Removing Stuck Cases

By Joe Cota

A problem that sometimes occurs when we reload is that a case gets stuck in the decapper/expander die (also known as the resizing die).  This can result from not adequately lubricating the case prior to running it into die, or not cleaning a new die prior to use.  The case gets stuck in the die, and when you attempt to extract it on the reloading press down stroke, the shell holder deforms the case’s rim and it pulls free of the shellholder.   Getting the stuck case out can be problematic.

A friend just bought a new set of Lee .223 dies and forgot to clean out the decapper/expander die.  The result was a stuck case (as you can see in the photo above). Here’s the easy way to remove stuck cases using tools that can all be bought at your local hardware store.

1. Remove the die and take off the pin retainer using the proper 1/2″ box and 3/4″ open wrenches. No crescent wrenches, pliers or vice grips!

2. Put the die in a well-padded vise and knock the pin down with a brass or hard plastic mallet. The brass mallet or brass punch works best.

3. The expander pin will remain in the case. It will be loose and rattle around a bit, but still trapped inside the case.

4. Use a small tubing cutter to remove the base of the case.

5. Clean up and polish the expander pin using a non-abrasive wheel or a Scotch Brite pad with soap and water. Get all that factory gunk out of the sizing die body too. I use brake cleaner, but WD 40 will also loosen the factory crud.

6. Reassemble everything with the pin lining up with the top of the retaining nut. Secure VERY tightly again using the proper wrenches.

Your die will now be better than new because the factory gunk is gone and the expander pin has been polished.

Make sure to use a good case lube on all bottle necked rifle calibers. I’m not a huge fan of the white Lee water soluble case lube but it works. I prefer to use spray lubes such as Lyman or Hornady One Shot.

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