Casing stuck in decapping die.

[Doug B.]

I have a casing stuck in my .243 RCBS reloading die.  Any good "home remedies" so I can avoid spending MORE money?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[OR-E-Gun Bill]

Here's one poor man's method. http://www272.pair.com/stevewag/reloading/reloading2.html
I have another one hidden somewhere in my favorites and I'll see if I can find it for ya.

Bill

EDIT ADDED: If using a LEE die:
Stuck Cases : From LEE Website
 
You can easily remove the case yourself, loosen but do not remove the decapper clamp with a 3/4 and 1/2 wrench. Then pound on the end of the decapper rod with a 3/16 drift punch, and use a heavy hammer for best results. You can leave the die in the press for this operation.

[John Traveler]

RCBS (and others) have a stuck case remover set you can buy.  But there is no need to spend the $ and inconvenience of buying one.

1.  Back off (unscrew) the expander plug/decapping rod.

2.  Drill out the primer pocket using a 3/16" dill bit.  This can be done in a drill press, or hold the die in a benchvise and use a drill motor.  Best yet, use a lathe and 3-jaw chuck.

3.  Thread the hole using a 1/4-20 tap.

4.  Using an appropriate size ( 1/2") mechanics socket, washer, and 1/4-20 bolt or cap screw, wrench the screw in until the stuck case is extracted from the sizing die.

The extractor kits contains the drill, tap, screw, washer, and a collar that fits against the die.

[myronman3]

had that happen the other day for the first time.  i took out the die and used a dremel tool to gently cut it off without touching the die.  i used my vise and wood blocks to hold the die.  worked great. 

[huntswithdogs]

I bought one of the Hornady case removers,finally. I couldn't keep up with the 1/4'' bolts and nuts. Kinda funny though, of all the reloading I've done over the years, I've only had stuck cases occur with my 243s. Always seems to happen on the second or third case. Another reason I switched to ONE SHOT lube. Not getting lube in the necks was my problem. Haven't had any stuck in a long time, but just watch...I'll get all set up for a loading session and AHHHH CRAPPPP!!!!!! Oh well ?

HWD

[Doug B.]

I got it out!  Took the die to a friend of mine that is quite an accomplished machinist.  He chucked the die in his mill, drilled out the primer pocket ever so slightly to accept a self centering punch.  The mill pushed it out as if there was nothing in the die whatsoever.  No damage to either the inside or outside of the die.  Back in action!

[adirondacker]

ever thought of dynamaite? nothing worse than a case stuck in a die!good luck ,adker

[woodchukhntr]

I just had one stick in a Lyman .30-30 die.  I lubed it with Hornady spray lube, and it seemed to have a good coating when I put in the shellholder.  Started sizing and couldn't go all the way.  It wouldn't come back out.  I actually heard the bench (pressboard) crack.  I backed the decapping pin assembly out as far as it would go and sprayed WD-40 in from the top and around the case.die at the bottom.  After waiting a minute or so, I gave it a good pull and it came out.