Redding 30-06 Die Issue

[scottneh]

Looking for some advice on something I'm seeing with one of my Redding dies. I have been reloading a while now and have one set of Redding 30-06 Type S dies that I'm not sure if there is a die issue, a rifle issue or an operator issue. I have several other calibers and Redding dies and they all perform perfectly.

I have my dies set up on an XL750 and use it in a semi progressive fashion. I'm reloading for a 1944 Smith Corona A3-03 and Argentine Mauser. When I reload, I have a Case gauge and have found that only a 3rd of my rounds will fit in the case gauge and fully chamber in the Mauser. The rest will chamber in the A3-03 only. Both rifles are reasonably accurate with the ammo discrepancy.

I can see the brass go fully into the sizing die, there are no scratches on the brass or neck damage and the bullet is well seated. I haven't checked case dimensions yet but I'll do that this evening. Just curious if the A3-03 chamber is wore out hence accepting anything or if the Mauser is exceptionally tight. Or am I doing something wrong with my set up?

How about brass? Does military 30-06 have a slightly larger base than commercial brass?

...and clarifying "semi-progressive" I'm loading with H4350, so I resize and prime in the press, load the powder charge in a tray with an electronic powder dispenser (50 at a time) and then re-insert in the press and continue.

 

[918v]

You should separate the cases for each chamber and then compare fires to sized dimensions. Otherwise everything is speculation.

Sounds like a headspace issue. If one rifle has a short headspace then you’ll have to change your die setting and if you can’t then go to a slicker lube to get that extra couple thou of shoulder bump.

 

[lash]

What @918v said.

 

[KYAggie]

I have the same issue with a Hornady FL die and a Savage Hog 308. The cases go completely into the die, but they won’t chamber in the Hog. The same die works for all my other 308’s without issue. I have a RCBS X die that does push the shoulder back enough to chamber in the Hog, barely. I bought the Hornady headspace comparator to see what’s going on and found that the Hog has a tight chamber. I suspect you may have the same issues. I think Redding sells shell holders with various thicknesses that allow more or less shoulder bump. I just happened to have a different manufacturer’s FL die on hand and found that it would work.

 

[918v]

I have the same issue with a Hornady FL die and a Savage Hog 308. The cases go completely into the die, but they won’t chamber in the Hog. The same die works for all my other 308’s without issue. I have a RCBS X die that does push the shoulder back enough to chamber in the Hog, barely. I bought the Hornady headspace comparator to see what’s going on and found that the Hog has a tight chamber. I suspect you may have the same issues. I think Redding sells shell holders with various thicknesses that allow more or less shoulder bump. I just happened to have a different manufacturer’s FL die on hand and found that it would work.

Redding competition shell holders only provide less shoulder bump, never more.

 

[CaseFinder]

Older thread, I know.

Had same problem. Got a micrometer and saw all sorts of different case diameter variations. Went to full length small base die sets and it fixed the issues. Now all rounds chamber. Yes, I understand small base dies work harden brass more than standard dies, but once you brand sort and use good case lube, the wonderings go away.

The video below helps to clarify. Assuming no headspace issues, this approach should take out some of the guesswork. YMMV.