die says Final size/crimp

FrankenMauser · April 21, 2011, 02:18 AM

I'm not familiar with Dillon rifle dies. You'll probably just have to set it aside, and wait for more responses tomorrow.

mwsenoj · April 21, 2011, 02:20 AM

Alright, thanks for the attempt. No shooting paper with my new loads for now

Powderman · April 21, 2011, 02:52 AM

I believe that the top of the Dillon crimp die is open. Should be a simple fix.

Stand the die with the round in it right side up where it won't be disturbed.
Now, get some Kroil. Fill up the top of the die with it.

Now, go do something else for a few hours.

When you return, (do this over a towel, it can get somewhat messy) get a pair of good, strong pliers. Grasp the case BODY ONLY with the pliers, and wiggle the round back and forth until it comes out.

NOTE: Do NOT grab the case head. You might crush the primer that way, and you REALLY don't want that.

Method #2: NOTE WELL: THIS ONE ONLY WORKS WITH BOTTLENECK RIFLE CASES. IF YOU ARE LOADING A STRAIGHT WALLED PISTOL CASE, DO NOT--I REPEAT, DO NOT--TRY THIS METHOD.

You will have to find a press, preferably a single stage press to mount the die into.

Put Kroil in the top of the die, and wait for a bit.

Now take a punch and GENTLY tap the bullet in until it falls into the case.

Again, squirt some more Kroil in to kill the powder.

Now, using a punch that fits into the mouth of the case, tap the case out of the die.

Hope this helps!

mehavey · April 21, 2011, 06:44 AM

Does it look like this...?

If so, it does appear that the top end is open. If so, and you can get it into a vise (secured at the solid top/nut portion, not the threads) Powderman's suggestion is correct as to tap the bullet down into the case with a rod/punch, saturate with light oil, then further tap the bullet/oil-saturated powder/case combination down and out of the die.

THEN.... go get a nice/cheap single stage press and some of this stuff:

oneoldsap · April 21, 2011, 07:44 AM

It's always a good idea to construct a Dummy round , when setting up a die . Make sure the Dummy meets all measurement parameters , and chambers in the rifle that will be shooting them ! I have never , in 45+ years of reloading , seen a case stuck in a seating die ! Powderman's idea sounds good to me , it's probably what I would do .

mwsenoj · April 21, 2011, 01:24 PM

@Powderman Thanks for the two options. I will be going the second route. Quick question though, will I be able to find Kroil locally? I live in a smallish farming county - we have walmart home depot lowes etc.

@Mehavey yes it does look mostly like the cutaway you posted. I have had some of the Imperial Sizing Wax in my shopping cart at Midway for a couple of weeks.

@Oneoldsap Yes, I did try a dummy round first but I decided to make an adjustment on the fly. I am using equipment that is not shiny and new. As a matter of fact, I have had to use Naval Jelly to remove rust off of most of the equipment that my dad has given me. I can take a picture if you would like to pop your "stuck case in a seating die" cherry

Thanks for the help all. I will post when I get the problem solved.

**Unclenick** · April 21, 2011, 01:31 PM

Kroil is usually available at auto parts stores, like AutoZone, but call first. If you can't find Kroil and are willing to put up with a bad smell, use PB Blaster instead. I believe you can get that at Lowe's in a spray can. The auto parts places usually have it, too, though they charge more unless you want a gallon.

Mobuck · April 21, 2011, 08:34 PM

If it's a Dillon die, send it back AFTER you get the stuck case out. If it's rusty inside, they'll clean it up or replace it. It seems the case was not properly sized to begin with. Another thing is you never want to leave sizing lube on the finished round so you shouldn't be lubing at this stage.

mwsenoj · April 27, 2011, 12:08 PM

Well, I tried the method recommended here and I still have a stuck piece of brass in my crimp die. I have done some more research and I have found that the die in question is not necessary for the type of shooting that I will be doing with mt Thompson Contender.

Thanks again for the help.
Matt

Don P · April 27, 2011, 12:55 PM

Quote:

NOTE: Do NOT grab the case head. You might crush the primer that way, and you REALLY don't want that.

The OP stated that the case head is sheared off.

mehavey · April 27, 2011, 01:20 PM

Quote:

tried the method recommended here and I still have a stuck piece of brass in my crimp die.

`You mean the case wouldn't come out even when you put a punch down through the die's to opening and attempted to drive it out ?

603Country · April 27, 2011, 01:29 PM

Personally, I'd try the water method to obtain maximum satisfaction. Go to the nearest pond, river, or stream, and throw the die and bullet as far out as you can. Then proceed to gunshop and buy a new die. But...that's just me...

Powderman · April 27, 2011, 02:34 PM

This is really, really strange. How does a case get stuck in a crimping die?

You know, it almost sounds like the die was cut a bit undersized.

What caliber is doing this, again?

**Unclenick** · April 27, 2011, 02:56 PM

The ultimate cure for a strange sticking problem is not the pond, but returning the die to the manufacturer. They will get it out or they will replace it free in all likelihood, to avoid the embarrassment of explaining why they couldn't get it out.

Sport45 · April 27, 2011, 08:19 PM

Quote:

NOTE: Do NOT grab the case head. You might crush the primer that way, and you REALLY don't want that.

The OP stated that the case head is sheared off.

No, he said most of the rim was sheared off. I'm sure the primer is still there.

Quote:

I tried the method recommended here and I still have a stuck piece of brass in my crimp die.

Sounds like you weren't hitting the punch hard enough.

Quote:

What caliber is doing this, again?

The OP said .223 in the third post.

highvel · April 28, 2011, 06:36 PM

Sounds to me like the die was adjusted to far down and is compressing the case neck into the bullet.
I would go for the water, buy a new one and chalk it up to experience!

Twinsig · April 28, 2011, 07:12 PM

hindsight I know, but make some dummy rounds first, work out the die settings

Deja vu · April 28, 2011, 11:31 PM

id call the company and see what they say to do.

temmi · April 29, 2011, 04:12 PM

I vote for calling Dillon and asking them to help.

You are most likely not the forst person with this problem.

BUT

you should learn on a single stage. IMO

April 21, 2011, 01:09 AM	#1
mwsenoj Member Join Date: April 17, 2011 Posts: 34	Help! Noob Screwup... It is my first time actually trying to reload and I have encountered a serious problem. I have the very first live round that I have ever loaded stuck in my crimping die. I did have a light layer of lube on the case and it is still stuck. I have tried to use force to get it out but I have just sheared off the rim of the case. I put it in the freezer to see if I would get lucky and the brass would contract more than the steel in the die, but I just sheared off most of the rest of the rim. Please help. Thanks in advance, the new village idiot, Matt

April 21, 2011, 02:18 AM	#4
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,421	I'm not familiar with Dillon rifle dies. You'll probably just have to set it aside, and wait for more responses tomorrow. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

April 21, 2011, 02:52 AM	#6
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	I believe that the top of the Dillon crimp die is open. Should be a simple fix. Stand the die with the round in it right side up where it won't be disturbed. Now, get some Kroil. Fill up the top of the die with it. Now, go do something else for a few hours. When you return, (do this over a towel, it can get somewhat messy) get a pair of good, strong pliers. Grasp the case BODY ONLY with the pliers, and wiggle the round back and forth until it comes out. NOTE: Do NOT grab the case head. You might crush the primer that way, and you REALLY don't want that. Method #2: NOTE WELL: THIS ONE ONLY WORKS WITH BOTTLENECK RIFLE CASES. IF YOU ARE LOADING A STRAIGHT WALLED PISTOL CASE, DO NOT--I REPEAT, DO NOT--TRY THIS METHOD. You will have to find a press, preferably a single stage press to mount the die into. Put Kroil in the top of the die, and wait for a bit. Now take a punch and GENTLY tap the bullet in until it falls into the case. Again, squirt some more Kroil in to kill the powder. Now, using a punch that fits into the mouth of the case, tap the case out of the die. Hope this helps! __________________ Hiding in plain sight...

April 21, 2011, 06:44 AM	#7
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,882	Does it look like this...? If so, it does appear that the top end is open. If so, and you can get it into a vise (secured at the solid top/nut portion, not the threads) Powderman's suggestion is correct as to tap the bullet down into the case with a rod/punch, saturate with light oil, then further tap the bullet/oil-saturated powder/case combination down and out of the die. THEN.... go get a nice/cheap single stage press and some of this stuff: Last edited by mehavey; April 21, 2011 at 10:57 AM.

April 21, 2011, 07:44 AM	#8
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	Piece of Cake It's always a good idea to construct a Dummy round , when setting up a die . Make sure the Dummy meets all measurement parameters , and chambers in the rifle that will be shooting them ! I have never , in 45+ years of reloading , seen a case stuck in a seating die ! Powderman's idea sounds good to me , it's probably what I would do .

April 21, 2011, 01:22 AM	#2
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,421	What cartridge were you working with? What brand of dies are you using? Is the cartridge stuck in the sizing die, seating die, or crimp die (could be seat/crimp)? __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

April 21, 2011, 01:24 AM	#3
mwsenoj Member Join Date: April 17, 2011 Posts: 34	.223 it is a Dillon die in a lee handpress (non-bench) the stamp on the dillon die says Final size/crimp

April 21, 2011, 02:20 AM	#5
mwsenoj Member Join Date: April 17, 2011 Posts: 34	Alright, thanks for the attempt. No shooting paper with my new loads for now

April 21, 2011, 01:24 PM	#9
mwsenoj Member Join Date: April 17, 2011 Posts: 34	@Powderman Thanks for the two options. I will be going the second route. Quick question though, will I be able to find Kroil locally? I live in a smallish farming county - we have walmart home depot lowes etc. @Mehavey yes it does look mostly like the cutaway you posted. I have had some of the Imperial Sizing Wax in my shopping cart at Midway for a couple of weeks. @Oneoldsap Yes, I did try a dummy round first but I decided to make an adjustment on the fly. I am using equipment that is not shiny and new. As a matter of fact, I have had to use Naval Jelly to remove rust off of most of the equipment that my dad has given me. I can take a picture if you would like to pop your "stuck case in a seating die" cherry Thanks for the help all. I will post when I get the problem solved.

April 21, 2011, 01:31 PM	#10
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,057	Kroil is usually available at auto parts stores, like AutoZone, but call first. If you can't find Kroil and are willing to put up with a bad smell, use PB Blaster instead. I believe you can get that at Lowe's in a spray can. The auto parts places usually have it, too, though they charge more unless you want a gallon. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

April 21, 2011, 08:34 PM	#11
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	If it's a Dillon die, send it back AFTER you get the stuck case out. If it's rusty inside, they'll clean it up or replace it. It seems the case was not properly sized to begin with. Another thing is you never want to leave sizing lube on the finished round so you shouldn't be lubing at this stage.

April 27, 2011, 12:08 PM	#12
mwsenoj Member Join Date: April 17, 2011 Posts: 34	Well, I tried the method recommended here and I still have a stuck piece of brass in my crimp die. I have done some more research and I have found that the die in question is not necessary for the type of shooting that I will be doing with mt Thompson Contender. Thanks again for the help. Matt

April 27, 2011, 01:29 PM	#15
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,996	Personally, I'd try the water method to obtain maximum satisfaction. Go to the nearest pond, river, or stream, and throw the die and bullet as far out as you can. Then proceed to gunshop and buy a new die. But...that's just me...

April 27, 2011, 02:34 PM	#16
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	This is really, really strange. How does a case get stuck in a crimping die? You know, it almost sounds like the die was cut a bit undersized. What caliber is doing this, again? __________________ Hiding in plain sight...

April 27, 2011, 02:56 PM	#17
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,057	The ultimate cure for a strange sticking problem is not the pond, but returning the die to the manufacturer. They will get it out or they will replace it free in all likelihood, to avoid the embarrassment of explaining why they couldn't get it out. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle Last edited by Unclenick; April 28, 2011 at 09:42 AM.

April 28, 2011, 06:36 PM	#19
highvel Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2010 Location: Powhatan VA Posts: 633	Sounds to me like the die was adjusted to far down and is compressing the case neck into the bullet. I would go for the water, buy a new one and chalk it up to experience! __________________ Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.--Mark Twain "I have opinions of my own 'strong opinions' but I don't always agree with them."--George Bush

April 28, 2011, 07:12 PM	#20
Twinsig Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Location: East Alabama Posts: 235	hindsight I know, but make some dummy rounds first, work out the die settings __________________ I also have Fire Extinguishers, hope I never need those either.

April 28, 2011, 11:31 PM	#21
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	id call the company and see what they say to do. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...

April 29, 2011, 04:12 PM	#22
temmi Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 531	I vote for calling Dillon and asking them to help. You are most likely not the forst person with this problem. BUT you should learn on a single stage. IMO

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