Reloading Series: Case Sizing
Introduction
Hey everyone, Caleb and Steve from Brownells here! We’re continuing our reloading series today, focusing on an essential step: setting up your sizing die and sizing cases. In this video, we’ll cover how to set up your sizing die, focusing on full-length sizing for both straight wall and bottleneck cases. We’ll give you tips for decapping, lubrication, and more. Let’s jump right in!
Different Types of Sizing Dies: Straight Wall and Bottleneck
There are two main types of sizing dies: straight wall case sizing and bottleneck case sizing. Many of you rifle shooters are familiar with bottleneck cases, while handgun shooters often deal with straight wall cases. Even though they’re different, the setup process for the dies is similar. Straight wall cases are often found in cartridges like 9mm, and bottleneck cases are found in common rifle rounds like .223 Remington.
Setting Up a Carbide Sizing Die for 9mm
Let’s start by setting up a carbide sizing die for 9mm. Carbide dies are great because they allow you to size brass without needing to lubricate the cases, which is especially helpful for straight wall pistol cases. We install the shell holder in the press and screw the sizing die into the top of the press. Once the die is set up, you can lock it in place with the locking collar. We also check the brass with a pistol gauge to ensure that it has been properly sized and will chamber correctly. After firing, brass expands, so it’s important to resize it back to its original dimensions for reliable performance in your firearm.
Importance of Sizing for Chamber Fit
Sizing your brass is crucial because it ensures the cartridge will fit correctly in your firearm’s chamber. We use a pistol case gauge to check the size of the brass after firing and sizing. Once the brass fits perfectly in the gauge, you know it will fit in the chamber. This is especially important when reloading to prevent malfunctions and ensure consistent performance.
Die Setup and Decapping Basics
The sizing die is equipped with a decapping rod, which removes the spent primer from the case as you size it. If you’ve already decapped the brass, you can still run it through the die without the decapping pin installed. We demonstrate how to adjust the die and decapping rod to ensure that the primer is properly punched out during the sizing process.
Inside the Sizing Die: Cutaway Example
To help explain how a sizing die works, we show a cutaway die that reveals the inner workings. You can see the decapping pin and elliptical expander ball inside the die, which help to resize the neck and body of the case. The die mimics the dimensions of a firearm’s chamber, resizing the brass to fit snugly inside your rifle or pistol.
Sizing Brass for Semi-Auto and Bolt-Action Reliability
When sizing brass for semi-auto or bolt-action rifles, it’s important to ensure reliable cycling. Semi-autos benefit from brass that’s sized slightly undersized to prevent jams and ensure smooth feeding. Bolt-action rifles, especially those used for hunting, need full-length sizing to guarantee that each round chambers properly. This is especially critical when hunting dangerous game, where reliable performance is key.
Bottleneck Case Sizing: Setting up 223 Remington
Now let’s move on to bottleneck cases. We set up the die for .223 Remington, which involves the same basic process as the straight wall die, but with an added step for bumping the shoulder of the case. The shoulder of the case expands when fired, and the die pushes it back to its original size. This is crucial for maintaining reliability, especially in semi-auto rifles.
Avoiding Over-Lubrication
One important tip is to avoid over-lubricating your cases. While lubrication is necessary for bottleneck cartridges, using too much can cause problems like denting the shoulder of the case, leading to poor chambering. We use a light coat of Hornady One Shot Case Lube to prevent these issues. Make sure you’re not applying too much lube, as it can create pressure points in the case that could affect reliability.
Closing Remarks
That wraps up our look at how to properly set up and use your sizing die. Whether you’re working with straight wall pistol cases or bottleneck rifle cases, this step is crucial for ensuring your brass is resized properly and ready for reloading. Stay tuned for our next video, where we’ll cover the next steps in the reloading process! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments, and we’ll see you next time!