I've been having a slight issue with .308 mil brass since I started reloading. When I chamber (just the case) the bolt does not fall as easy as it does on commercial brass. I triple checked the trim to length = 2.005".

 

I wanted to see were the snugness was so I chambered a case and moved the bolt up and down. The only place I saw a rub was on the headstamp. The casing slips right in, it's just snug when pulling the bolt down.

 

I do a full resize on the mil brass. Rifle is a Savage FP10 bolt action.

 

Any ideas?

 

Z

I've been having a slight issue with .308 mil brass since I started reloading. When I chamber (just the case) the bolt does not fall as easy as it does on commercial brass. I triple checked the trim to length = 2.005".

 

I wanted to see were the snugness was so I chambered a case and moved the bolt up and down. The only place I saw a rub was on the headstamp. The casing slips right in, it's just snug when pulling the bolt down.

 

I do a full resize on the mil brass. Rifle is a Savage FP10 bolt action.

 

Any ideas?

 

Z

 

This may help you

 

http://www.303british.com/id36.html

I had that issue with the Collet resizing. I just do it twice.

 

or make sure you are doing the full rotation of the arm of the press.

By full rotation you mean the arm is actually hitting the stops at the same time the die is hitting the shell holder?

 

Someone recommended running the mil brass (only once) through a small base die:

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productnumber=597261

 

Z

By full rotation you mean the arm is actually hitting the stops at the same time the die is hitting the shell holder?

 

Someone recommended running the mil brass (only once) through a small base die:

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productnumber=597261

 

Z

 

 

Or just dont use mil brass. =P

 

And yes, I mean running it all the way to the stop. Just make sure case is lubed. Also, maybe try running the case through the die twice.

Grrrr...... :doh:

 

Tips like this kill me. I got home and the first thing I did was lube a (FL sized) case and ran it through the FL die a second time and the issue is no more

 

I think I'm going to try the small base die and dump it in the 4th (or 1st depending on how you look at it) hole on the turret next time I place an order.

 

Z

Grrrr...... :doh:

 

Tips like this kill me. I got home and the first thing I did was lube a (FL sized) case and ran it through the FL die a second time and the issue is no more

 

I think I'm going to try the small base die and dump it in the 4th (or 1st depending on how you look at it) hole on the turret next time I place an order.

 

Z

You are using the Lee Dies? Small base dies are used for feeding issues in semi autos normally. Not to say that it will not work. I have never read about it. Sounds like the Lee dies are having issues on the thicker brass. Are you lubricating the case mouth properly? I have been using RCBS dies with Military brass for years and not had a problem.

Lee Dies? Yes

 

Are you lubricating the case mouth properly? Dipping the case mouth in mica and lubing the body with Lee resizing lube

 

Just as a side note:

1) I did notice the mil brass is a little tighter when resizing on the Lee dies. (little extra umph needed to press the handle down and up)

2 I also ordered a Case Length Headspace Gage. Hopefully this will show me where the issue is. Since the diameter of the casing seems ok, since it slides into the chamber with no issues, I'm thinking the length between the shoulder and headspace is not right like blackfox listed.

 

Z

It is being stretched when you back out the brass. Try using Hornady one shot spray lube on the whole case, including mouth. I have never used Lee dies but never experienced what you are going through with RCBS dies.