Previously when I was reloading 300BLK I stuck 2 cases in 2 different Hornady dies. Threw up my hands and just quit. I’ve reloaded thousands of 223/5.56 ammo and a lot of 6.5CM on single stage with the same Hornady dies that I stuck the 300BLK cases in. Fast forward to tonight finally got my 300HAM’R dies in, setup the sizing die per RCBS directions that came with it. Lubed up a brand new piece of brass I got from WC pulled the ram down and got the pop, ripped rim off. I don’t have a stick case removal kit, although I’ll be buying one, but WTF am I doing wrong. Seems like it’s only doing it on 300BLK and 300HAM’R. Like I said never had a problem with 223 (lee dies) 6.5CM (Hornady dies) and 308 (lee dies).

Yes I’m lubing the brass before sizing it.

What lube are you using Kyle and how are you applying it?

I nearly stuck a 30-06 case recently. I clean my dies exceedingly well after each use. I noted this almost happened to me the last time I was sizing .308 too. So now that first case gets well lubed, partially sized, re-lubed ( inside and outside), and sized the remainder of the way. I noted that the following couple cases sized easier than the previous one. I am thinking I just need to get the dies lubed up better. I have not oil/hydraulic dented a case in recent memory. I was using Imperial Sizing wax which has always worked exceedingly well for me.

When I clean the dies after use I do notice the wax has built up inside the die on the top of the expander. I guess it needs this to work. It also means I have to clean them up better after sizing

I would ask did you clean the die first since it was new. Next I would ask did you put some of the same lube in the die that was on the case before running a case into a dry clean die.

I use mostly One Shot and if you ever use Imperial sizing wax then switch to One Shot you have a really good chance to stick a case.

Stuck case kit.

3/16" drill bit
1/4-20 tap
1 1/2" 1/4" bolt
Bout eight 1/2" washers
1/4" washer

This particular time it was the lee lube in the tube, previously it was one shot.



Damn, I didn’t clean the dies before doing it, however the 300BLK dies were cleaned, one of which had motor oil on them for storage because I got them used. Still same outcome.

I’ve seen that online last night while looking for a kit. I’ve already bought the RCBS stuck case kit which consists of pretty much exactly what you just listed lol.

It been said but cleaning out new dies would be the first place I'd start. I used to have this problem often then one day I cleaned all my sizing dies completely and stuck to the same lubing process with one shot and I haven't had issues since.

Also instead of washers, I saw a YouTube video where they used some random sized socket for a ratchet wrench. I have plenty of those lying around so I like that method. I've used the tap of others things since too.

Kyle,

Yes, clean the dies before use. I clean them almost every time before use. You can also spray a very quick blast of One Shot up inside the die (and let it dry) before sizing. Also put a liberal amount of case lube on the cases from 4 different angles. Sometimes the first case sized is a little sticky, but once you size a few, the die gets lubed up and everything goes smooth.

Thanks everyone. My kit should be here soon. I’ll pull the stuck case and use the one shot and clean the dies really well.

I've stuck a few over the years and that is what I put together as well. Likely from the same source recommending it......... Also on the case lube, I started using a lot. And if I get a little dent from it pooling up on the case up near the neck I just shoot it and don't worry about it.

I always clean new dies with brake cleaner or similar. I use to use a RCBS lube pad. I would lube every neck by dragging it on the pad, but would only lube every 3rd case body. I still have never stuck a case. Now I use OneShot.

I've been shopping high dollar dies and a few of them I remember recomending lightly lubing the inside of the die as sort of a "break in" step. First I had ever heard it
Hornady dies are supposed to be pretty good, especially their newer ones

I clean them out well with gun scrubber or something like then let them dry then a shot of oneshot in the die when I lube the cases. Works for me.

I couldn't tell you. I never clean dies and use either Dillon or lee case lube. No problems with either.

I had same type of problem with .308 Win Lee die.
Seemed to stick a case all too quickly.
found the problem to be the position of the Decap/ expander pin.
After moving it up just a bit my problems stopped.

FWIW i use Imperial and Hornady Unique case lube.

RCBS lube for me. 40 years and never stuck a case. As for cleaning dies, I never clean the new ones, and I think I cleaned one die years ago when I got too much lube in the die and dented shoulders.

All that said, if I was gonna ask an opinion on die cleaning and lubing, I think Chad is the guy to ask.

I stick 300BLK and 223 more than any other. I think it may be expander location as mentioned. I tweaked it and problem seemed to go away. 300BLK seems to stick more with mil brass cut down.

But one reason I use Lee collett neck sizers exclusively, until shoulders need bumping....about every 4th firing or so. Screw that lube business. When I do lube up for bumping shoulders, Hornady Unique is practically the same thing as Imperial, and it doesn't take much.

Got the stuck case out last night, the case actually spun in the die as I was tapping it. Once I finally got it out I could definitely tell it was an expander issue and not a lubing issue.

I have a case remover you can use if needed. I'll bring it to the April 500 yard match or we can meet up sooner.

Appreciate it, I went ahead and bought one, which I needed anyway, with as many cases as I've been sticking lately LOL.

What is the issue with the expander?

I’ve been reloading since 1983 and have been lucky- never stuck a case yet (knock on wood)

I’d say your lube is the culprit.

I have used them all and the spray ones seem the worst. Closest I’ve come to getting one stuck was using one shot.

I only use imperial sizing die wax now. It is slower but the best by far in my experience.