.243 won't chamber
03-28-2009, 08:04 AM
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Kansas
Posts: 136
.243 won't chamber
I have been loading my .243 for 5 or so years now with no problems until now. The last 100 rounds I loaded have a few that won't chamber. Most go in with some resistance, but I have noticed maybe 1 in 20 won't chamber at all. I have double checked my c.o.l and my die setting. Its a full length sizer and the rifle is a bolt. Is my die worn out? I did buy it used. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
03-28-2009, 10:13 AM
#2
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Texas - BUT NOW in Madison County, NY
Posts: 6,270
RE: .243 won't chamber
I doubt that there's anything wrong with your die. I suspect that some of your brass has gotten to the point that the cases aren't being sized enough. Try screwing it into the press a little more (with those cases only).
03-28-2009, 12:42 PM
#3
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Kansas
Posts: 136
RE: .243 won't chamber
I'll try that. I pulled the bullet, dumped the powder and tried to chamber with no luck. Trimmed case to max trim length and still no luck. I'll screw the die down 1/4 turn and let you know how it works out. Thanks!
03-29-2009, 08:01 AM
#5
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Kansas
Posts: 136
RE: .243 won't chamber
I have screwed the die in as far as 1 and 1/2 turns and still not chambering. The shell holder is contacting the base of the die, so I know the case is being fed all the way into the die. The only brass that works is once fired Hornady. The brass that is acting up is all other brands. I figured full-length sizing would bring all cases to same size. I wish I had another die to try. I feel I need to pull all my bullets and run all cases through once I alleviate the problem. What else could cause this?
03-29-2009, 01:14 PM
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Oakland OR USA
Posts: 2,929
RE: .243 won't chamber
If your using a full length die and your cases are the correct length ,close your press,screw yourdie out until ittouches the shell holder ,then open your press and givethe diea quarter turn out . try that setting on a case and see if it will chamber .
03-29-2009, 03:16 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location:
Posts: 1,813
RE: .243 won't chamber
How many times have those cases been loaded?? To "high" pressures?
Sometimes cases "spring back" after being sized, and still won't chamber properly. In those cases, you have to size them with a SB die (small base) that you can get from RCBS.
You may be better off throwing away those "few" cases that won't chamber though...
DM
Sometimes cases "spring back" after being sized, and still won't chamber properly. In those cases, you have to size them with a SB die (small base) that you can get from RCBS.
You may be better off throwing away those "few" cases that won't chamber though...
DM
03-29-2009, 04:26 PM
#10
Fork Horn
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 240
RE: .243 won't chamber
Measure the Headspace before and after you resize the case. It should bump the shoulder back either .002" or .003" if it isn't your die isn't doing what it's supposed to. Also you can compare the headspace from a new unfired case against the one that doesn't chamber. I fireform everything and then bump the shoulders back .001" from the measurement I took from the once fired case evertie I reload.I don't know what sizer die you have but I recomend trying a Redding Die. If that isn't you problem sounds to me like a good like with a bore scope might be helpful.