Strange problem!

[kenbro]

Hi,
Just been loading 3 cals for regular Thursday range visit.
222 being the last in line.
My FL die looked gungy inside so if gave it a good blast with Birchwood Casey high pressure firearms cleaner, then wiped and dried it.
Lubed some pre used cases and tried to size them.
Ram stopped dead when button got to neck and after checking for obstructions carried on lowering the press handle.
Result was the case shoulder was pushed into the case body. These are twice fired Hornady factory cases.
I then tried some used PPU cases and these sized without problem.
So I took the button stem out of the dies and put it in a drill chuck and spun it up with 0000 will and Solvol Autosol.
Tried a couple of cases sans the button and they came out okay, just 1.5 thou less dia than with the button in.
Button back in and old PPU cases again okay but Hornady ones again pushing the shoulder back into the case.
I’m going to anneal a few and see if that changes anything, but, the Hornady cases not been used enough to really need softening yet.
Any ideas, anyone please?
KB.

 

[Sampo]

Looks like you just invente a new caliber today, Grumpy 222.

Feels like the case might be a bit too long. Is it worth comparing the length with that of PPU and if trimmed to that length, see if the problem persists. Another would be to maybe pop them into the crimping die with a tiny fragment to see if it helps, in case the top of the case is catching something it shouldn't. Just options in my view to troubleshoot.

 

[Dalua]

Expander-button so high up the die that it is overlapping the neck part of the die?

 

[kenbro]

Expander-button so high up the die that it is overlapping the neck part of the die?

It is a looong expander with a taper to it. I will try lowering it but there’s never been a problem before.
Thanks, Ken.

 

[Greenmist]

I've had this happen with .17rem cases, annealing and neck sizing seem to have solved the issue. Have you compared the Hornady and PPU brass before sizing?

 

[kenbro]

I've had this happen with .17rem cases, annealing and neck sizing seem to have solved the issue. Have you compared the Hornady and PPU brass before sizing?

Hi,
No I haven’t compared to two brands but I have been reloading them alternately up to today.
Cheers, Ken.

 

[finnbear270]

Crap in the die & die adjustment off.

 

[20-250]

Crap in the die

Specialist funnel required

 

[User00056]

Case necks don't need a trim, do they?

 

[finnbear270]

Crap in the die & die adjustment off.

Assuming your case checks / preps have been carried out in correct series?

 

[Dalua]

It is a looong expander with a taper to it. I will try lowering it but there’s never been a problem before.
Thanks, Ken.

Does it do it without the expander in?

 

[Klenchblaize]

Only wish i could repeat it!

K

 

[Smellydog]

Just shoot them Ken, soon blow out.

I've gone right off Hornady brass.

Might be worth weighing the water capacity of the two brands!

 

[Greenmist]

I've gone right off Hornady brass.

I find them picky with primers

 

[kenbro]

Case necks don't need a trim, do they?

No.
Thanks, Ken.

 

[kenbro]

Assuming your case checks / preps have been carried out in correct series?

Both PPU and Hornady have been reloaded a couple of times without problem before.
KB.

 

[kenbro]

Does it do it without the expander in?

Works okay without expander in.
KB.

 

[kenbro]

Just shoot them Ken, soon blow out.

I've gone right off Hornady brass.

Might be worth weighing the water capacity of the two brands!

Hornady brass is in the bin.
KB.

 

[kenbro]

I've had this happen with .17rem cases, annealing and neck sizing seem to have solved the issue. Have you compared the Hornady and PPU brass before sizing?

Both brands fired in same gun, never a problem before.
KB.

 

[kenbro]

Only wish i could repeat it!
View attachment 444002
K

5mm SMC
KB.