HELP!! problems with bullets
 

I reloaded some once fired casestonight for my .300 RSAUM. The cases were still shorter than overall length, so we didn't trim. This was only my second time to reload (first was 2 nights ago) anyhow my big problem is that when I got home and chambered a round, my bolt almost wouldn't close and was very tight to close...it would go but was VERY stiff. What is the problem? I do remember that the last factory loads I shot seemed to be a tad bit stiff to eject from the chamber. It seems around every turn this gun gives me a fit over something....Im on the verge of getting rid of it.

RE: HELP!! problems with bullets
 

Did you full length size the cases?

RE: HELP!! problems with bullets
 

One thing that has helped me with that is putting a proper crimp on the bullet after getting it seated.

RE: HELP!! problems with bullets
 

More info please. Type of sizing die, how did you set up your sizing and seating dies, COL, bullet used, will a piece of sized brass chamber without a bullet, stuff like that.

RE: HELP!! problems with bullets
 

Most likely you didn't adjust your sizing die correctly and failed to bump the shoulder enough. Its a common mistake and a easy fix. as stated earlier we will need more info to help.

RE: HELP!! problems with bullets
 

First thing I'd check is the Cartridge Overall Length (COL). Use a dial caliper (if you don't have a dial caliper, get one. It is a "must have" tool for a handloader) to measure the round from base to tip and compare that value to the one published in your load manual for the bullet you're using which is the SAAMI spec for the cartridge. If the COL is longer than published you might be jamming the bullet into the rifling which will make the bolt hard or impossible to close. This condition can also cause dangerous pressure spikes so don't fire any cartridge in this condition!!

If they are too long, adjust your bullet seating die and reseat the bullets deeper to match the COL in the manual (but not any deeper, because this can also cause pressure problems). If this doesn't identify and fix the problem, then you probably need to FL resize the brass, (do you have a bullet puller?) at least enough to bump back the shoulder but I'd probably FL resize them back to SAAMI min spec just to be sure they'll work. You can always test chamber the sized brass to see if they'll chamber.

Good luck,

Mike

RE: HELP!! problems with bullets
 

Thanks for the response. I have a RCBSdie set with RCBS press,using Nosler 165gr Partitions.When adjusting the sizer die, I screwed it into the press until there was enough of the pin sticking down to push out the fired primer. We measured the case before seating bullet and it was shorter than the "trim to length" measurement in the manuel so we didn't trim any. We measured out the powder, seated the bullet and then measured the COL, and if my mind serves me correctly it was still just a fuzz shorter than the full length measurement specified in the manuel. I have a gut feeling that I may just have to seat the bullet just a tad bit deeper? or that I didnt' set up the sizer die correctly.thanks again.

RE: HELP!! problems with bullets
 

If resetting your die does not help, have a good gunsmith check the size of your chamber. I had a Remington 30-06 that had a chamber that was really tight and I had to use Small Base dies for it.

RE: HELP!! problems with bullets
 

If it's a neck sizing die then you want it screwed down just far enough so the shellholder just barely touches the die when the ram cams over. Same is true when you are useing a full length sizing die and you want to FL resize the cases. Sound like you didn't adjust the sizing die right and are having headspacing problems because if it. On rimless rifle cartridges the datum point for headspacing is right where the neck and shoulder meet. If this isn't bumped back enough (not usually a problem when just necksizing), or if the base of the neck is oversized, the cartridge won't fit right. If the COL is correct based on the bullet you're using (don't just look at MAX COL. Max COL just tells you how long the cartridge can be and still fit and function correctly in a magazine-fed weapon (many BR shooters intentionally seat the very long and heavy VLD bullets well past Max COL because they shoot single shot rifles or just don't use the magazine). But reloading manuals will also have a published COL for each bullet or family of bullets based on the shape of the shape of the bullet, and this is the COL you need to go by if it is shorter than the Max COL. If not COL is listed for the specific bullet you're using, or it's listed at the MAX COL for the cartridge, then you should be good to go unless your rifle had a unusually short throat (which is not generally the case with factory chambers, in fact, the opposite is usually true). Re-check the COL against the manual, and once you're sure that's ok, then the next step is to resize them correctly. I'd do a FL resize just to be sure.

Word of warning: If you choose to pull the bullets and resize, REMOVE the decapper on your die. DO NOT attempt to deprime live primers!!! Primers are very powerful despite their size and if one detonated in your die could cause serious injury or death.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.

Mike

RE: HELP!! problems with bullets
 

I would suggest you read the instructions that came with your RCBS dies. If you are using FL dies you must set them up properly.