TECH TIP: How to Remove a Stuck Cartridge Case from a Die
To err is human… Sooner or later you’ll probably get a case stuck in a die. This “fix-it” article, which originally appeared in the Western Powders Blog, explains the procedure for removing a firmly stuck cartridge case using an RCBS kit. This isn’t rocket science, but you do want to follow the directions carefully, step-by-step. Visit the Western Powders Blog for other helpful Tech Tips.
Curing the Stuck Case Blues
Sticking a case in the sizer die is a rite of passage for the beginning handloader. If you haven’t done it yet, that’s great, but it probably will eventually happen. When it does, fixing the problem requires a bit of ingenuity or a nice little kit like the one we got from RCBS.
The first step is to clear the de-capping pin from the flash hole. Just unscrew the de-capping assembly to move it as far as possible from the primer pocket and flash hole (photo at right). Don’t try to pull it all the way out. It won’t come. Just unscrew it and open as much space as possible inside the case.
Place the die upside down in the padded jaws of a vise and clamp it firmly into place. Using the supplied #7 bit, drill through the primer pocket. Be careful not to go too deeply inside the cartridge once the hole has opened up. It is important to be aware that the de-capping pin and expander ball are still in there and can be damaged by the bit.
Drill and Tap the Stuck Case
Once the cartridge head has been drilled, a ¼ – 20 is tap is used to cut threads into the pocket. Brass is relatively soft compared to a hardened tap, so no lube is needed for the tapping process. RCBS says that a drill can be used for this step, but it seems like a bit of overkill in a project of this nature. A wrench (photo above right) makes short work of the project.
RCBS supplies a part they call the “Stuck Case Remover Body” for the next step. If you are a do-it-yourselfer and have the bit and tap, this piece is easily replicated by a length of electrical conduit of the proper diameter and some washers. In either case, this tool provides a standoff for the screw that will do the actual pulling.
With an Allen Wrench, Finish the Job
Run the screw through the standoff and into the tapped case head. With a wrench, tighten the screw which hopefully pulls the case free. Once the case is free, clamp the case in a vice and pull it free of the de-capping pin. There is tension here because the sizing ball is oversized to the neck dimension as part of the sizing process. It doesn’t take much force, but be aware there is still this last little hurdle to clear before you get back to loading. Don’t feel bad, everyone does this. Just use more lube next time!
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- FIX-IT: How to Remove a Cartridge Case Stuck in a Die
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- Stuck Case Remover Kit — You’ll Need One Sooner or Later
- How to Remove Case Stuck in Die — Stuck Case Removal Kits
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Tags: Case, RCBS, Reloading, Stuck Case, Tap Die
clamp the un threaded section of the die in the vise .then if you forget to pad the vise enough the thread will not get bunged up. also in most press/shellholder set ups if you remove the shellholder then put the die /stuck case in then slide the shellholder into the ram and on the rim at the same time the case can be pulled of the expander using the press without any beating and banging
Even easier is to unscrew the decapping pin and expander ball from the adjustment screw. Then put a punch through the case mouth that’s bigger than the flash hole and smaller than the case neck and tap out the case.
Otherwise you can often screw the case into the press upside-down and use the press ram to push the punch as above.
Either way you have to make sure the punch pushes the expander ball off to one side so it’s not damaged.
So what happens if the threading and puller, then the ounch do not work? I have a 260 ai case stuck rite now in a body shaper die
If you shoot .223, .308 or 30-06 use a Dillon dies and it’s not problem. They are designed to handle this problem.
It should work Caleb. My stuck case was a .308