reloaded cartridge very tight..........help!!

[ironglowjr]

Hey guys i just reloaded some rounds for my 243 win and after i resize the shell, load it and try to chamber it it seems that it too long but its not...i got it down to the cartridge...after i resize it it seems to bee too tight in chamber even empty(with out a bullet)....any have this problem? if so how can i fix it...

[burntmuch]

try turning down your die 1/4 turn. Until the cases fit. sounds like you didnt push the shoulder back enough. I just did the same thing with my 308.

[gray-wolf]

were they fired from your rifle to begin with? If so how many times have you reloaded them?
  Don't just start bumping the shoulder.

[ironglowjr]

well the 1 time fired casewould fit, but after i " resize it" it is tight...new ammo 1 time reload! all shot through my own rifle...

[45-70.gov]

did  they stretch??

might need trimming

[revbc]

What kind of rifle?  Bolt, single shot, lever??  My handi rifles do not want to lock up correctly on fire formed brass.  (frame stretch) I always have to bump the shoulder back a bit.

[SteveHawaii]

I have the same issue with my Rossi .243, especially when shooting hot loads.  I got a small based die from RCBS, which brings the case back closer to SAMI standards.  That works like a charm.  Make sure you bring the ram all the way up to the die (no gaps), otherwise you'll be neck sizing only.  I can usually get by with neck sizing only on my Weatherby .243 and Remington 30-06.  The Rossi has too much play in the lock-up mechanism.

[Autorim]

The .243 is prone to case stretching and I would check OA case length although I suspect you are not pushing the shoulder back quite enough. I load in this order  -  deprime, clean pocket, lube, size, expand, trim, debur, chamfer, charge and seat.

I suggest loading a dummy round with no primer or powder and check chambering as well as feeding from the magazine.

[Sweetwater]

It may well be the shoulder, but IF there is a bunch of case stretch, you may be jamming the case into the end of the chamber. I went through this with one of my rifles several years ago. I thought the bullet was hitting the lands, then I thought the shoulder was the culprit. I over-pushed the shoulder back and deep seated the bullet in the process of elimination. Then, the light bulb came on and I trimmed the case - voila! All was happy, again.  Just a possibility.

Regards,
Sweetwater

[scratcherky]

If you are not lubing the inside of the case neck before resizing, the expander ball can pull the shoulder forward causing this problem.

[Autorim]

Scratcherky is right about that. I use graphite and a cotton q tip to lube inside necks.

[Darrell Davis]

Afternoon ironglowjr,

First off, make sure that your cases fit the chamber before ever completing the reloading cycle of priming, charging and seating the bullet!

Then, always size the case the least possible amount that relyably allows for easy chambering.

In another answer to your question it was mentioned that there are cases where a small base die might be needed, but while it happens, that is not typical.

Not knowing what type of dies you use, the following speaks to the info sent out with RCBS full length sizing dies.

If you follow their printed directions, you may rob yourself of optium case life and case to chamber fit.

I found this out years back and have since followed the following method of setting up "full length" sizing dies, of any brand, to my rifle/die combination.

Providing the brass has all been fired in your rifle, DO NOT!!! follow the manufactures directions to set the full length die down to the shell holder plus enough more to the point where you can feel the ram "pop" over center when it reaches the top of it's stroke.

This does full length your brass, but depending on the size of your rifle chamber and the size of the die, may lead to over sizing the brass and very short case life.

Rather, take fired cases from your rifle and adjust the sizing die down only to the point where the brass chambers easily and relyably.

Set your lock ring at this point and begin sizing all your brass.

Now, at some point after the brass has again been fired in your chamber, you may again notice the brass seeming to be a bit tight when you close the action.

If so, loosen the set screw on your die lock ring and set the die down JUST ENOUGH to again allow for easy chambering.

You may need to make this change a couple of times, but will soon arrive at the point of optimum sizing for your rifle and die combination.

All rifle chambers and dies are made within manufacturing tolerences, and as such each chamber and die will differ slightly from the specs, therefore the above way of adjusting YOUR DIES for YOUR CHAMBER will give you the best possible fit.

Keep em coming!

CDOC 

[ironglowjr]

thank you all for your help.....Starting up reloading is a very rewarding and also time consuming process, all this is very helpful, thanx again....ironglow..

[Darrell Davis]

Yep, and about the time you think you have been there and done that, you learn something new, again.

Lots of good info here at GB, but always verify load info from a relable source, mine or anyones as we all push a wrong key on a bad day.

Normaly however, there is someone watching our back side who will catch us on it before very long.

Still doesn't hurt to check a good manual.

And yes, loading can eat up a lot of time, but it is a good way to involve other family members.  Shooting, reloading, etc. can all be good family time.

Keep em coming!

CDOC