Full length resizing - it's hard

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Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by juststarting » 16 Dec 2015, 12:42 pm

So since I am new to reloading I have only reloaded my own brass - neck sizing only. I purchased once-fired cases and started to do full length resizing. I did not realise how much force you need to apply! YouTube makes it look so easy! Damn hard work (200+ cases, I am only 89 in). :violin:
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by Apollo » 16 Dec 2015, 1:05 pm

What sort of Press are you using...??

It's no effort at all with a large "O" Frame Press like an RCBS Rock Chucker or similar with long handle and good leverage.

Make sure the cases are lubed, not too much, less is better than heaps which will damage cases. I use a Lube Pad, roll a few around then use fingers to spread a bit up the outside of the necks. I also keep the inside of my Reloading Dies clean.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by brett1868 » 16 Dec 2015, 1:14 pm

Shouldn't need too much effort....I assume the cases have been lubed? a little on the inside of the neck helps get it back over the expander ball. I've taken the expander ball out and polished it with 1200 wet and dry on most of the larger die sets which has helped reduce some of the effort required.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by juststarting » 16 Dec 2015, 2:47 pm

This is what I have: https://www.huntingtons.com/store/image ... s_1200.jpg

Cases were lubed. I had some lube on cotton bud/ear cleaner/swab to swab the inside of the neck.

All cases are perfectly fine, as they are driven up into the die. On the way out - a lot of pressure. I suspect a very flimsy bench is at least partially to blame, but I did have to use a bit of force on the way up (handle up to bring the case down).

Some cases were alright, but some were very tight. Also selectively chambered some, just to make sure it's sized correctly and bolt closes - all good in that department.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by Apollo » 16 Dec 2015, 3:13 pm

:) Oh, a Baby RCBS Press... :)

Okay, anyway... I don't like Brett's suggestion. The reason is I don't and don't like the idea of using any oily lube inside a case neck UNLESS you completely clean it ALL out before proceeding playing with powder as the powder granules will stick to the inside of the neck and not fall into the case itself.

Many years ago I used a "Matchbox" with a layer of Graphite Powder in it and dipped every case into it to lube the inside of the case neck. Graphite is what smokeless powder is coated with to help protect against static electricity. It will not affect the powder and is easy removed with a case neck brush, well, most of it and the rest doesn't matter.

These days I use "Imperial Dry Neck Lube" (Graphite) and a "Imperial Application Media" (Ceramic Balls coated with Graphite)... Once my cases are coated with sizing wax/oil then I did the neck into the Graphite Coated Media. An alternative to just wiping the outside as I mentioned. It all depends on the case being sized and how tight they may be.

The Imperial gear is available from many places including BRT where I buy most of my precision reloading supplies from.. it's not expensive.

To test, go to a Auto Shop and get a Puff Bottle of Graphite Powder, put some into a small container enough to be 3-4mm deep and dip some necks then compare. If you like the result then buy the Imperial Kit.

Small warning, Graphite is dirty stuff, be carefull and don't spill it.

It's all a learning curve.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by juststarting » 16 Dec 2015, 3:21 pm

Meh, I'll be fine, just had to vent. I don't see myself needing to fill length resize very often, quite rare in fact, so just bithing :) As MythBusters would say, we can achieve anything with enough lubrication.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by Apollo » 16 Dec 2015, 3:28 pm

You'll be amazed how Graphite helps with many things to do with firearms, also how much easier that sizing button fits down and out a case neck.

One bottle I have is near 50yo, anyway. Have fun.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by juststarting » 16 Dec 2015, 3:41 pm

Definitely want to try graphite, read that it is the way to go, just need to find time to pick some up from somewhere.

What's a 'puff bottle of graphite', application in automotive context, so I know what to ask/describe at the shop?
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by Apollo » 16 Dec 2015, 3:44 pm

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online ... mendations

Too easy....

Any Auto Store would have some, maybe even a Supermarket.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by Oldbloke » 16 Dec 2015, 5:42 pm

35g would last 3 life times. :D Locksmiths and maintenance fitters use it too.
I have been using gear box 90w oil as a lube and works for me, some use inox.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by tom604 » 16 Dec 2015, 6:48 pm

eat some spinach,,,, :twisted: :friends: :thumbsup:
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by Wm.Traynor » 16 Dec 2015, 7:10 pm

FWIW,
My cases are inside-neck-lubed with a bristle brush dipped/rolled/coated in graphite. Tap the brush to remove excess. Brush needs to be one calibre smaller than what you are reloading.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by juststarting » 16 Dec 2015, 9:28 pm

So I got some graphite... I don't have a smaller brush, any suggestions on how to apply it without a bore brush?
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by Apollo » 16 Dec 2015, 9:43 pm

It's not rocket science.

Tip some out in a small containter, even like a Bottle Top (Coke Lid) a few mm thick and just dip your case neck into it. It will spread up the inside and outside. Experiment and just try and reduce the / any excess.

Then use any size brush to clear the excess perhaps from the inside of the case neck.... Tap your case on a hard surface, the graphite will fall out.

Sorry to repeat myself but just try a couple and see if you find sizing cases a lot easier. Take your time and experiment. It does work.

An old but very tried and tested method of lubrication.

Even the "Old Bloke" agrees.... and I'm only a youngster being not quite 70 yo....
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by juststarting » 16 Dec 2015, 9:48 pm

Thanks, Apollo.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by Bills Shed » 17 Dec 2015, 5:06 am

You said that they were once fired brass and so would / should not be too hard in the neck yet. Annealing is another step many of us get into when the brass gets hard. It will make your brass last longer and you will notice the difference when sizing.
Once fired brass should not need a great deal of effort to pull the expander ball through. Any good lube will work on the inside of the neck. You can also check to expander ball to check for rough tool marks. Smooth them out if required . I too have used graphite and it works as advertised.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by juststarting » 17 Dec 2015, 11:51 pm

Apollo, graphite powder worked like a charm! Thank you for the suggestion.

In hindsight, lots of fail there:

1. was lubing the case, but not the neck - fail
2. did not lube inside of the neck well.
3. flimsy bench - not the most stable bench top, but does the job, though contributed to overall difficulty

Lubbed the outside of the neck and everything started moving along.
Added graphite powder into the equation, applied to the inside of the neck using .22 bore mop and that has improved things a lot more.

Unfortunately, not much can be done about the bench top for now.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by Bills Shed » 18 Dec 2015, 6:01 am

Good to hear that you got it sorted
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by Bills Shed » 18 Dec 2015, 7:08 am

Good to hear that you got it sorted
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by happyhunter » 18 Dec 2015, 9:16 am

juststarting wrote:Apollo, graphite powder worked like a charm! Thank you for the suggestion.

In hindsight, lots of fail there:

1. was lubing the case, but not the neck - fail
2. did not lube inside of the neck well.
3. flimsy bench - not the most stable bench top, but does the job, though contributed to overall difficulty

Lubbed the outside of the neck and everything started moving along.
Added graphite powder into the equation, applied to the inside of the neck using .22 bore mop and that has improved things a lot more.

Unfortunately, not much can be done about the bench top for now.


I use lee lube which doesn't affect the powder. You shouldn't be lubing the outside of the neck as it can cause distortion, which is pretty standard advice in reloading manuals. Full length resizing shouldn't require that much force or all the elaborate solutions proposed. Use a better/more case lube.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by juststarting » 18 Dec 2015, 9:45 am

http://www.redding-reloading.com/tech-l ... ting-cases looking at Redding's post, they seem to suggest the opposite (and some on this thread).
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by happyhunter » 18 Dec 2015, 9:59 am

juststarting wrote:http://www.redding-reloading.com/tech-line-a-tips-faqs/169-lubricating-cases looking at Redding's post, they seem to suggest the opposite (and some on this thread).


The specifically mention dry lube. They also mention this for bottle neck cases like your 308.

4) When the web area has been completely coated, slowly move toward the shoulder or case mouth, applying an even coating of case lubricant along the way. If resizing a bottleneck cartridge case, stop at the shoulder/body junction. If lubricant finds its way to the shoulder, simply wipe it away with a clean finger to avoid dents.

That is because the lube doesn't compress which can result in distortion/crushed shoulder and necks.

If you watch the lee videos they also recommend not lubing above the shoulder, same as the redding post.
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by SendIt » 04 Jan 2016, 9:05 am

juststarting wrote:Cases were lubed. I had some lube on cotton bud/ear cleaner/swab to swab the inside of the neck.


A bit late to this now but how were you lubing the outside of the cases?

Seeing the RCBS press I assume you got the kit with the rolling mat?
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by juststarting » 04 Jan 2016, 11:18 am

Yep you are late. :) all covered in the thread
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Re: Full length resizing - it's hard

Post by SendIt » 08 Jan 2016, 10:17 am

My bad, missed the second page.
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