Pressure for full length sizing?

jaeger · 03-28-2008, 10:01 PM

I just got my lee challenger press and while trying it out today I noticed that it takes an extreme amount of pressure on the handle to resize and decap. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? I am using the lube and have the die set correctly. Any advise would be great.

mitch_mckee · 03-28-2008, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaeger

I just got my lee challenger press and while trying it out today I noticed that it takes an extreme amount of pressure on the handle to resize and decap. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? I am using the lube and have the die set correctly. Any advise would be great.

Are you using lube on the case?

toolman · 03-28-2008, 10:06 PM

The Lee lube works fairly well, but I've found that Imperial Sizing Die Wax or even STP (yes the oil additive), reduces the force required to full-length size a case.

mitch_mckee · 03-28-2008, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toolman

The Lee lube works fairly well, but I've found that Imperial Sizing Die Wax or even STP (yes the oil additive), reduces the force required to full-length size a case.

STP? I like it! Might give it a try.

Is it hard to clean off the cases?

toolman · 03-28-2008, 10:14 PM

I've only used it a few times, but I just sprayed some brake cleaner on a rag and wiped them off.

billy · 03-28-2008, 10:33 PM

how bout PAM?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaeger

I just got my lee challenger press and while trying it out today I noticed that it takes an extreme amount of pressure on the handle to resize and decap. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? I am using the lube and have the die set correctly. Any advise would be great.

are you using cases that were fired in a semi auto?
they get stretched out more than bolt gun fired cases.

Ron AKA · 03-28-2008, 10:35 PM

STP is all I ever used, and I full length every time. I also suspect you have a better press than the old Lyman I use. I just wipe the STP off with a rag after resizing. What cartridge are you loading?

Ron

jaeger · 03-29-2008, 12:33 AM

I am reloading .308 and use the lee case lube. All of my rounds are fired out of bolt guns.

mitch_mckee · 03-29-2008, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaeger

I am reloading .308 and use the lee case lube. All of my rounds are fired out of bolt guns.

I load .308 alot. It does take a good yank sometimes to get the case out of the die. I can't really tell you if it is excessive unless I were there. Sorry.

If your cases are coming out without damage like galling or scratches, I think you are OK.

hornet lover · 03-29-2008, 01:25 AM

hi guys, can you use graphite to lube your cases

samuel · 03-29-2008, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitch_mckee

I load .308 alot. It does take a good yank sometimes to get the case out of the die. I can't really tell you if it is excessive unless I were there. Sorry.

If your cases are coming out without damage like galling or scratches, I think you are OK.

If you are having trouble getting bottleneck cases out,take a brush the right size and clean the minside of the neck.Dont lube unless you want ot wipe it back out before putting powder in.Just brushing it out dry is enough. As to .308,s going in hard,either you have excesive headspace or you arent lubing them right.You should be able to see bulged cases if you have headspace problems.I dont like spray.Try a pad if you are using spray.It should never take over 20lbs pressure for any function in reloading.Go back and read your reloading instructions.They will tell you what is wrong. sam.

03-28-2008, 10:01 PM	#1
jaeger Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 289 Images: 3	Pressure for full length sizing? I just got my lee challenger press and while trying it out today I noticed that it takes an extreme amount of pressure on the handle to resize and decap. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? I am using the lube and have the die set correctly. Any advise would be great.

03-28-2008, 10:06 PM	#3
toolman Mr. Fixit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 5,562 Blog Entries: 22	The Lee lube works fairly well, but I've found that Imperial Sizing Die Wax or even STP (yes the oil additive), reduces the force required to full-length size a case. __________________ Don't be messin' with my gun!

03-28-2008, 10:14 PM	#5
toolman Mr. Fixit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 5,562 Blog Entries: 22	I've only used it a few times, but I just sprayed some brake cleaner on a rag and wiped them off. __________________ Don't be messin' with my gun!

03-28-2008, 10:35 PM	#7
Ron AKA Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 704	STP is all I ever used, and I full length every time. I also suspect you have a better press than the old Lyman I use. I just wipe the STP off with a rag after resizing. What cartridge are you loading? Ron Last edited by Ron AKA; 03-28-2008 at 10:44 PM.

03-29-2008, 12:33 AM	#8
jaeger Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 289 Images: 3	I am reloading .308 and use the lee case lube. All of my rounds are fired out of bolt guns.

03-29-2008, 01:25 AM	#10
hornet lover Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: victoria, australia Posts: 19	hi guys, can you use graphite to lube your cases