Stuck cases alone are frustrating. Always best to take a break and walk away like you did, otherwise the really big hammer comes out and things only go downhill from there. The prc sure is an interesting beast.
I can't take credit for this idea, as it came from a friend. But I had a severely stuck case and I used the same stuck case remover and was having a hell of a time. He told me to put as much tension as I felt safe with and then put the whole shootin match in the freezer overnight. Then go the rest of the way with the extractor and it worked very well! Alternately, he said mix up 50% acetone and ATF together, hit it with a heating torch, and lubricate the area between the brass and die. I have not tried the 2nd trick...just the first. Hope it helps someone out there 👍
Excellent job staying calm during all of that. I'm pretty sure my family thought I'd developed tourettes during my last stuck case dilemma. I had also been using case slick at the time coincidentally
Stuck cases are such a royal pain! I felt like my bolt was too long as well when dealing with 223 cases. I ended up just getting some cheap washers to stack on top. Noooooo, don't cut off the base! Hold the expander to provide a little tension, so the brass does not spin, then keep turning the screw in the case, will slip right over and your good to go.... That was hard to watch....
Add washers to the bottom of the "cap" that the bolt twists against. It adds extra height to keep the case moving across the expander ball. I literally just did this with a stuck 30-06 brass 2 days ago. As long as the bolt initially has 3 or 4 threads into the brass when you start it'll pull. A little shot of lube thru the flash hole can help too. I love the videos! Keep up the good work!
I'm not even halfway through this video and I can already tell you it's going to be a classic. I've been laughing through this whole thing. I don't care if you reload or not this is just pure entertainment. Great video Shannon!
"Don't worry I stick more later you can see those" LOL That caption made me chuckle... When everything is going wrong during a reloading session it really makes you question why you even bother sometimes. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!
Pro tip: if the case doesn’t want to pop loose from die with case extraction kit, place die in freezer over night. It will pop right out when you turn the Allen key. Works everytime.
Ah ha, that's a great tip. Thanks for sharing. I've never done that, but sounds like a great tip if it really feels like you are going to strip the threads because it is so stuck. I sure hate it when that happens as it is such a waste of time when your trying to get rounds loaded because the weather/wind is going to be good the next day for shooting. I've had decent luck with my Lyman stuck case puller, but have never had to go to that extreme of freezing it. I'm still wondering why Johnny cut the case with the Dremel. I think if he bottomed out with the screw, I would just add some washers on top of the case puller and continue 🤔
I am so happy you are covering this cartridge, as I am starting to load it and don’t have the financial means to try most of the combination out there. Look forward to seeing what combinations you find that work, and which ones I can probably stay away from.
For stuck cases I use a longer 1/4-20 bolt and then put a nut on it where it meets the collet/socket. You thread into the case as normal but then crank on the nut. It’s less force on the soft brass threads and all the friction on the steel nut threads. It has a better chance of coming out.
Thanks JRB! I love All of your videos. The stuck cases make me cringe every time. When I first started reloading I was dealing with tons of military 5.56 and conversions to 300BLK. Stuck cases were the bane of my existence!!! You handle it better than most! Thanks again! Great vid!
Don't worry about the clumps. I have that in Retumbo regularly and it's still my favorite Magnum rifle powder. Excellent velocities, SD's, and Extreme Spreads.
Just got some for my prc and fired 3rds and 2 were 1fps from each other….have you used it with any 135 a tips?…I’ve got it,h1000,magpro,n560,and superformance in that range other than h4350 which I use on 130tmk at 3250fps
I had my first stuck case tonight on my Dillon 750 doing 223. My dumbass forgot to lube. Thank god that Dillon makes it easy to remove stuck cases. Never again will I forget to lube before inserting. 😂🤣😂
I’ve had to put together 2 separate dies for my 6.5 Prc brass. The Hornady is much thinner than both the Lapua/nosler/ and I also use alpha.this solved that issue! I use a SAC Prc Die for the three thicker ones, with a.291 bushing and an LC Wilson bushing die with either a .289 or a .287 for the Hornady brass . Now I’m consistent with all the brass
Hey buddy. Next time you get a case stuck like that. Stick it in the freezer for a couple hours. The brass should contract faster than the steel die. Hope this helps.
Interesting you say you always cut case when removed with stuck case tool. I always use tool to pull over expander ball. If you get a lee die you can pound on decap pin to remove stuck case. I would just get a lee for now till a better solution to sizing issue is found. I would've walked away too, anger never helps. We all have been in similar situations, you handled it better than i or most do. Good luck.
Thanks so much for the excellent, in depth video. I recently purchased a SAKO S20 Hunter in 6.5 PRC and it is a tack driver with factory Hornady Precision Hunter in 143 gr ELD-X. I am about to test 5 different powder combinations with 143 gr ELD-X bullets so I am hoping for a top performer out of the group. Thanks again for covering 6.5 PRC!
Take a break and have a beer, then try again. If not luck, then take another break and have another beer, then try again. Then either the case will be unstuck, or you will not care. I have stuck so many cases and you helped me get back on track. Glade you got it back in business!
This is the absolute best reloading video on TH-cam! So great to see someone else go through all the frustrations of things not working in spite of directions and marketing. And not having the perfect tool at hand so what can I use? Been there and done that brother and have a few dozen of the t-shirts! Thank you for sharing the full tragedy.
In fall of last year I started reloading. Thats largely from having watched your channel. I still go back and watch old videos to learn new aspects of handloading. Hope your well
I reload the 6.5 PRCE as well I've had really good luck with reloader 17,H & IMR 4350, H1000, MAGPRO and hybrid100 For projectilesI like Barnes match burners 140 grain Sierra match king 140 grain Sierra match king 142 grain Sierra tipped match king 130 green Nosler Accubond long range 129 grain And I personally have had really good luck with all Burgers I know this comment is starting to get long But you can get a lot of information on load data from the Sierra manual as well as the hodgdon Manual as well as the Hornady manual. I personally like the Sierra Manuel it gives you a lot of information for the 6.5 PRC
This has been really awesome. I just started getting into reloading completely and am using 6.5 prc as well. It was a long video but I learned a lot from the whole process...granted i bent my shellhoder plate on my M-Press within the first hour of resizing, but i really did appreciate this whole thing.
I had the same stuck case issues with my Redding Type-S Full Length sizing dies in 6.5 PRC (Hornady once fired brass). I polished the die with my dremel and some polishing compound. I also have to liberally lube the cases with RCBS lube because the imperial wax doesn't work as well with this cartridge it seems. The sizing die leaves the same marks on my brass. I think Hornady and the die makers need to take a closer look at this cartridge. My stock Type-S FL die wasn't sizing the brass enough to fit in my Howa's chamber. It wasn't squeezing in the brass down near the base of the cartridge and it wasn't bumping the shoulder back enough. Tried several different shell holders with no luck. Ended up turning the bottom of the die to remove 0.020" to get more shoulder bump. That solved the issue and I was able to bump the shoulder back 0.0015" after that. A lot of other guys have had the same issue with a variety of guns, including rifles from Christensen Arms. I noticed that Hornady has revised their match grade 6.5 PRC dies more than once.
I stuck a case for the very first time in 6.5 PRC. I bent the decapping rod getting it out, but Hornady sent me a replacement. No problems since, but I am using Imperial lube now. You always make me feel better about my problems. I was using a Hornady Custom Grade die and Hornady one shot lube when I stuck the case. I thought I had plenty of lube on it but apparently the die didn’t agree. Arghhh!!! I have loaded 147 ELD-M with IMR 4350 and shot under 1/2” from Fierce Fury. I have also started on the 156 gr Berger Elite Hunter. Groups are slightly larger so far but still in 3/4” range with Accurate Magpro. Looking forward to your next video. BTW the Fierce Fury is built on a long action receiver so I am loading near 3.00” for the Bergers. I think the LA is the only way to go for 6.5 PRC.
I enjoyed the same experience my first time loading with my Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor dies. I wrecked the die and cracked my bench. Then I went the stress-free route, and just bought a replacement sizing die. Saves a ton of effort and aggravation.
Way to go Thomas! Looking forward to the 6.5 PRC videos. I'd much rather have one of those than the Creedmoor myself. I had a Lee 458 Socomm sizing die that did the same thing. Had to wait for Hornady dies to become available. I wasn't suprised with a Lee die doing it, but I am suprised with your Redding die doing it.
The redding dies seem to be a bit rough inside. I had to do a lot of polishing on my 6.5 prc redding dies. The polishing compound went from white to completely black very quickly.
@@karlschauff7989 It looked like a piece of sewer pipe on the inside. Not what I would expect at all from any die manufacturer. Maybe that dies skipped a step or 2 on the manufacturing line...
@@coltonkay9000 Yeah mine looked like the tooling insert used to machine it was worn and not making a clean cut. The surface on the inside feels like what I would expect on a roughing pass and not a finish pass. I think rough surface held onto a lot of machining dust. I don't think you would want a high polish finish inside as you might run into problems with stiction, but too rough can cause friction issues too. You're right it could be a case where dies accidentally missed a step. With the shortage of skilled tradesmen, it's also tough to find decent machinists. I know at my employer we have had to lower our standard to fill job openings. Maybe that's the case with Redding. Especially during the lockdown covid crap.
Love your videos. Hilarious that half the video was removing a stuck case but I'm glad you kept it in because I learned a few new tricks. Keep up the good work!
Brother, I did the same thing during my first batch resizing for my 6.5 PRC. I had to take mine into the gunsmith. THE most frustrating thing for a reloader. LOL! Glad you got yours out.
I'm so sorry, but thank you for showing this issue and the associated frustration. Stuff like this seems to happen to me all too often. and its somehow satisficing to know that it happens to the best!
wow! all the drama, the excitement, the suspense... made it for a great watch. I'm sorry Johnny you had to experience that but this made for good television. way to break up usual reloading routine :)
I like that you kept it real. I have 308 case that's been stuck for about two years. I decided to buy a new die set and keep pushing. I'll get it to Hornady eventually. Good luck on your load!
I have 2 Savage rifles, both had mild feeding issues. I have put up with it because they shoot so good, and I generally only need one shot to kill a deer anyway. I recently came across a forum post that fixed everything for me. Turns out when the round hangs up just before chambering, it is catching on the ejector plunger and has nothing to do with the magazines that I had been suspecting. The fix was easy, but a little unconventional. Remove the ejector plunger by holding your finger on it and tapping out the retaining pin with a pin punch. Put the plunger in a vice and file a small 45 degree ramp so that it will be facing toward the center of the bolt or firing pin. Forum poster said to think angle on door latch. The plunger has a radius already and doesn’t need a huge ramp, I left half the plunger face intact. I used a small flat needle file with a fine cut and didn’t need to polish it at all afterward. I put the spring and plunger back in, slightly depressed it with my finger. I then used the pin punch to retain the plunger. Tap the pin in with a small brass hammer, letting the pin push the punch out of the hole as it goes in. Both my rifles feed 100% reliably now. Hope this helps, PS removing the ejector plunger also helps when installing barrels and checking headspace. Without the ejector, you get a much better feel for when the bolt first kisses the gauge.
Use Hornady dies. End of problems in 6.5 PRC. Also IMR 4955 is very good near max in 6.5 PRC, they dont show it in data but it works well. To get best accuracy in 6.5 PRC you need near max case fill and use mag primers.
Glad to see i’m not the only one that messed up a brand new die. Haha. I don’t know why but makes me feel better. Great videos btw. Thanks for all the content.
Johnny, don't know if you will see this post but I just came across this vid.. With a stuck case, don't cut the case! Extraction is a two part dance. You are correct to back out the stem to clear the primer punch from the case head until after you drill and tap the case head. After you begin the extraction and gain some movement of the case start threading the punch stem back in (be cautious of the primer punch by feel but keep threading both the extractor in and the punch side in. If you're lucky, you'll get about two or three threads of the stem engaged before the screw on the extractor contacts the punch pin. Here's where the dance begins, again.by turning the stem out, you'll be pulling the expander ball through by using the thread leverage of the stem. one turn on the stem, one turn on the extractor screw (all by feel to avoid contacting the punch pin), one in -one out until the stem comes clear. Once the stem is clear, use the same procedure with the die body and the extractor. Extractor in, die body out, extractor in die out. You'll have to wrap the die body knurling to protect it from dicking up the outside while wrenching. As far as punches, your call but if you didn't cut the case, you'd have a solid base to use the punch on. and drive it out. Not my preference though. FWIW. Keep on keeping on, love your content.
cutting off the case head was a bad idea. I just keep adding spacers and longer bolts, it'll finally come out. But Im sure you know all this. Thanks for the vid!
Same thing happened to me with my brand new Redding die for 6.5prc. Sent it back to Redding along with a fired case and they polished the dies and custom made it to my fired brass.
I have been reloading for close to 55 years and have faithfully used Reading dies. Until the 6.5 PRC came along and gave all sorts of problems! I had the same problem as you and contacted Reading. In which they said to send the die with the stuck case and a few more cases. Which I did! They returned the die withe case removed and a case extraction kit. Everything is good! Right? NO! The first case I tried to resize did the same thing!!! Reading said that they polished the inside of the die and checked for dimensions. I don't know if Reading is using tighter tolerances or what! I bought another set of dies from another big name company and haven't had a problem since!
I admire your restraint! Had a similar issue on a .30 Nosler die and...well...my reloading room required some "remodeling" afterwards. After screwing around with the first case for about an hour, the second case did the exact same thing. Frustration tolerance bottomed out and luckily I was not recording a video. I'm not an expert reloader by any stretch so it was helpful to watch you work through this.
I know it was a tough video to make, but I am so glad to see this video. I can’t wait to see how the next offerings shoot. For me Retumbo H1000 and Ramshot Magnum have done the best with bullets in the 130+ range. Also has stuck case issues at first and had to go to the hornady FL die without the recapping or sizing pin. I used 21st century mandrel in .2630/.2635 to avoid the sticking issue.
Retumbo powder has been my go to on 140 rounds but imr 4831 and 125 partition and going 3412fps and shoots just over 1/4 inch. 3 shoots at a 100. It’s insane the damage that it does and groups unbelievable. Good luck
Always enjoy your videos. I’ve handloaded for about 35 years. I’m sure you know by now but that die is a wreck I’d send it back to Redding. Should never be rough like that. Or get some Flitz and polish it really good with a bore mop
Starting at minute 24 you needed to ditch the RCBS sleeve and switch to a large diameter deep socket that would fit over the die and rest on the lock ring, not the mouth of the die. Then a long bolt and a series of washers to stack between the socket base and bolt head so you can prevent the bolt threads from penetrating the interior of the case too far and pinch the decapping pin. Then, as you tighten the bolt you have to screw the decapping assembly into the die until the expander ball is clear of the die/case neck . Never Dremel off the case head. Just small turns on the bolt matched by small turns on the decapping assembly until the case walls are free of the die, Then it is easy to continue pulling the case neck over the expanding ball.
I really like the 120 and 140 Gold dots. They aren't the most accurate, but they perform great for hunting. For accuracy, I found that 143 ELDX is the most accurate. I have a savage with a McGowan barrel that shoots everything great, and a Mossberg Patriot that shoots 130-143 pretty good. The Mossberg didn't like the 147gr ELD.
;)Started watching Jonny's reloading bench....and it turned into Vise Grip Garage;) I've broke out the plier a time or too at the reloading bench too.lol
Hehe watching you fumble around with the stuck case was perfect with my morning coffee. Let's me know I'm not the only one! Also: Send that sucker back to Redding and see how they take care of you.
I have an old die with a 223 case stuck in it. I leave it on the shelf in front of my desk to remind me to use unique wax. LOL I've fired and resized hundreds of pieces of hornady PRC brass that were fired in two rifles. Some of my brass has been fired 6-8 times. I use a Hornady die set. I've never had an issue. Maybe you got a bad die. Even the best companies make mistakes.
In the future, if you get a stuck case drill and tap, but make sure the bolt will drop into the primer hole on your press, then have the bolt fit up through the case holder make sure it is a hex head, then screw right to the bottom of the case and then just pull it out like normal like you would use any other case and it comes right out.
Redding has great customer service. Been there and done that on stuck cases. Usually, it's not being lubed correctly or not fully cleaning the dies before using. On neck sizing dies the Lee collet dies work the best as far as not getting anything stuck. Only problem you can have is setting it up for too much pressure on the collet which will crush the case. So long as one sets it up and goes a little at a time falling short of crushing the case is the best way to go. You can buy undersize collets as well if you want a smaller diameter case neck. Nice video showing your real problems. I must admit your problems with the stuck cases were much worse than I have had. I have only had it happen a couple of times. I don't usually make too many repeat mistakes I don't usually make the same mistake over and over. I watch a lot of your videos and enjoyed this one. I have been looking hard at this cartridge.
You can get a bad die occasionally. I got a Hornady 9mm Luger die that took a ridiculous amount of force to resize these little pistol cases. Never actually stuck one, but took it back to the store for an exchange. The replacement worked perfectly.
As you crank on the stuck case you should follow with the decapping pin keeping it close but not touching till you can pull the case over the expander ball while the case has cleared the neck part of the die
Great video taught us how to remove stuck cases 😂 all jokes aside I’ve had the same struggles. I enjoy your content and keep it up crazy a new cartridge and it’s already got this many issues
im watching your video and having flashbacks to .my experience with 270 winchester. used my 12 ton hydraulic press to get those stuck cases out... feel your pain.
It's so frustrating as a Reloader when you get a stuck case. I'm sure you had to edit some choice words out of your video. Good stuff and great content. Things don't always go as we hope and plan in life.
JRB thank you! I don't even own 6.5 PRC, but loved the video. As a new reloader I've yet to experience these types of problems. I've worked on cars and bikes that have left me just as frustrated. I feel like I could understand your pain trough this process. At least I have some great ideas on removing stuck cases in the future. Looking forward to the next video.
The worst of the sizing friction occurs at the head. You sprayed the cases with the head inside the loading block. The heads got zero lube, which is where it needs it the most. I turn the cases upside down in the loading block then spray so the heads get a good amount.
Man I was really feeling you with the struggle bus on this episode. If Redding doesn't make your die right try splitting a wooden dowel and put some steel wool in there and polish it up with a drill...
Thks for keeping it real! I was not aware of some of these issues! So thanks! I would love to know what Redding did for the die problem! I am getting ready to do some loading on the 6.5 PRC and the 300 Win Mag. Thanks for the load data on these calibers. I love them both.
Dang! If you can save 20 grains of powder per bullet and still get awesome velocities that sounds like a win win to me. 5744 meters like crap if I'm remembering correctly but geez 20 grains is a huge powder savings especially when loading for rifles where it goes quickly. That's almost 40% powder savings! Holy cow!
I've had no problem swapping the bolthead on a savage short action and shooting 6.5PRC. The savage has a slightly longer mag than some other rifles like Remington 700.
I recently started using the redding FL bushing dies, and they have all had a pretty rough finish on the inside. It was surprising considering the cost you pay over RCBS. I "honed" the inside of the die using shotgun sized bore mops and valve grinding compound.
I've experienced the same exact issues but in .270 Win. Redding F/L die and Nosler brass. I used a cotton bore mop for a .410 with jewelers rouge on a drill to polish the inside of the die. Cleaned it out with 90% alcohol and lightly added some case lube. Didn't fully fix the problem, but no more stuck Nosler cases. It seems as though the die has "broke in" a little more after a couple hundred rounds.
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Nope you hear you but we dont hear you
@@8mmmauser896 All good now? You might have to reload.
It is a great video.
@@JohnnysReloadingBench Still one of my favorites. The 210 grain ones really slam things.
If you do an odysee also let me know.
Stuck cases alone are frustrating. Always best to take a break and walk away like you did, otherwise the really big hammer comes out and things only go downhill from there. The prc sure is an interesting beast.
Don’t force it, get a bigger hammer. Lol
Could too much lube cause that
I always tell people the same advice. However, I'm the first to get the big hammer. 🤣
I can't take credit for this idea, as it came from a friend. But I had a severely stuck case and I used the same stuck case remover and was having a hell of a time. He told me to put as much tension as I felt safe with and then put the whole shootin match in the freezer overnight. Then go the rest of the way with the extractor and it worked very well! Alternately, he said mix up 50% acetone and ATF together, hit it with a heating torch, and lubricate the area between the brass and die. I have not tried the 2nd trick...just the first. Hope it helps someone out there 👍
Excellent job staying calm during all of that. I'm pretty sure my family thought I'd developed tourettes during my last stuck case dilemma. I had also been using case slick at the time coincidentally
Thanks for showing us your struggles Johnny. It boosts the confidence of novices like me!
Stuck cases are such a royal pain! I felt like my bolt was too long as well when dealing with 223 cases. I ended up just getting some cheap washers to stack on top. Noooooo, don't cut off the base! Hold the expander to provide a little tension, so the brass does not spin, then keep turning the screw in the case, will slip right over and your good to go.... That was hard to watch....
I took an elk last fall at 788 yards with 140 grain Berger Elite Hunter, fell in its tracks. The 6.5 PRC is an awesome round, super accurate;)
The reason I love your channel is that you take us along your process wether things go well or to hell in a hand basket.
Add washers to the bottom of the "cap" that the bolt twists against. It adds extra height to keep the case moving across the expander ball. I literally just did this with a stuck 30-06 brass 2 days ago. As long as the bolt initially has 3 or 4 threads into the brass when you start it'll pull. A little shot of lube thru the flash hole can help too. I love the videos! Keep up the good work!
Thank you for sharing these lessons. Your videos are outstanding.
I'm not even halfway through this video and I can already tell you it's going to be a classic. I've been laughing through this whole thing. I don't care if you reload or not this is just pure entertainment. Great video Shannon!
"Don't worry I stick more later you can see those" LOL That caption made me chuckle... When everything is going wrong during a reloading session it really makes you question why you even bother sometimes. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!
Pro tip: if the case doesn’t want to pop loose from die with case extraction kit, place die in freezer over night. It will pop right out when you turn the Allen key. Works everytime.
You know, I wonder if touching the side of the die with a buetain torch would work...
Soften the lube
I just put mine in the freezer for a couple hours.
Ah ha, that's a great tip. Thanks for sharing. I've never done that, but sounds like a great tip if it really feels like you are going to strip the threads because it is so stuck. I sure hate it when that happens as it is such a waste of time when your trying to get rounds loaded because the weather/wind is going to be good the next day for shooting. I've had decent luck with my Lyman stuck case puller, but have never had to go to that extreme of freezing it. I'm still wondering why Johnny cut the case with the Dremel. I think if he bottomed out with the screw, I would just add some washers on top of the case puller and continue 🤔
I am so happy you are covering this cartridge, as I am starting to load it and don’t have the financial means to try most of the combination out there. Look forward to seeing what combinations you find that work, and which ones I can probably stay away from.
For stuck cases I use a longer 1/4-20 bolt and then put a nut on it where it meets the collet/socket. You thread into the case as normal but then crank on the nut. It’s less force on the soft brass threads and all the friction on the steel nut threads. It has a better chance of coming out.
Thanks JRB! I love All of your videos. The stuck cases make me cringe every time. When I first started reloading I was dealing with tons of military 5.56 and conversions to 300BLK. Stuck cases were the bane of my existence!!! You handle it better than most! Thanks again! Great vid!
Don't worry about the clumps. I have that in Retumbo regularly and it's still my favorite Magnum rifle powder. Excellent velocities, SD's, and Extreme Spreads.
Just got some for my prc and fired 3rds and 2 were 1fps from each other….have you used it with any 135 a tips?…I’ve got it,h1000,magpro,n560,and superformance in that range other than h4350 which I use on 130tmk at 3250fps
I had my first stuck case tonight on my Dillon 750 doing 223. My dumbass forgot to lube. Thank god that Dillon makes it easy to remove stuck cases. Never again will I forget to lube before inserting. 😂🤣😂
I’ve had to put together 2 separate dies for my 6.5 Prc brass. The Hornady is much thinner than both the Lapua/nosler/ and I also use alpha.this solved that issue! I use a SAC Prc Die for the three thicker ones, with a.291 bushing and an LC Wilson bushing die with either a .289 or a .287 for the Hornady brass . Now I’m consistent with all the brass
Thanks for working through every stuck case situation I have experienced or thought of.
I’ve so missed these videos!!!! Welcome back! Glad to see you doing well!
Awesome video man. Showing what can go wrong and how to fix that is honest. Great to see your progress of recovery.
Really appreciate the stuck case example and removal as a new-to-rifle reloader. Love your vids, very much appreciated
Hey buddy. Next time you get a case stuck like that. Stick it in the freezer for a couple hours. The brass should contract faster than the steel die. Hope this helps.
Interesting you say you always cut case when removed with stuck case tool. I always use tool to pull over expander ball. If you get a lee die you can pound on decap pin to remove stuck case. I would just get a lee for now till a better solution to sizing issue is found. I would've walked away too, anger never helps. We all have been in similar situations, you handled it better than i or most do. Good luck.
Thanks so much for the excellent, in depth video. I recently purchased a SAKO S20 Hunter in 6.5 PRC and it is a tack driver with factory Hornady Precision Hunter in 143 gr ELD-X. I am about to test 5 different powder combinations with 143 gr ELD-X bullets so I am hoping for a top performer out of the group. Thanks again for covering 6.5 PRC!
Take a break and have a beer, then try again. If not luck, then take another break and have another beer, then try again. Then either the case will be unstuck, or you will not care. I have stuck so many cases and you helped me get back on track. Glade you got it back in business!
This is the absolute best reloading video on TH-cam! So great to see someone else go through all the frustrations of things not working in spite of directions and marketing. And not having the perfect tool at hand so what can I use? Been there and done that brother and have a few dozen of the t-shirts! Thank you for sharing the full tragedy.
In fall of last year I started reloading. Thats largely from having watched your channel. I still go back and watch old videos to learn new aspects of handloading.
Hope your well
I reload the 6.5 PRCE as well I've had really good luck with reloader 17,H & IMR 4350, H1000, MAGPRO and hybrid100
For projectilesI like
Barnes match burners 140 grain
Sierra match king 140 grain
Sierra match king 142 grain
Sierra tipped match king 130 green
Nosler Accubond long range 129 grain
And I personally have had really good luck with all Burgers
I know this comment is starting to get long But you can get a lot of information on load data from the Sierra manual as well as the hodgdon Manual as well as the Hornady manual. I personally like the Sierra Manuel it gives you a lot of information for the 6.5 PRC
Thank you for sharing your expertise
This has been really awesome. I just started getting into reloading completely and am using 6.5 prc as well. It was a long video but I learned a lot from the whole process...granted i bent my shellhoder plate on my M-Press within the first hour of resizing, but i really did appreciate this whole thing.
I had the same stuck case issues with my Redding Type-S Full Length sizing dies in 6.5 PRC (Hornady once fired brass). I polished the die with my dremel and some polishing compound. I also have to liberally lube the cases with RCBS lube because the imperial wax doesn't work as well with this cartridge it seems. The sizing die leaves the same marks on my brass. I think Hornady and the die makers need to take a closer look at this cartridge. My stock Type-S FL die wasn't sizing the brass enough to fit in my Howa's chamber. It wasn't squeezing in the brass down near the base of the cartridge and it wasn't bumping the shoulder back enough. Tried several different shell holders with no luck. Ended up turning the bottom of the die to remove 0.020" to get more shoulder bump. That solved the issue and I was able to bump the shoulder back 0.0015" after that. A lot of other guys have had the same issue with a variety of guns, including rifles from Christensen Arms. I noticed that Hornady has revised their match grade 6.5 PRC dies more than once.
Guys make sure when you using the Hornady jump tool you have a clean barrel!!!!
I stuck a case for the very first time in 6.5 PRC. I bent the decapping rod getting it out, but Hornady sent me a replacement. No problems since, but I am using Imperial lube now. You always make me feel better about my problems. I was using a Hornady Custom Grade die and Hornady one shot lube when I stuck the case. I thought I had plenty of lube on it but apparently the die didn’t agree. Arghhh!!! I have loaded 147 ELD-M with IMR 4350 and shot under 1/2” from Fierce Fury. I have also started on the 156 gr Berger Elite Hunter. Groups are slightly larger so far but still in 3/4” range with Accurate Magpro. Looking forward to your next video. BTW the Fierce Fury is built on a long action receiver so I am loading near 3.00” for the Bergers. I think the LA is the only way to go for 6.5 PRC.
I enjoyed the same experience my first time loading with my Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor dies. I wrecked the die and cracked my bench. Then I went the stress-free route, and just bought a replacement sizing die. Saves a ton of effort and aggravation.
Way to go Thomas! Looking forward to the 6.5 PRC videos. I'd much rather have one of those than the Creedmoor myself. I had a Lee 458 Socomm sizing die that did the same thing. Had to wait for Hornady dies to become available. I wasn't suprised with a Lee die doing it, but I am suprised with your Redding die doing it.
The redding dies seem to be a bit rough inside. I had to do a lot of polishing on my 6.5 prc redding dies. The polishing compound went from white to completely black very quickly.
@@karlschauff7989 It looked like a piece of sewer pipe on the inside.
Not what I would expect at all from any die manufacturer. Maybe that dies skipped a step or 2 on the manufacturing line...
@@coltonkay9000 Yeah mine looked like the tooling insert used to machine it was worn and not making a clean cut. The surface on the inside feels like what I would expect on a roughing pass and not a finish pass. I think rough surface held onto a lot of machining dust. I don't think you would want a high polish finish inside as you might run into problems with stiction, but too rough can cause friction issues too.
You're right it could be a case where dies accidentally missed a step. With the shortage of skilled tradesmen, it's also tough to find decent machinists. I know at my employer we have had to lower our standard to fill job openings. Maybe that's the case with Redding. Especially during the lockdown covid crap.
Nothing screams happy day like a stuck case. I reloaded for 20 years before I stuck my first one and was not the last. I feel your pain.
Love your videos. Hilarious that half the video was removing a stuck case but I'm glad you kept it in because I learned a few new tricks. Keep up the good work!
Brother, I did the same thing during my first batch resizing for my 6.5 PRC. I had to take mine into the gunsmith. THE most frustrating thing for a reloader. LOL! Glad you got yours out.
ONE OF YOUR BEST VIDEO TO DATE! Because it really captures the Tru aggrevation of sticking a case! BRAVO!! thanks for all the great content
I'm so sorry, but thank you for showing this issue and the associated frustration. Stuff like this seems to happen to me all too often. and its somehow satisficing to know that it happens to the best!
Always clean brand new dies!
wow! all the drama, the excitement, the suspense... made it for a great watch. I'm sorry Johnny you had to experience that but this made for good television. way to break up usual reloading routine :)
I like that you kept it real. I have 308 case that's been stuck for about two years. I decided to buy a new die set and keep pushing. I'll get it to Hornady eventually. Good luck on your load!
Man I’d kill for a 45-70 series, especially subsonics!
I have 2 Savage rifles, both had mild feeding issues. I have put up with it because they shoot so good, and I generally only need one shot to kill a deer anyway. I recently came across a forum post that fixed everything for me. Turns out when the round hangs up just before chambering, it is catching on the ejector plunger and has nothing to do with the magazines that I had been suspecting. The fix was easy, but a little unconventional. Remove the ejector plunger by holding your finger on it and tapping out the retaining pin with a pin punch. Put the plunger in a vice and file a small 45 degree ramp so that it will be facing toward the center of the bolt or firing pin. Forum poster said to think angle on door latch. The plunger has a radius already and doesn’t need a huge ramp, I left half the plunger face intact. I used a small flat needle file with a fine cut and didn’t need to polish it at all afterward. I put the spring and plunger back in, slightly depressed it with my finger. I then used the pin punch to retain the plunger. Tap the pin in with a small brass hammer, letting the pin push the punch out of the hole as it goes in. Both my rifles feed 100% reliably now. Hope this helps, PS removing the ejector plunger also helps when installing barrels and checking headspace. Without the ejector, you get a much better feel for when the bolt first kisses the gauge.
No worries Johnny. Appreciate all your content. Post at YOUR pace or you’ll get burned out. Doing great.
Use Hornady dies. End of problems in 6.5 PRC. Also IMR 4955 is very good near max in 6.5 PRC, they dont show it in data but it works well. To get best accuracy in 6.5 PRC you need near max case fill and use mag primers.
Watching this video helped me scratch the 6.5 PRC off my list of potential long range cartridges. I want a cartridge that isn’t a nightmare to reload.
I always thought I was the only one to stick cases and not be able to remove them. Carry on!
Glad to see i’m not the only one that messed up a brand new die. Haha. I don’t know why but makes me feel better. Great videos btw. Thanks for all the content.
Johnny, don't know if you will see this post but I just came across this vid.. With a stuck case, don't cut the case! Extraction is a two part dance. You are correct to back out the stem to clear the primer punch from the case head until after you drill and tap the case head. After you begin the extraction and gain some movement of the case start threading the punch stem back in (be cautious of the primer punch by feel but keep threading both the extractor in and the punch side in. If you're lucky, you'll get about two or three threads of the stem engaged before the screw on the extractor contacts the punch pin. Here's where the dance begins, again.by turning the stem out, you'll be pulling the expander ball through by using the thread leverage of the stem. one turn on the stem, one turn on the extractor screw (all by feel to avoid contacting the punch pin), one in -one out until the stem comes clear. Once the stem is clear, use the same procedure with the die body and the extractor. Extractor in, die body out, extractor in die out. You'll have to wrap the die body knurling to protect it from dicking up the outside while wrenching. As far as punches, your call but if you didn't cut the case, you'd have a solid base to use the punch on. and drive it out. Not my preference though. FWIW.
Keep on keeping on, love your content.
You have such a great community. We love seeing you
Sorry Johnny, I laughed so hard to see somebody else get as frustrated as I do with stuck dies.
Dude Holy crap. I give you massive props my friend. I would have tossed the entire bench into the creek 🤣
cutting off the case head was a bad idea. I just keep adding spacers and longer bolts, it'll finally come out. But Im sure you know all this.
Thanks for the vid!
Same thing happened to me with my brand new Redding die for 6.5prc. Sent it back to Redding along with a fired case and they polished the dies and custom made it to my fired brass.
Woohoo, something to watch after work! I've got sound...
I have been reloading for close to 55 years and have faithfully used Reading dies. Until the 6.5 PRC came along and gave all sorts of problems! I had the same problem as you and contacted Reading. In which they said to send the die with the stuck case and a few more cases. Which I did! They returned the die withe case removed and a case extraction kit.
Everything is good! Right?
NO! The first case I tried to resize did the same thing!!! Reading said that they polished the inside of the die and checked for dimensions. I don't know if Reading is using tighter tolerances or what!
I bought another set of dies from another big name company and haven't had a problem since!
I admire your restraint! Had a similar issue on a .30 Nosler die and...well...my reloading room required some "remodeling" afterwards. After screwing around with the first case for about an hour, the second case did the exact same thing. Frustration tolerance bottomed out and luckily I was not recording a video. I'm not an expert reloader by any stretch so it was helpful to watch you work through this.
Ugh I feel your pain on That stuck case frustration!!!
I know it was a tough video to make, but I am so glad to see this video. I can’t wait to see how the next offerings shoot. For me Retumbo H1000 and Ramshot Magnum have done the best with bullets in the 130+ range. Also has stuck case issues at first and had to go to the hornady FL die without the recapping or sizing pin. I used 21st century mandrel in .2630/.2635 to avoid the sticking issue.
Retumbo powder has been my go to on 140 rounds but imr 4831 and 125 partition and going 3412fps and shoots just over 1/4 inch. 3 shoots at a 100. It’s insane the damage that it does and groups unbelievable. Good luck
I found imr 4955 for the 6.5 prc with a variety of bullet weights and have never looked back. Works amazing
Always enjoy your videos. I’ve handloaded for about 35 years. I’m sure you know by now but that die is a wreck I’d send it back to Redding. Should never be rough like that. Or get some Flitz and polish it really good with a bore mop
Starting at minute 24 you needed to ditch the RCBS sleeve and switch to a large diameter deep socket that would fit over the die and rest on the lock ring, not the mouth of the die. Then a long bolt and a series of washers to stack between the socket base and bolt head so you can prevent the bolt threads from penetrating the interior of the case too far and pinch the decapping pin. Then, as you tighten the bolt you have to screw the decapping assembly into the die until the expander ball is clear of the die/case neck . Never Dremel off the case head. Just small turns on the bolt matched by small turns on the decapping assembly until the case walls are free of the die, Then it is easy to continue pulling the case neck over the expanding ball.
Thanks for the heads up, great comment on head space and yep great video 👍❤️
I really like the 120 and 140 Gold dots. They aren't the most accurate, but they perform great for hunting. For accuracy, I found that 143 ELDX is the most accurate. I have a savage with a McGowan barrel that shoots everything great, and a Mossberg Patriot that shoots 130-143 pretty good. The Mossberg didn't like the 147gr ELD.
;)Started watching Jonny's reloading bench....and it turned into Vise Grip Garage;) I've broke out the plier a time or too at the reloading bench too.lol
Hehe watching you fumble around with the stuck case was perfect with my morning coffee. Let's me know I'm not the only one!
Also: Send that sucker back to Redding and see how they take care of you.
Oh man I'm dying over here watching this! What a BAD day! Oh man. I do appreciate the tutorial on stuck cases if that helps matters👍😁
I'm running the 135 gr A-Tip at 3450 fps with a hefty charge of RL-26 out of a 27in barrel.
I have an old die with a 223 case stuck in it. I leave it on the shelf in front of my desk to remind me to use unique wax. LOL I've fired and resized hundreds of pieces of hornady PRC brass that were fired in two rifles. Some of my brass has been fired 6-8 times. I use a Hornady die set. I've never had an issue. Maybe you got a bad die. Even the best companies make mistakes.
Retumbo has become a unicorn thanks to military contracts since you put this video up
Really enjoy your vids.
Somehow restarting the video fixed it! Go figure 🤔 fantastic as always and thanks!
God. Man you deserve a medal.
Oh lawdy! Here we go! It's been a while, but worth the wait!
In the future, if you get a stuck case drill and tap, but make sure the bolt will drop into the primer hole on your press, then have the bolt fit up through the case holder make sure it is a hex head, then screw right to the bottom of the case and then just pull it out like normal like you would use any other case and it comes right out.
Redding has great customer service. Been there and done that on stuck cases. Usually, it's not being lubed correctly or not fully cleaning the dies before using. On neck sizing dies the Lee collet dies work the best as far as not getting anything stuck. Only problem you can have is setting it up for too much pressure on the collet which will crush the case. So long as one sets it up and goes a little at a time falling short of crushing the case is the best way to go. You can buy undersize collets as well if you want a smaller diameter case neck. Nice video showing your real problems. I must admit your problems with the stuck cases were much worse than I have had. I have only had it happen a couple of times. I don't usually make too many repeat mistakes I don't usually make the same mistake over and over. I watch a lot of your videos and enjoyed this one. I have been looking hard at this cartridge.
I meant undersize mandrel not collet. They are available some places. You can always polish the original down a little as well.
Right
You can get a bad die occasionally. I got a Hornady 9mm Luger die that took a ridiculous amount of force to resize these little pistol cases. Never actually stuck one, but took it back to the store for an exchange. The replacement worked perfectly.
As you crank on the stuck case you should follow with the decapping pin keeping it close but not touching till you can pull the case over the expander ball while the case has cleared the neck part of the die
I am glad I have never had a stuck case that bad.
I fell out my chair when "wellll pooppy!" Was heard. Idk why but i found it hularious
Great video taught us how to remove stuck cases 😂 all jokes aside I’ve had the same struggles. I enjoy your content and keep it up crazy a new cartridge and it’s already got this many issues
im watching your video and having flashbacks to .my experience with 270 winchester. used my 12 ton hydraulic press to get those stuck cases out... feel your pain.
It's so frustrating as a Reloader when you get a stuck case. I'm sure you had to edit some choice words out of your video. Good stuff and great content. Things don't always go as we hope and plan in life.
JRB thank you! I don't even own 6.5 PRC, but loved the video. As a new reloader I've yet to experience these types of problems. I've worked on cars and bikes that have left me just as frustrated. I feel like I could understand your pain trough this process. At least I have some great ideas on removing stuck cases in the future. Looking forward to the next video.
The worst of the sizing friction occurs at the head. You sprayed the cases with the head inside the loading block. The heads got zero lube, which is where it needs it the most. I turn the cases upside down in the loading block then spray so the heads get a good amount.
Really great video. Biggest problem is Finding the Brass and components
Man I was really feeling you with the struggle bus on this episode. If Redding doesn't make your die right try splitting a wooden dowel and put some steel wool in there and polish it up with a drill...
Thks for keeping it real! I was not aware of some of these issues! So thanks! I would love to know what Redding did for the die problem! I am getting ready to do some loading on the 6.5 PRC and the 300 Win Mag. Thanks for the load data on these calibers. I love them both.
Dang! If you can save 20 grains of powder per bullet and still get awesome velocities that sounds like a win win to me. 5744 meters like crap if I'm remembering correctly but geez 20 grains is a huge powder savings especially when loading for rifles where it goes quickly. That's almost 40% powder savings! Holy cow!
Loved this longer video !!! Thanks Johnny!!!!
I've had no problem swapping the bolthead on a savage short action and shooting 6.5PRC. The savage has a slightly longer mag than some other rifles like Remington 700.
The longer available mag space would also allow you to spec out a barrel with a bit more freebore to get a bit more out of the cartridge.
I just hope Redding takes care of you. That sucks that a brand new die gets the cases stuck. Great video 👍👍👍👍
This video reminds me of when I was a kid watching the circus
I recently started using the redding FL bushing dies, and they have all had a pretty rough finish on the inside. It was surprising considering the cost you pay over RCBS. I "honed" the inside of the die using shotgun sized bore mops and valve grinding compound.
I've experienced the same exact issues but in .270 Win. Redding F/L die and Nosler brass. I used a cotton bore mop for a .410 with jewelers rouge on a drill to polish the inside of the die. Cleaned it out with 90% alcohol and lightly added some case lube. Didn't fully fix the problem, but no more stuck Nosler cases. It seems as though the die has "broke in" a little more after a couple hundred rounds.
I just won a savage 110 tactical in 6.5 PRC from some squares at a clay shoot. I’m with you on this one, let’s do it!
…In spirit I guess, can’t find any powder lol