[Czechbikr]

I resized and decapped the brass that MisterNoisey was kind enough to send...then started on the range pickup from McMiller...probably only 40-50 cases. That was picked off the ground and some older so I had washed those cases in Dawn and they took forever to dry. I spray lubed them up and they still felt a bit gritty.

I got maybe 15 done and the dreaded stuck case struck. The die is out of the turret and I loosened the slit nut that tightens down the decapping pin...thought I would get lucky bapping the pin downward while the die is held in a vise. No love...Now trying to get the pin out of the die so I can use a punch to really get some downward force and so far putting a vise grips on the pin and hitting that downward while it's in the vise hasn't freed the pin yet.

I've given up for now...the pin is all bent and will probably have to be replaced. I'll get back to it tomorrow while I set the brass that I've already processed tumbling in some SS pins.

Anybody got a favorite way to free stuck cases?

 

[texastaurusguy]

Man, I'm sorry you're having that problem. I've never gotten a case stuck in the die, and Lord willing, I never will. I know they make a tool that removes stuck dies but I've never bought one yet. Let us know how you end up getting it out.

 

[Czechbikr]

Man, I'm sorry you're having that problem. I've never gotten a case stuck in the die, and Lord willing, I never will. I know they make a tool that removes stuck dies but I've never bought one yet. Let us know how you end up getting it out.

I've done this maybe twice before and it's been a year and a half. IIRC once I get the decapping pin out I used a long punch to reach down and push the inside of the base down and out. I also seem to recall breaking out the base and rolling up the case side walls with a needle nose pliers.

 

[texastaurusguy]

I would think you have to be very careful not to scratch the inside of the die walls.....that would be bad.

 

[Czechbikr]

I would think you have to be very careful not to scratch the inside of the die walls.....that would be bad.

That may have already happened...

 

[texastaurusguy]

That may have already happened...

<dislike> about 100 times.....

 

[stupimlico]

I put together a little setup that is almost exactly like the rcbs stuck case remover. Basically a drill bit and a 1/4-20 tap with a 1/4-20 bolt and something to fit around the head of the case. Drill the primer pocket out, tap the hole, put the 'something' over the head then thread the bolt in until the case starts to pop out. I'm sure I could find a video of something similar on YouTube.

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[stupimlico]

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[Czechbikr]

I put together a little setup that is almost exactly like the rcbs stuck case remover. Basically a drill bit and a 1/4-20 tap with a 1/4-20 bolt and something to fit around the head of the case. Drill the primer pocket out, tap the hole, put the 'something' over the head then thread the bolt in until the case starts to pop out. I'm sure I could find a video of something similar on YouTube.

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Isn't a 1/4 x 20 a bit too big?

 

[kmw1954]

That's a big OH POOP! Good luck my friend.

I believe the bigger the thread size the better, reduces the chance of a pullout and stripped threads. Think more gripping surface.

 

[stupimlico]

Isn't a 1/4 x 20 a bit too big?

Shouldn't be too big. I know I would want as big a bolt in there as I can to grab as much meat as it possible. Keep in mind, there is no way to salvage a stuck case, it's trash, the goal is saving the die. I know that's terribly obvious, but I know sometimes I need to hear things like that.

Check out the RCBS stuck case kit, they may indicate the drill bit and tap size in the specs.

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[stupimlico]

You can actually make out the size on the tap in this pic. 1/4-20

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[GreenWolf70]

If you reload .458 SOCOM you are going to get stuck cases. Consequently, you learn how to deal with stuck cases. First I take the depriming pin out of all my dies and deprime with a universal depriming die and a Lee Hand Press. Since I deprime and swage the primer pocket (on military cases) before cleaning, it does not interrupt my reloading process, but it sure makes getting a stuck case out easier when there is no depriming pin in the way. Now when I buy a new die set, I look to make sure the depriming pin and expander can be removed from the top. I think some RCBS dies have only a #8 machine screw hole in the top and the expander must come out the bottom, not cool when you have a stuck case.

Things I have used that work in a pinch. An Easy Out Kit will work on just about any cases, just screw in the correct size with a drill and yank out the case. I have used the RCBS stuck case remover without much success (the threads keep stripping), in any case the Easy Out worked better/quicker. If you don't like the thought of yanking out the case, try a gear puller, a little slower but surer. Now this one I have not tried yet, but the idea has been in the back of my mind as a quick field expedient, a wall anchor. Drill out the primer pocket enough to fit one of those plastic screw in things used to hold stuff up on sheetrock walls. It should work, I just haven't needed to use one since I have the Easy Outs. Use some penetrating oil on the case. I use a Dremel to buff/polish the inside of the die before returning it to use.

 

[.452dia]

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I bought a RCBS stuck Case Remover Kit about 40 years ago and it has saved me several times from ruining a die and becoming a raving lunatic. I know some will disagree with that!

 

[olfarhors]

ahh, so how did that trying to stretch the case lube work out for ya???---
I got one stuck case years ago and I am always extra sure that I have adequate case lube on a case from that point on.
good luck with the stuck case and don't forget to take beer breaks every 30 minutes.
did I ever mention that I hate to reload for Rifles?

 

[Czechbikr]

ahh, so how did that trying to stretch the case lube work out for ya???---
I got one stuck case years ago and I am always extra sure that I have adequate case lube on a case from that point on.
good luck with the stuck case and don't forget to take beer breaks every 30 minutes.
did I ever mention that I hate to reload for Rifles?

Funny you should say that...I use Lee Case lube in the tube and mix it in a small eyeglass cleaner bottle with 91% Isopropyl. I'll toss the cases in a plastic bag, spritz them, shake them and spitz about 3 more times. This has been adequate to this point. I had just run low in the bottle and added more lube and alcohol. I suspect that I need to add more lube. You know it's good when the solvent flashes off and leaves a light film of lube on the case. I actually love reloading rifle cases. It's the hours of case prep that I dislike, especially when it turns into a stuck die problem.

I went to look for my tap and die set. Didn't find it, then looked for the EZ outs. Didn't find those either. I am somewhat disorganized and many times can find tools if I remember where I used them last. Having a three car garage and full basement doesn't help.

I used more penetrant...used a big Vise Grips until the rim was mangled past recognizability. Beat on the decapping pin until I was afraid my mallet would give out. Then I figured that if I was going to have to replace the die anyway I would try heat. Fired up the blow torch loaded with MAP gas and heated up the surrounding die...not cherry red or even close. A rap on the decapping pin and JOY...the pin and the case flew out the bottom.

I worked on filing off the peened end of the pin...I'll probably chuck that up in the battery drill and spin it in emery paper....if I can find the drill (just kidding...it's right where I used it last )

Have to look at the die, clean it off and polish the bore...those suckers stay hot for awhile!

Thanks for the suggestions. I need to buy a universal decapping die and leave the pin out of the resizing die. Oh..and I need to get organized so I can find my damn tools.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Funny you should say that...I use Lee Case lube in the tube and mix it in a small eyeglass cleaner bottle with 91% Isopropyl. I'll toss the cases in a plastic bag, spritz them, shake them and spitz about 3 more times. This has been adequate to this point. I had just run low in the bottle and added more lube and alcohol. I suspect that I need to add more lube. You know it's good when the solvent flashes off and leaves a light film of lube on the case. I actually love reloading rifle cases. It's the hours of case prep that I dislike, especially when it turns into a stuck die problem.

I went to look for my tap and die set. Didn't find it, then looked for the EZ outs. Didn't find those either. I am somewhat disorganized and many times can find tools if I remember where I used them last. Having a three car garage and full basement doesn't help.

I used more penetrant...used a big Vise Grips until the rim was mangled past recognizability. Beat on the decapping pin until I was afraid my mallet would give out. Then I figured that if I was going to have to replace the die anyway I would try heat. Fired up the blow torch loaded with MAP gas and heated up the surrounding die...not cherry red or even close. A rap on the decapping pin and JOY...the pin and the case flew out the bottom.

I worked on filing off the peened end of the pin...I'll probably chuck that up in the battery drill and spin it in emery paper....if I can find the drill (just kidding...it's right where I used it last )

Have to look at the die, clean it off and polish the bore...those suckers stay hot for awhile!

Thanks for the suggestions. I need to buy a universal decapping die and leave the pin out of the resizing die. Oh..and I need to get organized so I can find my damn tools.

I don't recommend taking the pin out of the die. If you have a boogered up case mouth, the pin is shaped in a way that will save them. I plan on keeping the pin in mine but cut or break off the decapping portion to use in the progressive. I don't work up loads or look for the best accuracy in my AR. It shoots plenty fine (less than 1.5 MOA) with my loads and just use it for fun range plinking.

Having said all that, I do keep the pin out of my .308 die because I don't pick up range brass for it and only keep my own.

I personally enjoy loading for rifles. It's more relaxing most of the time unless I'm working up loads. Pistols can get monotonous IMO.

 

[Lmstncwby]

You can actually make out the size on the tap in this pic. 1/4-20

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This is my recommendation as well. I've pulled a couple of stuck cases over the past few years and these are the ticket to getting the out cleanly. I never wash my cases; they all go into a dry tumbler that eliminates that grimy, gritty feeling in range pickup cases.

 

[GreenWolf70]

When it comes to case lube I have one word, Imperial.

 

[NativeTexan]

It's happened to me on rifle brass before, lack of proper lube. I haven't had the problem since lubing with Lee case lube. Don't take a lot, either. Knock on wood, but it's been a LONG time since I had a stuck case.