Full Length Sizing

[Dan Newcombe]

I’m struggling with my case resizing.

Got a hornady FL sizing die and when I use it the bolt is difficult to close, not ridiculous but stiff.

Factory rounds go in fine and fired rounds that have been FL sized go in fine but run it through the die and again it’s stiff.

I feel like I must be missing something but I’ve followed the YouTube set up guides etc.

It does seem that after FL sizing the brass is actually longer. I haven’t got a comparator yet but that’s next on the list.

Is another option just neck sizing?

 

[trickie]

“Is another option just neck sizing”

Eric Cortina sells a T-shirt for those who neck size.

The comparator is essential in my opinion

 

[Will the chippy]

Tighten your die down a bit at a time, until a case fits properly in you gun. If you then put a piece of selotape on the case head you shouldn't be able to close the bolt easily, if at all.
Watch Eric cortina on you tube he shows how to do it.

 

[MTheaded but happy]

It does seem that after FL sizing the brass is actually longer. I haven’t got a comparator yet but that’s next on the list.

If the shoulder of the case doesn't engage the shoulder of the die the case will grow .

Full Length dies size in this order ,

Outer neck sized , reducing diameter .

Web/body sized , reducing diameter , which causes the head to shoulder measurement to increase .

Shoulder pushed back as the die pushes down onto the shoulder . The brass will flow into the neck , lengthening the neck . This is also when doughnuts are formed in the neck shoulder juncture.

Then as the die is lifted , the internal neck diameter is sized by the expander ball , setting neck tension .

Once you understand how the die works it all becomes apparent .

Tighten your die down a bit at a time, until a case fits properly in you gun. If you then put a piece of selotape on the case head you shouldn't be able to close the bolt easily, if at all.
Watch Eric cortina on you tube he shows how to do it.

This ^^^^^^^

 

[Dan Newcombe]

I’ve screwed it down so it’s against the shell holder at the top of the ram travel but it’s still not fitting. Is there something else to adjust?

Looking at the Erik Cortina video I feel like I’m doing the same thing which is frustrating.

 

[trickie]

Have you trimmed to length?
What calibre and rifle?

 

[Dan Newcombe]

I have not - is that needed every time, this is once fired

.243 tikka M595

 

[steve19]

It might sound stupid but I'm guessing your full length resizer die has the decapping pin in it.

My last set of hornady does came with that wound in all the way, try backing that out 3/4 turns and doing it again.

It was basically bottoming out on the inside of the case and not touching the neck.

 

[Dan Newcombe]

It does, I’ve set it like the hornady video says but could back it off a bit.

Who knew it would be so tricky. I’ve only neck sized previously for my .260 and it’s so easy

 

[takbok]

I’ve screwed it down so it’s against the shell holder at the top of the ram travel but it’s still not fitting. Is there something else to adjust?

Looking at the Erik Cortina video I feel like I’m doing the same thing which is frustrating.

Lower the case holder and screw the die in more. There's likely some flex and you'll be able to size further with more adjustment.

 

[Dan Newcombe]

Thanks - I’ll have a go tomorrow and see what like. It’s so frustrating but quite fun

 

[Ludders]

I’ve screwed it down so it’s against the shell holder at the top of the ram travel but it’s still not fitting. Is there something else to adjust?

Looking at the Erik Cortina video I feel like I’m doing the same thing which is frustrating.

Drop the ram and Screw it down another 1/4-1/3 of a turn

 

[Sako6.5x55]

Measure your overall length, if you’re hand trimming the length it will vary.

 

[MTheaded but happy]

It may be worth removing the decapping rod altogether and setting the die up without it in place . Then once set up refit it .
It's unusual for Hornady dies not to push the shoulder back , it's an issue more often associated with Lee .
Trim length should be checked after sizing .

 

[Strike]

I’ve screwed it down so it’s against the shell holder at the top of the ram travel but it’s still not fitting. Is there something else to adjust?

Looking at the Erik Cortina video I feel like I’m doing the same thing which is frustrating.

Do this, raise the ram untill the shell holder touches the die, lower the ram and screw the die in another 1/4 turn. This has always proved successful for me.
Then trim to length and de-burr.

 

[MTheaded but happy]

Do this, raise the ram untill the shell holder touches the die, lower the ram and screw the die in another 1/4 turn. This has always proved successful for me.
Then trim to length and de-burr.

Some of the New Dimension dies will push the shoulder back 0.010" .

 

[Smellydog]

My fl die does the same for my 222. All trimmed brass. They are always tight in the chamber. Years ago I ground a little off the die to try and get a bit more stroke but it didn't work.
Today I'm getting a Lee die to replace this one to see if it's the die.

 

[bluesako]

try another shell holder they do sometimes differ and differant cases gl

 

[JonR]

Also don't use the same case while making the adjustments, because it'll work harden and throw things off

 

[deeangeo]

It does, I’ve set it like the hornady video says but could back it off a bit.

Who knew it would be so tricky. I’ve only neck sized previously for my .260 and it’s so easy

Full Length re-size (Preferably to fired case headspace dimension) - it's the way to go