live round stuck in crimper - Page 2

**Mal H** · August 1, 2011, 11:43 PM

Loosen the die nut just a little, then take a pair of vise grips to the knurled portion of the die and start screwing the die out of the press. You'll be able to put a lot more force on the case than trying to use the handle. You'll bugger up the knurling just a little, but if you do it right, you won't even notice it later.

The twisting motion might aid in freeing up the case. Every now and then push up on the handle to see if it will come free.

Jim243 · August 1, 2011, 11:46 PM

Quote:

I'd normally agree with you, but this appears to be a Lee FCD for a straight-walled pistol cartridge. It has a carbide ring in the bottom that is supposed to post size any earlier mistakes. You can see the floating crimp ring in his second picture.

Yes, I would normaly agree with you also, BUT that is a die for a 44 special, different length case.

Jim

Sport45 · August 2, 2011, 12:02 AM

I just had another thought....

Did you successfuly crimp any rounds before this one?

If the crimp adjustment was set too far down, the crimp ring is upside down, or you have a piece of .445 brass there you may have crumpled the case between the crimp ring and the carbide ring. Pulling it back through the carbide ring on the down stroke is going to be a little more difficult since gravity isn't helping. It should still come out though. It may pull the rim off the case or pull the carbide ring out of the die. In either case, boxing it up and sending it to Lee would probably be the answer.

Sport45 · August 2, 2011, 12:16 AM

Quote:

BUT that is a die for a 44 special, different length case.

I believe Lee uses the same FCD body for .44mag / .44spcl.

FrankenMauser · August 2, 2011, 03:00 AM

Yank on it, until success or failure.

Failure is unlikely.

willrussellville · August 2, 2011, 06:57 AM

It is the 4th die. It will move up and down in the the die with the crimp ring moving with it. It is stuck in the crimp ring. Have not thought about the ring being upside down, very good possibility. I was frustrated with the crimp I was getting when this happened. I will try 2x4 after I hear from Lee. And yes, it lifts my bench off the floor. I am traveling for a couple of days, will be at least Thursday before I can get back to it. Will post afterwards, thanks for all the replies.

wncchester · August 2, 2011, 07:28 AM

" It will go up but not any farther down. "

Don't be timid, it will come out if you pull hard enough. You likely over crimped and bulged the case at the mouth but it WILL pull out.

Maxem0815 · August 2, 2011, 08:01 AM

Put a pipe on the Handel gain extra leverage push until the rim comes off or case is out. You can also use a hand drill drill through the lead bullet put oil in the powder rendering it useless and then beat it out if need be.
I would go for the pipe on the end of the Handel to start.
Mace

FrankenMauser · August 2, 2011, 01:50 PM

Rock Chucker presses are often used by bullet swagers, with handles as long as 48". The press can take a lot more stress than you think.

tim s · August 2, 2011, 02:45 PM

Wrap the die with tape and grip it with vise grips and just unscrew it away from the case, it should'nt take more than 1-2 turns.

Don P · August 2, 2011, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Very concerned about hammering a live 44 mag round..

Why? You are hammering on the "BULLET" A very good rule of thumb is that you must "HAMMER" on the "PRIMER" to make it go bang/boom/

willrussellville · August 2, 2011, 03:00 PM

It will not screw away from bullet. Bullet is lodged in the crimp ring inside the die. Crimp ring simply spins inside die. I can unscrew the die but that doesn't help. Lee sent me an email that said throw it in a lake, it is a grenade. Problem is I can't get it out of die. I do appreciate responses but it will be Thursday before I can play again. All comments appreciated and read.

mehavey · August 2, 2011, 03:10 PM

You can, however, unscrew the die (raising the case) to the point that the handle bottoms out at lowest position. That gives you greatest leverage.

At that point, use the previously-suggested pipe/cheater bar on that handle for even greater leverage and try again.

Failing that, rotate the shellholder 180o to where sliding it out of the ram's slot also slides it out of the case's extractor groove; completely unscrew the die/stuck cartridge combo; and ...

... throw it all in the lake.

Hog Buster · August 2, 2011, 03:28 PM

“Throw it in a lake.”

This has to be the best customer service line I have ever heard....

wild willy · August 2, 2011, 04:08 PM

In the second picture if you look about 12.00 it looks like your bushing is in upside down

Koveras · August 2, 2011, 04:31 PM

I just took my 44 FCD apart and I believe you put the floating crimp ring in upside down. The bullet and possibly part of the case are jammed into the wrong end of the crimp ring and the case is probably partially bulged below it.

Pulling the case out will require a fair amount of force and it is more likely you either rip the rim off the case or knock out the carbide sizing ring.

Locoweed · August 2, 2011, 05:01 PM

First, grab onto the cartridge case with a set of small vise grips and lock it in place (this keeps it from spinning and putting pressure on the ram during step 3). Second, loosen the lock nut on the die. Third, grab the die body with a small strap wrench (or a bigger vise grip if you feel adventurous) and turn it until it is free of the cartridge case. Fourth, examine your die to see if it assembled properly. Fifth, read the directions that came with the die again just to make sure you haven't overlooked anything.

wild willy · August 2, 2011, 05:42 PM

If it was mine I would turn the shellholder and slide it of the case remove the die and cut the bottom off the case with a tubing cutter. Use a punch and tap the bullet out thru the top

mehavey · August 2, 2011, 06:09 PM

WW:

Quote:

remove the die and cut the bottom off the case with a tubing cutter

+1

Jim243 · August 2, 2011, 06:56 PM

Quote:

remove the die and cut the bottom off the case with a tubing cutter

+2

Twinsig · August 2, 2011, 07:04 PM

Good observation wild willy

dunerjeff · August 2, 2011, 07:17 PM

The pipe cutter sounds best,anything that can get the bottom of the case off or at least weaken it to the point where any accidental discharge of the round would simply pop the bottom off and not allow too much pressure to build up.Just don't use anything that will heat the brass.Even a fine tooth hacksaw that is pushed real slow and work a groove around the base.

jepp2 · August 2, 2011, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Rock Chucker presses are often used by bullet swagers, with handles as long as 48". The press can take a lot more stress than you think.

Yes the Rock Chucker press is built very strongly, however it will take considerably more up force than down force. If you happen to tear the top of the ram off it is going to cost way more than the die costs. I mean a new Lee carbide FCD is only $16.

So I would follow the votes for Wild Willy way to remove the shell holder so now you just have a cartridge stuck in a die. Takes the press out of play. You might be able to pry it out. If that fails you can always cut the case in two as suggested.

oldreloader · August 2, 2011, 09:19 PM

I doubt that the ram will give before the case. Like I said before.. IF IT WAS MINE I'd get a cheater pipe and 2X4 and Let'er rip!

willrussellville · August 2, 2011, 09:40 PM

Ok, just got in and reading replies. A "duh" moment for me, hadn't thought about turning the shell holder around. And yes, makes sense the crimping ring is upside down, it was NIB and I didn't take it apart and check it. I was actually scratching my head and trying to get the crimp to work (live and learn). So, I think you guys have come up with better solutions than Lee so far..

There is no way to remove that live round safely. The die has now turned into a hand grenade. The only solution would be to dispose of the die (preferably in a deep lake). Please do not send the die back to us as it can harm the people carrying the package if it should detonate.

Thank You,

Lee Precision
4275 Highway U
Hartford, WI 53027
phone: (262) 673-3075
fax: (262) 673-9273

August 2, 2011, 12:02 AM	#28
Sport45 Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 1999 Location: Too close to Houston Posts: 4,196	I just had another thought.... Did you successfuly crimp any rounds before this one? If the crimp adjustment was set too far down, the crimp ring is upside down, or you have a piece of .445 brass there you may have crumpled the case between the crimp ring and the carbide ring. Pulling it back through the carbide ring on the down stroke is going to be a little more difficult since gravity isn't helping. It should still come out though. It may pull the rim off the case or pull the carbide ring out of the die. In either case, boxing it up and sending it to Lee would probably be the answer. __________________ Proud member of the NRA and Texas State Rifle Association. Registered and active voter.

August 2, 2011, 03:00 AM	#30
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Yank on it, until success or failure. Failure is unlikely. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

August 2, 2011, 06:57 AM	#31
willrussellville Member Join Date: May 26, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 78	It is the 4th die. It will move up and down in the the die with the crimp ring moving with it. It is stuck in the crimp ring. Have not thought about the ring being upside down, very good possibility. I was frustrated with the crimp I was getting when this happened. I will try 2x4 after I hear from Lee. And yes, it lifts my bench off the floor. I am traveling for a couple of days, will be at least Thursday before I can get back to it. Will post afterwards, thanks for all the replies. __________________ Help others reach their dreams and most of your dreams will come true....

August 2, 2011, 01:50 PM	#34
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Rock Chucker presses are often used by bullet swagers, with handles as long as 48". The press can take a lot more stress than you think. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

August 2, 2011, 03:00 PM	#37
willrussellville Member Join Date: May 26, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 78	It will not screw away from bullet. Bullet is lodged in the crimp ring inside the die. Crimp ring simply spins inside die. I can unscrew the die but that doesn't help. Lee sent me an email that said throw it in a lake, it is a grenade. Problem is I can't get it out of die. I do appreciate responses but it will be Thursday before I can play again. All comments appreciated and read. __________________ Help others reach their dreams and most of your dreams will come true....

August 1, 2011, 11:43 PM	#26
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 16,947	Loosen the die nut just a little, then take a pair of vise grips to the knurled portion of the die and start screwing the die out of the press. You'll be able to put a lot more force on the case than trying to use the handle. You'll bugger up the knurling just a little, but if you do it right, you won't even notice it later. The twisting motion might aid in freeing up the case. Every now and then push up on the handle to see if it will come free.

August 2, 2011, 07:28 AM	#32
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	" It will go up but not any farther down. " Don't be timid, it will come out if you pull hard enough. You likely over crimped and bulged the case at the mouth but it WILL pull out.

August 2, 2011, 08:01 AM	#33
Maxem0815 Junior member Join Date: May 23, 2011 Posts: 216	Put a pipe on the Handel gain extra leverage push until the rim comes off or case is out. You can also use a hand drill drill through the lead bullet put oil in the powder rendering it useless and then beat it out if need be. I would go for the pipe on the end of the Handel to start. Mace

August 2, 2011, 02:45 PM	#35
tim s Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2011 Posts: 223	Wrap the die with tape and grip it with vise grips and just unscrew it away from the case, it should'nt take more than 1-2 turns.

August 2, 2011, 03:10 PM	#38
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,883	You can, however, unscrew the die (raising the case) to the point that the handle bottoms out at lowest position. That gives you greatest leverage. At that point, use the previously-suggested pipe/cheater bar on that handle for even greater leverage and try again. Failing that, rotate the shellholder 180o to where sliding it out of the ram's slot also slides it out of the case's extractor groove; completely unscrew the die/stuck cartridge combo; and ... ... throw it all in the lake.

August 2, 2011, 03:28 PM	#39
Hog Buster Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2009 Location: Pointe Coupee, Louisana Posts: 772	*“Throw it in a lake.”* This has to be the best customer service line I have ever heard.... __________________ Those who beat their guns into plows, will plow for those who don't.-Thomas Jefferson

August 2, 2011, 04:08 PM	#40
wild willy Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2006 Posts: 404	In the second picture if you look about 12.00 it looks like your bushing is in upside down

August 2, 2011, 04:31 PM	#41
Koveras Member Join Date: April 6, 2002 Location: Oklahoma City, USA Posts: 68	I just took my 44 FCD apart and I believe you put the floating crimp ring in upside down. The bullet and possibly part of the case are jammed into the wrong end of the crimp ring and the case is probably partially bulged below it. Pulling the case out will require a fair amount of force and it is more likely you either rip the rim off the case or knock out the carbide sizing ring.

August 2, 2011, 05:01 PM	#42
Locoweed Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 661	First, grab onto the cartridge case with a set of small vise grips and lock it in place (this keeps it from spinning and putting pressure on the ram during step 3). Second, loosen the lock nut on the die. Third, grab the die body with a small strap wrench (or a bigger vise grip if you feel adventurous) and turn it until it is free of the cartridge case. Fourth, examine your die to see if it assembled properly. Fifth, read the directions that came with the die again just to make sure you haven't overlooked anything.

August 2, 2011, 05:42 PM	#43
wild willy Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2006 Posts: 404	If it was mine I would turn the shellholder and slide it of the case remove the die and cut the bottom off the case with a tubing cutter. Use a punch and tap the bullet out thru the top

August 2, 2011, 07:04 PM	#46
Twinsig Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Location: East Alabama Posts: 235	Good observation wild willy __________________ I also have Fire Extinguishers, hope I never need those either.

August 2, 2011, 07:17 PM	#47
dunerjeff Senior Member Join Date: March 31, 2011 Location: central Wisconsin Posts: 440	The pipe cutter sounds best,anything that can get the bottom of the case off or at least weaken it to the point where any accidental discharge of the round would simply pop the bottom off and not allow too much pressure to build up.Just don't use anything that will heat the brass.Even a fine tooth hacksaw that is pushed real slow and work a groove around the base.

August 2, 2011, 09:19 PM	#49
oldreloader Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2009 Location: Magnolia, Arkansas Posts: 251	I doubt that the ram will give before the case. Like I said before.. IF IT WAS MINE I'd get a cheater pipe and 2X4 and Let'er rip! Last edited by oldreloader; August 2, 2011 at 09:47 PM.

August 2, 2011, 09:40 PM	#50
willrussellville Member Join Date: May 26, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 78	Ok, just got in and reading replies. A "duh" moment for me, hadn't thought about turning the shell holder around. And yes, makes sense the crimping ring is upside down, it was NIB and I didn't take it apart and check it. I was actually scratching my head and trying to get the crimp to work (live and learn). So, I think you guys have come up with better solutions than Lee so far.. There is no way to remove that live round safely. The die has now turned into a hand grenade. The only solution would be to dispose of the die (preferably in a deep lake). Please do not send the die back to us as it can harm the people carrying the package if it should detonate. Thank You, Lee Precision 4275 Highway U Hartford, WI 53027 phone: (262) 673-3075 fax: (262) 673-9273 __________________ Help others reach their dreams and most of your dreams will come true....