FIX-IT: How to Remove a Cartridge Case Stuck in 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!
Similar Posts:
- TECH TIP: How to Remove a Stuck Cartridge Case from a Die
- Reloading Rescue — How to Remove a Case Stuck in a Die
- Stuck Case Remover Kit — You’ll Need One Sooner or Later
- How to Remove Case Stuck in Die — Stuck Case Removal Kits
- How to Remove a Case Stuck in a Die — Case Removal Kits
Share the post "FIX-IT: How to Remove a Cartridge Case Stuck in a Die"
Tags: Die, Full Length Die, RCBS, Reloading, Stuck Case, Tap, Tap Thread Case
after the case is out of the die ,cut the case head off (hacksaw,tube cutter ect. then the decapper stem will come out without danger of bending it.
There is another, much simpler way to remove a stuck case out of a sizing die. 1) with the die still in the resizing press, screw out the decapping rod. 2) Remove the die from the resizing press. 3) find a straight metal rod that will fit inside the inside of the case neck that protrudes approximately an inch outside of the die once the rod is located all the way into the die and bottoms out inside the stuck case. 4) open up a bench vice and locate the die locking ring only on the edge of the vice while simultaneously locating the rod as perpendicular as possible on the other vice jaw. 5) gently close the vice until there is pressure on the protruding rod which is located inside the stuck case. 6) While using vertical pressure with one of your hands to make sure that the die does not “jump” out of the vice jaw, slowly wind the vice together and watch the rod push the stuck cartridge case out of the die.
I have done this on many occasions over the decades with complete success. The process takes less than five minutes and saves the case. There is no damage to the die lock ring, die or vice. All you need is a vice with enough jaw opening and a suitable length rod similar in diameter than the inside of the case neck. Voila ! No damage to any components and the case can be reused.
I’ve only had to use the RCBS Stuck Case Remover I have once in over 44 years and I’m glad I had it on hand. Works just as described and its good enough for me.
Ive used the RCBS tool and it works great. The tough one is when the head pulls off the case or partially tears.
How about better lube instead of more lube? Since I stopped using the greasy kid stuff years ago and switched to Imperial Die Wax and pure mink oil paste I have not even come close to sticking a case. My stuck case extractor languishes in the drawer . . . .
Mr. Bill – tell us more about “Imperial Die Wax AND pure mink oil paste”. Do you use one or the other or some mixture? Thanks.