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Arg. Help needed #5551862 01/19/15 06:05 PM
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Varget 7-08 Offline OP
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So I finished my precision AR (5.56) and started to handload for it. A friend gave me a bunch of Lake City 03 brass and I'm loading Hornady 75Gr BTHP. The problem is that I cannot get the rounds to go fully into battery. I'm letting the bolt release slam forward, not babying the BCG group forward. I know that the OAL is fine and brass length is fine. Factory 5.56 ammo doesn't give me issues. My guess is that I didn't full length size properly so the shoulder is not correct? I'm sure I'm missing some details.

Thanks

Re: Arg. Help needed [Re: Varget 7-08] #5551883 01/19/15 06:14 PM
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When you are sizing does the shell holder come in contact with the die body?

You should raise the press ram to top screw in the die till it touches, then lower the die and screw it in a little more to get a full size.


It's hell eatin em live
Re: Arg. Help needed [Re: Varget 7-08] #5552109 01/19/15 07:56 PM
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bside Offline
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Do you have a headspace gauge? I will not load a rifle caliber without one. Lyman or Wilson fixed gauge for a semiauto, Wilson Adjustable for bolt guns.

It's almost certainly your FL sizing. Now you're going to have to pull all of those bullets and powder, remove the decapper from your FL die, and resize. I think you can save the primers and reuse your powder and bullets at least.

Last edited by bside; 01/19/15 08:03 PM.
Re: Arg. Help needed [Re: Varget 7-08] #5552128 01/19/15 08:07 PM
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kmon11 Online Shocked
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Color one round with a sharpie, chamber it then extract. Some of the coloring will ost likely be rubbed off.

Look at the case, around the case head rubbed of try a set of small base dies
At the shoulder, either not resized fully or could be head space
neck is it too thick or too long


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Arg. Help needed [Re: Varget 7-08] #5552340 01/19/15 09:48 PM
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syncerus Online Content
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I agree that you must own a headspace gauge if you load for an auto. It's not expensive and it can save you an unbelievable amount of aggravation.


NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
Re: Arg. Help needed [Re: Varget 7-08] #5552792 01/20/15 02:04 AM
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I would pull down one that did not work and resize with the die just slightly camming over and retry it. If it goes it's a simple die adjustment. Sometimes older hardened brass will spring back and be difficult to chamber even when sized correctly.

I use this to check mine and for me is a better choice as I can also use it to check my 6X45mm ammo as well.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/477756/rcbs-precision-mic-223-remington?cm_vc=ProductFinding


"Anyone taking up handloading necessarily plays with unknown factors and takes chances. But so does anyone who drives a car,goes to a cocktail party,eats in a restaurant,or gets married."

Jack O'Connor 1963
Re: Arg. Help needed [Re: Varget 7-08] #5553036 01/20/15 03:56 AM
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Varget 7-08 Offline OP
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Okay, y'all were right. I didn't have the FL sizing die all they way. Such a rookie mistake!

Thanks for the help!

Re: Arg. Help needed [Re: Varget 7-08] #5553064 01/20/15 04:11 AM
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kmon11 Online Shocked
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Glad U got it figured out. Lock that die's nut in place and becomes easy for having it in the correct place in the future.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Arg. Help needed [Re: Varget 7-08] #5553455 01/20/15 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted By: Varget 7-08
Okay, y'all were right. I didn't have the FL sizing die all they way. Such a rookie mistake!

Thanks for the help!


For the record, I think you're lucky they were way too long and wouldn't chamber at all.

Please pick up a headspace gauge. Test your first piece every time you start to size a new batch, maybe check again every 100 rounds if you feel so inclined.

Don't waste hours of effort and potentially harm yourself and your firearms because you didn't pick up a $20 tool that lasts forever

Re: Arg. Help needed [Re: Varget 7-08] #5553560 01/20/15 03:13 PM
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Guess I go the cheap route, but I chamber the first piece of brass. Basically using the gun as my gauge.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Arg. Help needed [Re: Varget 7-08] #5554668 01/21/15 01:29 AM
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I am not sure how one could harm himself or a gun by not having a headspace gauge. If you undersize it won't fit. If you oversize(for your chamber)then worst case is your brass life will be shortened and at some point if you are not paying attention you may get a case head separation.
I reloaded for 27 years before I ever considered getting a gauge and not one damaged gun nor anyone harmed. JMO.

The only ammo I check with gauges are ones used in competition.


"Anyone taking up handloading necessarily plays with unknown factors and takes chances. But so does anyone who drives a car,goes to a cocktail party,eats in a restaurant,or gets married."

Jack O'Connor 1963
Re: Arg. Help needed [Re: DStroud] #5555303 01/21/15 02:11 PM
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Originally Posted By: DStroud
I am not sure how one could harm himself or a gun by not having a headspace gauge. If you undersize it won't fit. If you oversize(for your chamber)then worst case is your brass life will be shortened and at some point if you are not paying attention you may get a case head separation.


I mean, that's it right there.

If your shoulder is too long MAYBE the bolt doesn't close enough to allow the gun to fire, maybe it does but doesn't lock up well and you stress your locking lugs.

Maybe your too short case ruptures entirely.

Either way, you can KB your rifle. I'll grant it is unlikely, but the cost of a gauge is so low I don't understand why you wouldn't.

Last edited by bside; 01/21/15 05:22 PM.
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