Started to reload some .25-06 using RCBS dies, and apparently got the wrong baseplate in the press, and as a result, have pulled off/narfed up the cartridge rim and have a shell stuck in the sizing die. Any suggestions on how to get it out? Thanks.

Hornady and others have "stuck case removers" that you can buy.

Push it out with the deacpping rod. You should be able to screw the decapping rod down into the die until it bears on the base of the case at the primer hole, then just an additional turn or two should free the case from the die.

The weak point in this procedure is the screwdriver slot in the upper end of the decapping rod - be careful with the torque applied here as you can break off one of the 'ears' of the slot.

quote:

Push it out with the deacpping rod. You should be able to screw the decapping rod down into the die until it bears on the base of the case at the primer hole, then just an additional turn or two should free the case from the die.

All that has ever done for me is bend my extraction rod. Best answer for the long haul is buy a stuck case extractor.

RCBS Stuck case remover.

http://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/MainServlet?storeId=web...index&productId=3647

If you haven't stuck a case yet, you haven't reloaded long enough yet.

Another vote for a stuck case remover. I use the RCBS.

Ken....

quote:

Originally posted by tudurgs:
Started to reload some .25-06 using RCBS dies, and apparently got the wrong baseplate in the press, and as a result, have pulled off/narfed up the cartridge rim and have a shell stuck in the sizing die. Any suggestions on how to get it out? Thanks.

DON'T BUY ANY NEW TOOLS-YOU DON'T NEED THEM!! Don't use the decapping rod assembly! That just ruins the rod!!

Hacksaw off the case head. NOW remove the decapping/expanding button & rod from the die UNDAMAGED before proceeding further. Screw a tap (even a large-diameter, tapered rattail rasp will do) into the headless case, using a tap or rasp that will cut into the brass of the case and grip it, but NOT touch the die!!

Then place the die loosely in your vice so it is resting on the lock ring, with the decapping rod hole facing up. Now insert a punch or steel rod of a diameter smaller than the case mouth into the case so it rests on the tap or rattail rasp. Now use a hammer to GENTLY tap the case out of the die. With the head off, they come out much more easily!!

How do I know this, you ask?? Perhaps because you are not the only fellow who's ever stuck a case (or two!!) in a resizing die......

If you have a 1/4 inch tap and some bits and pieces in the garage it's not too hard to make a working case remover. There must be a "how to" online somewhere.

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/shellextractor/index.asp

Instead of the pipe cap I have used a 1/2 inch ID bushing and a piece of 1/8 inch thick steel with a 1/4 inch hole drilled in the middle to pull against.

Just be careful to not run the drill, tap or bolt into the expander/decapper stem.

Thanks for the thoughts. i sent the sizer back to RCBS yesterday. Every time I have had a question, those folks have been top knotch in trying to resolve the problem. Two thumbs up from me!

One week from the time I sent the stuck die to RCBS, it was returned, polished, with a new decapper and only a request for $5 S&H. These guys are my heros!

quote:

Originally posted by tudurgs:
One week from the time I sent the stuck die to RCBS, it was returned, polished, with a new decapper and only a request for $5 S&H. These guys are my heros!

That's $5 more than it used to be but still a bargain.....this will happen from time to time so I strongly recommend the stuck case remover as mentioned....I use mine several times a year.....pisses me off....but it happens.....it can also be done with the proper stack of flat washers, a 1/4-20 tap and a #7 drill

Every serious handloader should have a stuck case remover, factory or home made.

Arrrgghh! BT, DT.

I just knew I had that case lubed good, especially down near the head where it really needs it. And I really din't pay much attendion to how hard it was to press that lever down. POP! Off came the rim.

Then I made an RCBS type case puller. (Lucky enough to have a decent old South Bend metal lathe in my home shop)

Since then I've done experiments on a lot of case lubes to learn what worked good and what serves as really good substitutes. Had fun and learned a lot. And used my puller a lot too. (would you believe Chap-Stick works good, and KY Jelly too if you don't let it dry!)

Every one should have a puller. Stuff happens.

put the die with the shell in it, in your freezer. brass gets colder faster due to its thin walls, and it contracts faster than the steel in the die.

after 20 minutes, take it out and use pliers to pop the brass free.

...not that i was dumb enough to have to do this once...or twice...



-Matt

quote:

Originally posted by Jim C. <><:
KY Jelly too if you don't let it dry!)

You sure got that bit right, sorry, couldn't help myself.

I just used a socket, from memory about 9/16 inch, I have a Fuller set which has nice dumpy little sockets in 3/8 drive & with a thick 1/4" washer it did the job just fine.
Steve

RCBS stuck case remover. Like a bullet puller, handy to correct mistakes.

As to case lube there is only one choice,
Imperial die lube. I have never tried K2 ointment but hemoroid salve could shrink the case.
Good Luck!

quote:

Originally posted by tudurgs:
One week from the time I sent the stuck die to RCBS, it was returned, polished, with a new decapper and only a request for $5 S&H. These guys are my heros!

Similar story --

It's been a while and I forget the details, but I got brass and primers all jammed up in the bench mounted RCBS priming tool. The tool has a cam and can apply considerable leverage.

Instead of "looking," I jammed it.

RCBS folks say, "Send it in! We want to see how you screwed it up so we can engineer the 'stupid' out of it!"

RCBS sent me a new one, and a nice box full of goodies.

I don't even think about buying other brands.