resizing 308 brass

OUTLAW00 · January 17, 2008, 12:34 PM

I'm new to reloading and i was wondering how much force should it take to resize 308 brass. I have a lee single stage reloading press, when i tried to resized the brass it seemed like the last 3/4 of an inch would feel like it was binding. I lubed the brass before trying to resize it, just wondering if this was normal. thanks for any input

cdrt · January 17, 2008, 02:05 PM

If you're trying to resize LC (military) brass, it will be a little more difficult than regular commercial brass, especially with a press that does not have a good mechanical advantage. I use an RCBS Junior and it does take some effort with LC cases. I'm sure, with a Rockchucker, it would be a little easier.

azredhawk44 · January 17, 2008, 02:33 PM

I broke an RCBS Partner press at the base while resizing .308 brass.

RCBS replaced it under warranty, but I went out and bought a RockChucker anyways. Much easier. I agree 100% with cdrt.

rwilson452 · January 17, 2008, 03:07 PM

Get yourself a Lee Classic Cast press. much less effort.

38 Super Auto · January 17, 2008, 03:33 PM

I just finished FL resizing some IMI .308 cases. I had a similar result - the last 1/2inch or so of the case required a lot of effort. I am getting pretty good leverage with a 550B. I'm using a lanolin, thinned with isopropyl spray on lube, although I am going to start using Imperial sizing wax. I have read some good reviews from users.

Shooter 973 · January 17, 2008, 09:02 PM

If it's GI brass there is a very good chance that it was fired in a machine gun, with a very large chamber. That will make it harder to re-size the first time.

January 17, 2008, 12:34 PM	#1
OUTLAW00 Member Join Date: January 17, 2008 Location: Guymon, Oklahoma Posts: 15	resizing 308 brass I'm new to reloading and i was wondering how much force should it take to resize 308 brass. I have a lee single stage reloading press, when i tried to resized the brass it seemed like the last 3/4 of an inch would feel like it was binding. I lubed the brass before trying to resize it, just wondering if this was normal. thanks for any input

January 17, 2008, 02:05 PM	#2
cdrt Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2007 Location: The Lone Star State Posts: 255	If you're trying to resize LC (military) brass, it will be a little more difficult than regular commercial brass, especially with a press that does not have a good mechanical advantage. I use an RCBS Junior and it does take some effort with LC cases. I'm sure, with a Rockchucker, it would be a little easier. __________________ Navy Vet, SWIFT Boat OIC, Distinguished Pistol Shot #1399 USS JOHN S. MCCAIN (DDG-36)

January 17, 2008, 09:02 PM	#6
Shooter 973 Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2001 Location: Home town of John M. Browning, Utah Posts: 499	308 Brass.......... If it's GI brass there is a very good chance that it was fired in a machine gun, with a very large chamber. That will make it harder to re-size the first time. __________________ The problem with America is stupidity. I'm not saying there should be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?

January 17, 2008, 02:33 PM	#3
azredhawk44 Junior member Join Date: September 28, 2005 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 6,465	I broke an RCBS Partner press at the base while resizing .308 brass. RCBS replaced it under warranty, but I went out and bought a RockChucker anyways. Much easier. I agree 100% with cdrt.

January 17, 2008, 03:07 PM	#4
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	Get yourself a Lee Classic Cast press. much less effort.

January 17, 2008, 03:33 PM	#5
38 Super Auto Member Join Date: January 17, 2008 Location: In God we trust Posts: 32	I just finished FL resizing some IMI .308 cases. I had a similar result - the last 1/2inch or so of the case required a lot of effort. I am getting pretty good leverage with a 550B. I'm using a lanolin, thinned with isopropyl spray on lube, although I am going to start using Imperial sizing wax. I have read some good reviews from users.