Strange incident.... Please comment (pics involved)

[widnerkj]

So an interesting day the other day...
I was going to reload some of my .308 from my M1A. No biggie, reloading is a simple process, here's how my day went the other day.
1.) Deprime brass from M1A, useing lee deprimeing die. easy as anything.
2.) Take brass from bucket, lube with dry graphite powder and run through full length sizeing die.... no problem right?
except, it was hard going, I knew I was in trouble when I had to put my foot on the bench for leverage to try to pull down the lever on the press...
and here's what happened.

Have any of you seen a Lee press snap like that?

So, seeing as how I needed a new press, and I'm used to RCBS, I figured it was time for an upgrade....

Talked with my father over the whole episode, he told me not to worry about it. Said that lee press he gave me that I snapped was older than me. And the Rock Chucker will be working when my grandbabies are getting into reloading.

Figured I'd share the incident with all of you.

 

[el duderino]

You do not know your own strength, be careful before you hurt someone.

 

[widnerkj]

lol dude, I found out the hard way when loading for a M1A that one needs "small base dies"

 

[[cerberus]]

I never liked that everything Lee makes is aluminum. I guess it is ok for pistol cases, but I like me some cast steel.

 

[dustoff22]

If they're worth their salt they'll replace the press. Agree, though, that for a single stage press RCBS's Rockchucker will outlast you and the rest of us. Appreciate you sharing your incident!

 

[widnerkj]

heh. now the weak point in my reloading press is the actual bench

 

[Woodstock]

Never heard of using graphite for case lube, but maybe I'm missing something?

 

[swampy]

That type of press wasn't designed for sizing rifle brass. Good for decapping and seating but sizing on one is a stretch...and fracture.

 

[newportri]

There is a lot of force involved in full length sizing, but I usually just neck size. I don't know what's recommended for the M1 though, but I am sure there are someone that can give you advice on that.
I am sure you will be happy with the RCBS!

 

[widnerkj]

Funny note. The press had no problem resizing 6.5 gren, .223, and 300 savage. But that .308 was the death of it. The explanation I was offered was that there is still so much gas pressure still in the barrel during the extraction process, that the cases actually swell a bit. And I should use RCBS small base full length sizeing dies. That and old school lake city brass is "harder than a woodpecker's beak". I think I'll order the dies and let you all know the outcome.

 

[Finalygotabeltfed]

You need better lube.

 

[RKG]

You need better lube.

Agreed.

 

[radioman]

Remember that Lee press is a 25 dollar press. I have three of them set up for pistol. They have never missed a beat but for the big stuff. Lets say bigger than 22-250 I'd go with the Rock Chucker or other related cast iron press. Makes sense small press small brass etc...

 

[widnerkj]

I'm gonna try that hornady "hot shot" spray. soon as I can find it. Haven't been able to do any reloading lately, as everything is still packed from the move last week.

 

[Ziptar]

I'm gonna try that hornady "hot shot" spray. soon as I can find it. Haven't been able to do any reloading lately, as everything is still packed from the move last week.

Don't find it... Make it! Easier to get hold of the makings for it and they're cheaper, thread here: http://nyshooters.net/forum/showthread.php?1087-Homemade-Case-Lube

I made some up to spray on bullets that I run through a Lee push through sizer. I don't use tumble lube bullets so I spray this stuff on them push, through size them, and then pan lube. I haven't tried it on cases yet but, based on using it on bullets, should be awesome for cases.

I got one of those Lee Aluminum C Frame Presses. It's great for some jobs like depriming, push through bullet sizing, and straight wall pistol cartridge loading, Probably will always have it handy for odd jobs. Full length sizing on rifle cases sizing is a little out of its league though.

 

[mac1911]

pretty sure this is the reason they came back with the clasic cast iron press. lee is what it is. cheap,works sometimes and you usually get just enough life out of the product to justify the cost. bet lee will warrenty it though

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

I had the same press and if failed as well. Mine cracked near the top. Problem is that this is a light-duty press. It's not suitable for sizing rifle cartridges.

 

[widnerkj]

Meh.. It was free. And pop said it was more than 30 years old. It had a good life, and the chucker will hold me off untill I get a LE Wilson setup for the .300 win mag.

 

[Dnotarianni]

I knew I was in trouble when I had to put my foot on the bench for leverage to try to pull down the lever on the press...

What's that saying about brute force?

 

[widnerkj]

typeo ment pull lever up. case was VERY stuck.

 

[Dnotarianni]

typeo ment pull lever up. case was VERY stuck.

If you did that pulling up then it might be time to lay off the gym because with that new press the bench is next to break!

 

[widnerkj]

LOL! I went to the gym once. But those weight thingies were really heavy. I got all tired and sweaty, I just didn't see the point.

 

[EddieCoyle]

I'm gonna try that hornady "hot shot" spray. soon as I can find it. Haven't been able to do any reloading lately, as everything is still packed from the move last week.

Get the Dillon spray-on lube instead. I've had terrible luck with Hornady One-Shot as a case lube. It's a great dry lube for other stuff, but not so great for cases.

 

[widnerkj]

Thank you Eddie. Will do.

 

[NavelOfficer]

You'll be better served with the RCBS press. I loaded with the Lyman Handi-Press and a Lee Challenger for years, but they all broke (the cheaper white-metal components) more than once. They are fine for light work, but fl resizing rifle calibers is a chore on these lightweights. Get a substantial press with good solid mounting points on a stable bench for rifle work.

 

[Bendad97]

1. Lee will probably step up to the plate on this one if you call or email.

2. Did that pesky reporter show up where you live? (You know, after you changed back from being The Hulk)

 

[highlander]

I've used the Dillon spray on,I like it but you can make your own version 50/50 lanolin and rubbing alcohol IIRC. I've used RCBS lube with the pad and I believe Eddie Coyle mention using the RCBS lube die wit a god deal of sucess a while back. Oh the RCBS lube is water soluable so a wash in hot water and your done.

 

[copterdoctor]

I have a M1A NM. It needs small base dies. I use Dillon spray, RCBS .308 small base X dies, and a Rock Chucker.

 

[55_grain]

Get the Dillon spray-on lube instead. I've had terrible luck with Hornady One-Shot as a case lube. It's a great dry lube for other stuff, but not so great for cases.

+1 One-Shot sucks. I use "Pam" cooking spray for big batches, and "Imperial Sizing Wax" for really small runs, or when converting a case into a different caliber.

Why do you need small-base dies for the M1A? If it feeds off-the-shelf ammo satisfactorily, why wouldn't it take "normal" full-size resizing?

55_grain

 

[SteelShooter]

You were probably all hyped up on those M&Ms and ripped that thing in two . nice Rockchucker though.