problem with hornady size die

[mag1]

I have read so many threads but cant find an answer to my problem. I am having problems with the size/decap die from the new dimension custom grade set.

I am using once fired 9mm brass that I shot out of my HK P30.

I set up my LNL AP this morning for 9mm. I have not leveled my reload bench yet. Wanted to get the press mounted first and at least see if I can get one station to run. I degreased the size/decap die with hornady one shot. I did exactly what they guys on youtube and hornady manual says to do to adjust the die.

On the downstroke of the arm, the brass goes into the die, then there is a decent amount of resistance about when the brass get in 1/4" into the die. When I stop and upstroke the arm of the press to release the brass from the die, a wierd metal clank/ pop is heard, not sure if coming from the brass coming out of the die, or the shellplate pulling the brass out of the die.

The shellplate is not too tight. The pawls are good. Press was greased where it was supposed to be as in the manual.

What am I doing wrong?

The brass is not clean. My bench is not level. Is that the problem?

Just seems like the brass doesnt want to go smoothly into the die. If I get the brass completely in the die, it doesnt decap everytime and I have to use alot of force on the upstroke to remove the brass from the die. Just doesnt seem right, and I dont want to break anything.

Thanks if you guys can help. I can post a vid in the morning also of what is happening.

[mag1]

I checked the shellplate and die set size. Both are for 9mm luger.

[Poseidon215]

Ok a few things may help. Get the bench rock solid and level if possible. The shellplate needs to be tight, use the hornady wrench or your hand to hold it back and tighten it up. The clank means something is loose and moving when it's not supposed to so have to find the issue. Also, What brand and model of sizing die are you using? If it is not a carbide die you will need to lube the cases prior to sizing them. 9mm suck being tapered it takes more force than 40 or 45 to size.

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[Brassaholic13]

Clean brass or not, lube it. 4 oz Lanolin to 32 Oz Iso Alky for the cheapest lube out there.

[mag1]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/667162/hornady-custom-grade-new-dimension-nitride-3-die-set-9mm-luger#pr-header-back-to-top-link

This is the die

[mag1]

I am going to get the bench solid and level this morning.

I also ran 2 pieces of new startline 9mm deprimed brass. It did the same thing, except the brass was able to go in half way into the die, but still felt stuck and heard that stuck noise when removing brass from die.

[paul788]

Lube the brass.

Paul

[mag1]

Lube the brass.

Paul

What can I lube the brass with for now just to see if that is the problem? I only have hornady one shot that I tried and didn help.

I dont have any press s[ecific lube yet since I didnt think I needed it with the die set I bought.

[mag1]

Ok, bench is leveled and stable. The brass is goin in the die alot easier and the noise on upstroke is less.

Now the brass is not decapping. It seems that the die rod is being pushed up by the brass primer(slipping on the threads). I think they call is a zip spindle.

The zip spindle isnt locking so the decapping pin is moving up, reducing its depth to less than 3/16". If I push on the top of the spindle rod on the downstroke, it stops the pin/rod from backing out, then I get a deprime.

To adjust the expander/decap assembly:

1. Loosen the spindle lock.

2. Adjust the spindle so approximately 3/16"

of the decap pin is below the end of the die

(SEE PHOTO.)

(NOTE: The new Zip Spindle is lightly threaded to

provide a positive no-slip lock. In its free state, the Zip Spindle can

be pulled up and down to make quick adjustments, or can be

threaded for more precise adjustments.)

3. Make sure the threads on the spindle and collet are engaged

and tighten the spindle lock until the spindle no longer rotates.

4. Verify that the decap pin is only extended 3/16" below die.

I def think the brass needs to be lubed.

[Ken_Bird]

You might want to polish up and square the de-prime punch. It may be a little oversize and just some smoothing will make a big difference. I have had to do this myself. Just case lube makes the job easier, but on 9 mm brass is not a have to deal.

I always load clean brass, it works easier, and put less wear on my loading dies and machine. JMHO

[SD1]

these dies are tight tolerence.

tumble brass for 1 hour and then lube, deprime all brass then tumble for 2 hours for final polish and clean pockets.

let us know how that works

[noylj]

1) The Hornady sizing die is the easiest sizing die for sizing, maybe due to the TiN ring.

2) Raise the ram all the way up and screw the sizing die until it just touches the shell plate. Do not tighten the lock ring. Loosen the depriming punch a little, such that you can move the punch up and down by hand with a little effort

3) Take a deprimed case, place in shell plate and raise the ram. If case does not enter the die easily, add a very little liquid soap or other case lube and try again to size the case. You may need to wiggle the depriming punch so it enters the flash hole.

4) With the depriming punch in the flash hole, tighten the collet TIGHT

5) turn down the lock ring tight

6) lower the ram and insert another case and see if you can now size and deprime.

Make sure the depriming pin is straight.

If you still can't size and deprime, call Hornady and they'll walk you through and determine where the problem is (call at the bench, of course)

All you need to do for dirty brass is wipe off the exterior. Normally, 30 minutes in a tumbler with 20/40 corn is all you will need (unless you are picking up cases buried in dirt and mud). Shiny is nice, but doesn't do anything for the reloads except mean they shine.

[mag1]

This morning I tightened the spindle lock with 2 wrenches very tight.

I was able to deprime 10 brass that I wiped down w one shot with no problems except the brass sticking into the die on the upstroke. Still sticking, but alot less. That seemed to be why the punch pin was moving up and down and not depriming. I did not see that anywhere in the manual or vids to tighten it down that tight. Thanks noylj.

Im gonna order some media and lube today. Not going to mess with the press anymore until that comes. I still havent received any confirmation about the primers and powder I was able to order last week.

I need to check the size die and make sure nothing is bent, will do that today. Going to order another brand die and see if it is any easier.

Thanks guys for the help. Almost there without calling hornady, which I will do today.

Please keep the comments coming if I am missing something

[DWFAN]

What one shot are you using that you wipe on? I would use the spray can and spray it on. You probably arent using enough lube if you're just wiping it on.

[SD1]

Are you using dirty brass?

[mag1]

I am using the hornady aerosol one shot gun cleaner and dry lube only cuz i bought it to clean the dies and press.

Yes, the brass was not clean. I used it once through my P30, picked it up, then stored it in its box, knowing I was going to get a reloader soon.

[DWFAN]

The OneShot Gun cleaner and dry lube is not the same as OneShot case lube. That's probably most of the problem.

[mag1]

The OneShot Gun cleaner and dry lube is not the same as OneShot case lube. That's probably most of the problem.

Yes i know that.

I just used the one shot i have to clean the brass to see if there would be less resistance going inside the day.

I just ordered my media and lube.

[SD1]

Tumble brass as stated earlier and light lube and your problems will be solved.

Use those dies, You won't have any bulged brass issues.

[at_liberty]

SD1 - I didn't buy a progressive press only to have to size and decap off the press, handling twice. For my handgun needs, I wash brass and tumble with spent primers intact.

Edited April 14, 2014 by at_liberty

[Brassaholic13]

SD1 - I didn't buy a progressive press only to have to size and decap off the press, handling twice. For my handgun needs, I wash brass and tumble with spent primers intact.

Careful with wet tumbling with primers intact. Water can remain in the primer pocket and bork your reloads.

[mag1]

Tumble brass as stated earlier and light lube and your problems will be solved.

Use those dies, You won't have any bulged brass issues.

I have all my reloading supplies finally. As soon as I get back from vaca, I will start setting up the other stations.

I have not messed with the press since my last post.

Everyone has been a big help..I really do appreciate it. Again, error was me, not the press..