i screwed up and got a case stuck in the sizing die. can i get it out without sending it back to the factory?

Sure. Remove the decapping assembly if possible and use a bolt of the appropriate size to punch it out.
I assume it is still stuck in the press?
Brass also has a much higher coefficient of expansion than steel. Unscrew the decapping assembly and pour ice-cold (I mean ice with salt mixed and almost frozen) water into the top of the die and fill the case. Let it sit for a few, say 20 seconds. Then pull the case out. You'll have to clean your press but oh well.

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Yeah, salt and ice is pretty corrosive!

I'd see about removing the die from the press (which might be tricky separating the case holder from the ram). Apply penetrating oil around the case, letting it penetrate between the case and the die. Tapping on the parts vibrates them and helps the oil penetrate the spaces.

Then insert the die into the ram, remove the decapping pin/expander and tap the case out with a stiff rod.

I think I have some dies where the decapper only removes from the bottom end of the die. You can unthread the depth adjustment and tap on the decapper shaft itself, but I'd be careful about bending and distorting this precision part.

Sounds like maybe you didn't get the brass lubed?

Tim,

If you are like me you have already ripped the lips off it.

RCBS makes a tool kit for removing stuck cases. I made it 27 years without one, but I have one now!

It was about $18 and was worth the money. It is basically a drill and tap with a jack screw and press collar. Works a treat.

Don

Get the RCBS tool or make your own version. In short, drill and tap the case head 1/4" x 28 tpi. I use a Lee base from an old Lee loader set over the case head. A big nut and washer will do. Through that thread a 1/4 x 28 bolt. Use it to jack the case out. Don't try to bash it out. It will not work, you will damage the dies, and you can't get the expander button out anyway.

Buy yourself some Imperial size die wax.

Maybe polish the die with Flitz and super fine steel wool. Just put it on a brush attached to a section of cleaning rod. Spin it with an electirc drill. Between those two, if you clean your cases before you size, you will have no problems.

I also made my own case extractor just by patterning the components after the RCBS model. However, I used a slightly larger thread/bolt combination which gives a little better grip on the stuck case (possible with case heads of '06 or larger).

Thanks for the help i think i got something that will work. This is the first one ive ever stuck. But im pulling the lag screws through the plywood top on the bench, ill through bolt and reinforce it, but should it be that hard to get the case out? P.S i did not lube the case.

[This message has been edited by Tim/co (edited 01-30-2002).]

Normally, no it wouldn't be that hard. But without case lube, yes, you'll have trouble. The stuck case remover mentioned works great, and yes you should bolt your press down a little better. The only time you don't have to lube a case (and some folks do anyway) is when you are using carbide dies, usually with pistol cases. - Dan

Go buy an RCBS stuck case remover..I wouldn't be without one, they cost little and can sure save you a bunch of grief....simple little tool and it works..

Nothing like the right tool for any job.

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

Here is something I wrote about this:

http://www.rifleshooter.com/RELOADING/stuckcase_with_pictures.htm

Depending on the caliber I have screwed the decapping pin up to the neck,then drilled a hole in the base large enough for the decapping/expander assy. to come out the bottom. Then tap the hole for closest bolt size (a 3/8 hole can be tapped 7/16) Thread a bolt in and replace die in press.Pound case out with a flat punch. An RCBS remover is preferred but this is for 'right now' Mark

Sticking a case isn't something we like to 'fess up to, but I think it's almost a rite of passage. I bought a RCBS kit a long time ago when they cost less that $10.00. I wont say I've ever need it, BUT THANK GOD I'VE GOT IT. Good luck.

BigBob,

I guess I have passed those rites, since I have had two cases in one week stuck in my 470 NE dies (and a couple in my 450 MAarlin dies as well). Will definetly get a stuck case remover since my current method is a pretty ugly process. I thought it might just be my Hornady 450 Marlin dies, but have had the same problem with my 470 NE dies as well. Even though I think the A-Suare cases were the culprit in the latter. Maybe it's just me?.