I have always used Lee shell holders (correct for calibre)and have found that they hold the case adequately, but with a slightly loose fit.

Are shell holders by other manufacturers machined with a tighter case to holder fit? If so would the loaded round be improved by changing shell holder?

It may of course be that Lee tolerances are fine...and I have picked up on nothing of concern.

Regards....

....Titan

I've used shell holders by almost every maker and it seems as though one company makes them for all. I can see no differences in any of them.

duikerman...

Thank you...

..Titan

If you tried four diff. brands you might find one that was just a bit tighter fit, but I have s.h. for the 06 based cases rom Redding, Lee & Rcbs & FWIW, the Redding is just a bit tighter. I see little affect in my loads though, mostly it's about not having my "rims" pull of if a case gets a bit sticky in sizing.

I once heard the height (how deep the case sat in the holder) varied from brand to brand and the amount of case the sizer could work on varied with this. I never have measured to confirm it though.

There are differences. The primer rod assembly clearance holes have been found to give an interference fit on my Holly Wood sr.

The bevel that pushes back the primer retention cup on some makes are positioned so that they restrict the primers from being fully seated.I believe this has been most prevalent with the LEE shell holders.

If you don't have a Hooly Wood sr. you may never be affected. I don't know. roger

Redding produce a set of 5 competition shellholders which allow headspace to be adjusted in 0.002" increments.

I use the Lee Neck Collet die and find that the case (.222 Rem) is sized back to the shoulder where an obvious ring mark can be seen. When the die is backed out to prevent this case marking then the bullet tension seems less.

Perhaps this marking is normal for the neck size collet die?

...Titan

I have always used RCBS & they are exactly as you described.

I have about four different brands and can't really say that any one of them is better than the other.

But, they all vary in height so each set of dies have one particular shellholder. I use one .473 shellholder for my 6.5x284 and 22.250, a different one for 308, 26.06 and 243, etc.

All of my dies are always set for a single, specific shellholder.

Except for the 1873 Maynard cartridges most shellholders follow the SAAMI standard of 0.125".
Since it determines headspace, it is pretty well adhered to. The special depth holders can be of value when fussy-loading or feeding a gun with long or short headspace without incurring the costs of special dies or a rechambering job.
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross

quote:

Originally posted by Ewin:
Except for the 1873 Maynard cartridges most shellholders follow the SAAMI standard of 0.125".
Since it determines headspace, it is pretty well adhered to. The special depth holders can be of value when fussy-loading or feeding a gun with long or short headspace without incurring the costs of special dies or a rechambering job.
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross

The max variance in the height of the shell holders that I have are .0018" between the tallest (Lee) and shortest (RCBS). Measured from bottom of the "head" to the top face.

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ewin:
Except for the 1873 Maynard cartridges most shellholders follow the SAAMI standard of 0.125".

The max variance in the height of the shell holders that I have are .0018" between the tallest (Lee) and shortest (RCBS). Measured from bottom of the "head" to the top face.

roger

Thank you everyone....

....look out for my post on primers!

Regards...

...Titan

I use Lee's most of the time because of buying that boxed set of a dozen or more.

Recently I got 100 .45 Colt cases sent by another member. About ten or so of them have a wider dia rim and wouldn't fit at all. Will either have to scrap them, or turn them down in the lathe. Havent' decided which.

Anyone have any idea why? WW cases, others same brand fit fine, as the RP's did.

I've wondered if maybe this might have happened from being loaded extra heavy the last time. has anyone got any ideas??

Will the rims of a colt case spread wider with real hot loads even if the case looks ok otherwise??

George

quote:

Originally posted by georgeld:
...
Recently I got 100 .45 Colt cases sent by another member. About ten or so of them have a wider dia rim and wouldn't fit at all. Will either have to scrap them, or turn them down in the lathe. Havent' decided which.
...
I've wondered if maybe this might have happened from being loaded extra heavy the last time. has anyone got any ideas??

Will the rims of a colt case spread wider with real hot loads even if the case looks ok otherwise??

George

Wow, that would be some load! Or some really poorly annealed brass.

Is the headstamp clear, and the primer pockets look ok? If so, I doubt it was from firing heavy loads. If the rims are that far oversize, I'd wonder what else was out of spec... I'd probably pitch 'em.

Were the cases the same make?. There is variation between sources with the 45 (long) Colt. The rims were made smaller to fit six rounds in the early pistols.
Good Luck!