.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.

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).

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!

RE: .243 won't chamber
 

+1

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?

RE: .243 won't chamber
 

Just curious buthave you tried seating your bullet deeper .

RE: .243 won't chamber
 

Halcon, I pulled the bullet and dumped the powder on a few cases and the case themselves will not chamber.

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 .

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

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.

RE: .243 won't chamber
 

The Hornady cases are once fired, then reloaded. Most of the other cases have been fired 4-5 times and some I bought off ebay 5-6 years ago and was told they were once fired, but I don't really know. I have access to another die I will try. If they still don't work, I'll pitch them. Thanks for all the replies.

RE: .243 won't chamber
 

Well, let us know what happens with the other die......

RE: .243 won't chamber
 

Were the cases trimmed to SAAMI Trim to length?

RE: .243 won't chamber
 

yes

RE: .243 won't chamber
 

If all else checks good then you have an issue with the brass or the headspace on the gun.

RE: .243 won't chamber
 

Did you try resizing one and trying it before reloading it? A friend was having trouble with his 270 not chambering some of his reloads OAL and rest of specs were ok. He could force them to chamber then they would be okit turned out that the crimp was swelling the cases enough to make them not chamber right. Just a thought.

RE: .243 won't chamber
 

I tried a buddy's die and they now chamber.

RE: .243 won't chamber
 

The kind of problem you have can be caused by shellholders and dies from different makers. You can try filing a little off the top of your shellholder. Then you can screw your die in the press further, so it sizes the cases about the same as your buddy's die does.

RE: .243 won't chamber
 

Headspace!!

RE: .243 won't chamber
 

Yes, for rimless cases, the shell should chamber with a little resistance. Just enogh to feel it. It is easy to set the shoulder back TOO MUCH!