I've known this trick about drilling and tapping the hole technique but when you reversed the die into the press and used it as your vise, i thought wow thats genius!! Love all your videoes, keep up the super work! I look forward to all your videos. They are so easy to follow and informative! Have a great day and GOD BLESS my friend!
I used this video yesterday to remove my first stuck case in over 40 years of loading..... worked like a charm... thanks saved an embarrassing trip to my Gunsmith
Thanks for this vid brother.. my son jammed a .30-06 case in my new die tonight. He thought we were going to have to buy a new die. When I showed him this trick, he thought his old man was pretty smart. I have to give credit were credit is due. Thanks brotha, you saved our bacon.
I've been reloading for about ten years. Several years ago I watched your video and filed it away "just in case". I'm glad I did because needed your idea. You really saved my bacon. Thank you.
I've been reloading for 28 years and tonight was the first time I've ever had a rifle case stick. You're video with the drill and tap removal was excellent. I was able to remove the case with out any swearing, that was reserved for getting it stuck in the first place. I normally use a lube which I wipe on but was trying a spray on and obviously didn't use enough. Thank you again!
Whenever using taps, it's imperative to go forward for a little bit, then reverse so you clean the threads. This will also prevent your tap causing the die to turn so easily. It will cause less stress on your tap, too. When tapping steel, you will break the tap if you don't use this procedure.
Been there and done that. If using RCBS Dies, can't completely remove Decapping/depriming stem. Use a spacer on the drill bit to prevent drilling deeper than about 5/16-3/8" or drill bit will jump through base of cartridge case, and bend/destroy Decaping/DePrimer pin. Don't ask me how I know that. Lol.
Technique #2 saved the day for a Lyman die where I'd put in a properly lubed cartridge with a rim just bent enough that it failed on the downstroke, leaving the brass jammed in the die. Without a machine screw, however, I used a 1/4" hex bolt and turned that to remove the shell. Worked like a charm! Many thanks!
Had a 30-06 case stuck in Lyman sizing-decapping die. Drilled with .219 (7/32") bit, threaded with 1/4 x 20 tap, put grade 5 screw through washer and socket, and turned screw into case and out it came as you described. Thanks very much for this lesson.. Lesson #2: use proper amount of lubrication in future sizing operations.
Can't thank you enough for keeping this video posted. I stuck a brand new Starline 6.8 SPC case last week. I have the Hornady Stuck Case Remover tool, but despite following instructions I couldn't unstick the case. I was on the right track, but when I encountered stiff resistance I stopped...thinking I'd bottomed out the tool. No...I just needed to try again, applying a bit of lubricant (gun oil) around the case head. It took actually watching your process to understand that I'd done everything correctly (mostly) but gave up when the case didn't just pop out. A bit of lube...and voila! I don't care much about one destroyed Starline case...it was the unusable sizing die that was jamming me up.
Dude, that works great, I just unstuck a .243 case out of a Hornady die, my fault, didn't use enough lube, will never make that mistake again. It took some work but your method works fantastic.Thank you so much for putting this video together.
Great video! I happen to have everything in my shop to use your method to remove my stuck case. Giving the drill bit and tap size fast and easy. Thank You!
When describing tools needed to drill-tap method use said 7/32" drill bit. Then in the process you said 7/16" drill bit (way bigger bit). Regardless, your video was a great help. I had tools on hand and was able remove my stuck cartridge with your help. Greatly appreciate you!
I know that this is an older vid, but it is what I needed today. A quick trip to the hardware store took longer than the removal using your method. Believe me when a .50 Beowulf gets stuck in a Redding die it is stuck. The next time, hopefully not, it will come out in a jiffy. Thanks a million.
The second step worked like a charm. Spent $6.47 at HD for the 1/4”-20 tap with matching drill bit and $0.97 for a 2” matching screw. A couple sockets and washers worked as a spacer and it came right out. No need to order a kit online.
Tried the punch method. I am glad I didn't get to aggressive with it. Redding dies have a pin collate that can come loose and remained in casing. Hitting it with a punch would have been costly. However, drilling then tapping worked exactly how explained. Smooth as butter. Thanks for sharing
Just worked for me. I had a rcbs die and got it done with your second technique. Saved me a month of waiting for a new die set. You da man. Thank you. Schooling us, also learned to reload from you!
Thanks so much for another excellent, top notch well explained tutorial. I already watched your videos on reloading 9mm and reloading 223....You have a great gift of being able to accurately and precisely and calmly explain processes while also offering up some extra options of solutions for various challenges one would encounter in the reloading experience. Thank you so much for all your excellent, well made and great videographed videos. I have them saved to my favorites and before reloading I review them so I will be on the correct track. Thank you sir and I will continue to subscribe to your excellent tutorial videos. 👍
So after hammering the crap out of my stuck case to no avail, I went to RU-vid. This second method worked great even though I has mangled the bottom of the case. Thanks for the tip - I hope I never have to use it again!
I was getting ready to tell you... When drilling metal(of any kind), apply plenty of pressure, and use very little rotation. I've learned to do this by "feel", because I've been drilling holes into hard strata(sandstone) all of my life, in the coal mining industry. I've sat and watched a lot of "rookie" roof bolter operators, grind down bit, after bit, after bit, because they were using too much rotation. I always let them struggle for awhile, before I tell them the "secret". LOL I heard you say how you had your drill set "slow", on purpose. Go even slower, with more pressure, for even better results. Great video! Thanks for the help!! I got a RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme for Christmas. I'm waiting on my dies to come in, then I'll be going at it. I've been watching tons of videos on reloading, to learn all that I can.
A 1/4 20 socket head cap screw. It's a screw untill you put a nut on it then it becomes a bolt ! I'm not criticizing you ,just informing you on the proper terminology! Great viedo and information ! Thank you !
Hey its me again. Your method worked for me like a charm. The decapping pin broke so I will be heading to Scheels tomorrow to get replacements. Too much lube is better than not enough.
This works! After seeing this, I actually used the RCBS primer pocket swager that I already had, which comes with almost the identical "bushing" just a tad shorter in height.
Great video! I did everything except for I kept upsizing my drill bit until I’ve got a shell skin pretty much, tried a screw back out tool. Then ran across your video. Amazing! However mines still very very much in there. So I’m going to use a dremel bit and remove a side, collapse it on itself and then pull it out. Much praying too lol. Sure wish I’d seen your tip before I went all Rambo on mine lol. My cases were even lubed up. Just not fair, especially since I just got my hands on 20 boxes of primers. Ugh lol.
Thanks so much for the awesome tips! I haven't encountered having a stuck case yet but I'm sure it's only a matter of time, I've only been reloading for about a year-and-a-half. It is something that I have thought about since I've had a couple of close calls. I feel like you have now equipped me for that eventuality. Thanks again, excellent video and excellent tips!
This video...along with your other ones....have been so helpful/informative. Thank you for putting up content that is in depth and easy to follow. Subbed.
Great video! You just save me $29.00. I just had a stuck case and pounded it out destroying a Redding die and almost damaging my Lee press. I was just about to order the stuck case kit from Midway USA and now I don't have to. I have all the tools here and now the knowledge to remove future stuck cases. THANKS
Did it just like you said worked just fine. I did it on .223 rem. He misspeaks about the hole size once. remember its 7/32 inch [just under 1/4] i used a 3/8ths in socket for my bushing with 1/4 inch drive. Id also recommend bying different lengths of screws. The more threads you drive in before you start drawing out the casing, the less likely it is the threads will strip.
I’ve been reloading for 30 or so years never had a stuck case. But this is good to know in case I do get one stuck. Thanks. I have all the parts to make up a removal tool kit..
Sir Used your suggestion for placing die upside down in my turret press. This method will prevent the die from turning when the force is applied to the tapped case head. Was able to remove stuck .30-06 case with the socket and washer method. Many thanks!
Thank you for producing this video. I made a dummy round to practice with my Handi Rifle and the brass stuck to the walls? I tried the first technique, simple success with the second. I went to Lowes and got the screw, washer, and a tap tool. I'm not sure what else I can tap around here, but that was fun.
When running a tap in, it's important to back the tap out 1/4 turn for every 3/4 turn (or so) that you go in. This action breaks loose the chips being pushed up by the thread cutters and moves them into the flutes, which keeps the tap from getting stuck. Also, use a squirt of cutting oil on the tap - it makes the tap much easier to turn, cuts cleaner threads, and your tap will stay sharp a lot longer.
After reloading 10, thousands over the past thirty years I just had my first stuck case man what surprise that was well I tried your punch method first and WOW within a couple minutes I was back to reloading thanks for the info.
Thanks for the video. My first stuck case lack of Lube! Got it out no problem the expander ball nut an pin stais inside I cut the case with cable cutters no problem
Question: after removing the.decapping assembly, can't you just run an appropriately sized drift thru the die to seat on the floor of the case and just hammer the case out? One mild blow I think would do it.
used method #2 this evening to pull a stuck .223 casing. Once I found the right bolt in my garage stash, was able to get it out no prob. I used a 1/4"-20 bolt. Better than spending the $$ on the tool at Scheels or Cabelas. Thanks so much!!
I've never had a tap break by tapping a piece of brass for removal and I've been doing it this way for a long time. I'm not tapping steel. I guess you're right though. Sounds like a good technique. I'll try it out. Maybe it'll be smoother. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment. have a good evening! :)
Here's a tip from a machinist: Buy a Tap Wrench. Turn the tap in reverse to break the chip. Use a drop or two of oil. Use a #5 drill for a 1/4-20 tap. If your tap is DULL replace it.
Very good video. ---- Alternative technique: Instead of "backing up" the die with the ram, it is equally effective to clamp a pair of vise-grip pliers onto the die body. The pliers will arrest the die from spinning when they encounter the body of the press. This will allow you to use both hands on the workpiece, instead of having to use one hand to maintain pressure on the handle of the press.
The RCBS Stuck Case Remover is worth the money and it comes in a die box, so stores where you'll find it easily. When I bought my first press in 1981, my friend the LGS owner sold me a kit with the Rockchucker press. I have used it twice since then and loaned it to a friend once. Well worth the money, I was back in business in minutes. Good video, thanks.
Alright, you sold me on the lee die. My RBCS thread stripped when I tried to remove a stuck case. Thank for sharing. Did you ever see the thread in the brass stripped? Can you start over at this point with a larger bit or you are done and need a new die?
+David Cazes Cool! Once in a while I see the brass strip, but not that often. Thank you for the kind words and support you give my channel. Have a beautiful evening!
+jiujitsu2000 in the second method, once the die is threaded in the press upside down I use a piece of broken cleaning rod to push the case out with the ram, just find something to cover the hole in the shell holder. it usually works pretty good, and you save the case.
How long is your machine screw. I am going to try and fix my brand new 300 blackout die but I may have messed it up. I might just shoot out the stuck case.
I've been reloading for about 7yrs and never had a stuck case. I used Hornady One shot for the first time on a batch of 20 cases and got my first stuck case about 15 cases in... Unfortunately, while I have the same Lee die in .308, the punch method is not working for me. On to tapping.
after screwing down the black hex screw into the brass, the case didnt back up like its meant to. What else can i do? Update: got it out! just had to screw down the black hex screw to the very bottom, until you hit the xpander pin.