New 44 Mag brass sticking hardcore in sizing die

[TargetTerror]

I reloaded some brand new 44 Magnum brass from Starline tonight. Every case was sticking A LOT in the sizing die. I don't have any brass lube, or I would I tried using some.

Is this normal, though? This is literally my first time reloading 44 mag. I bought brand new Dillon dies. I've loaded 1000s of .357, .38 special, and 9mm and have never experienced such uncooperative brass before.

[Hawg]

Are your dies carbide? Carbide dies shouldn't stick without lube.

[TargetTerror]

Yes, they are carbide. I should have put that in the original post.

[RussB]

I've had issues with new 44 Mag brass sticking (in the sizing die)

De-burr the inside & outside of the case, and tumble them for a short while. I de-burr the inside just to make sure there's nothing to catch on the expander.

[k Squared]

Target Terror,

Have you compared the sized brass diameter with unfired cartridges. If you don't have a caliper, you can compare how tightly the brass fits into the cylinder.

If the brass fits loosely into the cylinder try backing the sizing die off slightly.

You'll have to ensure the bullets seat tightly.

Let us know if this helps.

[TargetTerror]

Have you compared the sized brass diameter with unfired cartridges. If you don't have a caliper, you can compare how tightly the brass fits into the cylinder.

If the brass fits loosely into the cylinder try backing the sizing die off slightly.

You'll have to ensure the bullets seat tightly.

I'm a little confused by what you mean, exactly. Are you saying that if the brass is smaller than spec, I should back off the sizing die slightly? How will this affect anything on a the straight walled case of the 44?

[TargetTerror]

I called Dillon to get their opinion. They actually recommended using lube on ALL brass - rifle, pistol, all sizes. They said it extends the life of the machine, the dies, and the cases, and it would alleviate this problem. He also said that Starline brass tends to be a little bit thicker than other brass, so that might have something to do with it to.

I asked about using something like a 3-in-1 lube, and the guy recommended against it strongly. I think his main point was that if any gets into the case mouth, it can contaminate your powder and primer. I ordered some Hornady One Shot from Cabelas, so that should fix things nicely.

[Phil_A]

Starline brass is good stuff but new brass does not slide as easily through the carbide sizer. It will get easier after the first firing. For new brass, a case lube such as "One Shot" is a good idea. Wipe down the brass after reloading if it needs it. - Phil

[thetoecutter]

Been quite awhile since I used any new .44 mag brass, but it is the worst for "dragging" in the sizing die of any caliber I have ever loaded.

As others have mentioned, a little of the spray primer-friendly lube makes a big difference.

Heh. Just did the math to see approximately how many pounds of .44 mag slugs I have injected into the environment in the last 15 years.

Now I feel guilty. NOT.

[TargetTerror]

Heh. Just did the math to see approximately how many pounds of .44 mag slugs I have injected into the environment in the last 15 years.

Now I feel guilty. NOT.

[WSM MAGNUM]

I did a post a while back with the same problem, but with .357 Mag. cases. Funny thing is, the problem was solved when I used the old stand-by lube (RCBS case lube on a pad) I had for years before switching to Imperial size die wax that I use all the time now. I only had this problem with .357 Mag. cases.

[Thesenator]

TT,

Be careful with that One Shot lube, and don't spare it. Of all the choices out there, it would be my last.

Go to your local pharmacy and ask the phamacist for a tube of "Lanolin Hydrous" and a bottle of 90% or better isopropyl alcohol. Addd the entire tube of lanolin into the bottle and shake until the solution turns yellowish and the lanlin dissolves.....and violla....you have an equivilant to Dillon Spray lube. You will encounter some separation but a good shaking before application will keep enough dissolved to work well.

I use this mixture on my rifle brass and have never had a stuck case. Some don't like the greasy feeling it leaves but used in the right amount, it makes a great lube and its non contaminating, unlike a petroleum lube.

[steelbuster]

I've used One Shot for years in all kinds of brass and it's all I use now. A little shot now and then into your carbide sizing die is all you need when sizing pistol brass. It's not necessary to lube all the cases although I usually tumble again after sizing to clean them .

[totalloser]

My experience is a little lube on straight wall cases (well tapered 9mm and .40) was that a little lube goes a long way and cuts the force DRAMATICALLY required for sizing. I wipe a little in the case hopper (like a drop of rcbs lube) and enough gets on the cases to never have a problem. And that is with carbide dies. Of course .44 is a true straight wall. In a pinch, a little motor oil would probably be ok as long as you are careful where it gets. WAY better than dealing with a stuck case (unless these are home defense loads and MUST be reliable).
All it takes is a light smear from your finger tips.

[TargetTerror]

I tried loading some 44s again tonight, only this time with some Hornady One Shot Lube. The eyes in this face don't even BEGIN to describe the difference! That is BY FAR the smoothest reloading I have ever done.

I'm a convert! Lube it up!