Do I need a small base die to save my brass?

[stainlineho]

I’m looking for some advice for some heavy bolt lift and extraction issues in a new barrel using brass previously fired from my old barrel. Based on all my testing and research thus far I’m thinking a small base die might be the answer to keep this brass going?

I’m getting a click at the top of the heavy bolt lift and after 3-4 shots the brass won’t extract. I have to get it out with a cleaning rod. I just got some 1x fired Lapua brass and it appears to be fine when checking it in the chamber after resizing. Here is a video.

I don't think the issue is over pressure. I'm running 42.0 H4350gr with 130gr ELD-Ms seating .020 off the lands. Here is a pic of some fired cases.

 

[greg vess]

To my knowledge I don't think it's absolutely necessary if you're using the cases in the same gun. But if you are alternating those cartridges in different guns than you do need a full length sizing die. I think what it does is squeeze the neck down to a smaller diameter to aid in feeding in a semi-automatic firearm. I just use a full length sizing die and a bullet seating die. Some can get by with just neck sizing if it's like in a bolt action rifle if they're using the ammo in the same gun. If you're running it in a semi-automatic I would think you'd want to full length sizing die. All small base does is squeeze the case down below slightly under SAMMI specs. I run all my brass through the standard or competition full length die so I don't have to worry about it having feeding problems or chambering problems when I go to use the ammo in a different gun. I believe that's what it's for but there are other more seasoned reloaders than I am on here by far so let them weigh in on the topic because there might be some information I missed.

 

[BHPSteel]

If you go for a small base, you'll inevitably lose precision. You're trading off 'strict SAAMI' for a sloppy fit, as greg vess says above.

Do you have a really good quality case gauge, or are you relying on the chamber to plunk?

 

[CTS Tactical]

Measure the diameter of the brass at the base and compare it to the Lapua or some new stuff if you have any. Are you using full length sizing die or neck sizer?

 

[stainlineho]

I don't use a case gauge, I have only used the chamber to measure shoulder bump and sometimes will pull out the comparator set.

I have always full length resized using a Redding Type S FL resize die. The brass doesn't move from gun to gun. It was fired in a MPA barrel before and now the new barrel is a CRB 1.25 straight.

I will try to get a measurement of the brass around the case head, but I don't have a micrometer. I will see what I can do with my calipers.

 

[stainlineho]

MIGHT need to bump shoulder a bit more in the new barrel. Maybe try 1/4 turn in on the FL die? maybe only an 1/8.

Tried that. Still was having the same issue with getting the click on lift and extraction problems. The 1x fired Lapua I bought last week is sizing perfectly as seen in the video.

 

[stainlineho]

It looks like I'm getting some significant friction near the case head trying to extract the brass.

 

[greg vess]

Tried that. Still was having the same issue with getting the click on lift and extraction problems. The 1x fired Lapua I bought last week is sizing perfectly as seen in the video.

I have had tight chambers that lead to extraction problems. In fact some ammo wouldn't even feed. I am not a pro but take it to a gunsmith to see if it could use a reamer to clean up the chamber and just take off a hair off material. That might solve your issues with other brands of brass. I have had to do that on new barrels to help with extraction issues. I am just some spouting out some possible problems.

 

[greg vess]

It looks like I'm getting some significant friction need the case head trying to extract the brass.

Looks like the chamber has a raised spot. It shouldn't mark up the cases like that..

 

[greg vess]

I purchased a BCM Barrel and it was a designated marksman's Barrel made out of 410 stainless. I can only get one brand of ammo to feed. I had to ream the chamber out a bit to open it up and then I had no more problems out of it . I'm not saying that as your issue but it could be something to that effect.