reloading help needed please!!

[bucksnort06]

Hello fellas,
I just started reloading for my prohunter in 204 and I'm having issues. After I FL resize, I try the shell in the chamber and some of them work well and others will not allow the gun to fully close. I cant figure out why. What could casue this? thanks alot for the help. FYI, I'm using brass fired out of 2 different guns if that makes any difference.

[bucksnort06]

also, the trim length is 1.84 and a max of 1.85. My brass is at 1.85". Thanks

[Kurt L]

I think you don't have the die set properly might be it, thus not bumping your shoulder back.
do you have a dial caliper with a head space gage set you can measure the cases from base
or head stamp to the shoulder?

[bucksnort06]

I do have a caliper but no headspace guage. I've try raising the ram up till the shell holder on the ram touches the die and then backed off a half turn. then I worked my way in till it touches and still no luck.  Any advice on setting up my die. Its the basic Redding FL resize die. thanks

[Kurt L]

You say you have the die touches ram.
With ram all the way up you turn die to touch it then lower ram and turn die a little more so
when ram is at the top it breaks over center or little snap over cam feeling,any way if you had the
shell in the shellholder and ran up to touch the die .

How does it not fit?
does it act to big around?
act to long?
the ones that don't fit after you re size are from another gun?

[Dee]

I would wager over-all case length. Trim the case AFTER RESIZING to proper length.

[bucksnort06]

O.K. So I just readjusted my dies. I raised the ram so it touches the shellholder and the lowered the ram some. I then turned the die in a little more and they seem to fit good now. Maybe that was all it was?

[Kurt L]

Great.
You should still get a set so you know how long they are and how much you are moving the shoulder.
I wish I could figure how to add things.
Go to midsouth shooter supply and in the search type in catalog order # 005-HK66
this is the headspace kit. If you can swing it you should get one these take the guess work out.

[Davemuzz]

O.K. So I just readjusted my dies. I raised the ram so it touches the shellholder and the lowered the ram some. I then turned the die in a little more and they seem to fit good now. Maybe that was all it was?

That sounds right. When you F\L size the brass, you should be able to insert it into the barrel (take the barrel off the gun) and the back of the brass should be flush with the back of the barrel...or protruding out just a few thousands at most.

If you find that your T\C is "difficult" to close after you insert a new reload, (ie: you have to snap is a few times and kind of hard) then that's a sign you haven't set the shoulder back enough.

Dave

[bucksnort06]

Thanks guys for all your help. I really appreciate. I think I'm going to invest into a headspace gauge soon.

[Kurt L]

You are more than welcome.
Just glad we could help you out