I am new to reloading, and was reloading my first batch of 223s. On the last case, it hung up in the resizing die. I had lightly lubed each case prior, and I know that particular case had some lube on it. I didnt soak them in lube for fear of gumming up the die.

I have Lee dies and followed the instructions for removing the case. However, I wasnt successful.

Short of checking my manhood at the door and taking the die to a machine shop, are there any tricks that have worked for you?

If it's a Lee die, pound it out with the decapping rod per instructions. That didn't work? Don't forget to loosen the locking collar first!

Yup, most of us that reload have had that happen. You need to go get an RCBS stuck case remover. You will have to drill and tap the back of the case per the directions that comes with the tool, then back out the case with the tools that come in the little green box.

The drill, tap and all the necessary stuff comes in the little green box along with the instructions. I've been loading for 45 years and was clapping myself on the back for never having stuck a case til last year when I did a 280 Remington case in one of my Lee dies.

The little green box with the stuck case remover had been sitting for lots of years unused.

I'd suggest you use either Imperial sizing wax or Hornedy one shot spray lube, both seem to work really well, but there comes a day when we all do it.

If it's a Lee die, pound it out with the decapping rod per instructions. That didn't work? Don't forget to loosen the locking collar first!

I didnt want to pound on it too hard, since it is brand spanking new. I had the collar loose adn the decapping rod slid freely up and down through the top of the die and the bottom of the case where the primer popped out. How hard do you hammer it? It wont damage the decapping rod?

Thanks!

If you've run out of ideas on how to remove that stuck case, RCBS makes a stuck case remover which sells for about $20. The kit comes with all tools and instructions. Have used one of these to remove a stuck .308 WIN case and it worked fine.

If you prefer someone else take a stab at it, might try your local gunshops. Will likely find a resident gunsmith there who has seen this problem before.

No need to surrender your manhood over this. Happens to all of us at some time or other.

Pound it. Lee says they're "unbreakable" and I'm pretty sure they'll send you another one if you bend it. Just try to hit it square. Use a brass hammer if you can find one.

When it doubt, call the manufacturer. They'll walk you through it.

A stuck case remover kit is a good thing to have, but I think you're pretty close to solving the problem, as is.

Good luck.

Pound it. Lee says they're "unbreakable" and I'm pretty sure they'll send you another one if you bend it. Just try to hit it square. Use a brass hammer if you can find one.

When it doubt, call the manufacturer. They'll walk you through it.

A stuck case remover kit is a good thing to have, but I think you're pretty close to solving the problem, as is.

Good luck.

I pounded on it twice, and it came out without a nick or scratch. The case came off easily enough, and I spent the rest of the night reloading without incident.

Thanks for the tips!

I love a happy ending :)

I love a happy ending :)

Well, I havent fired them yet, so the happy ending will be determined tonight after work! However, some reloaders at work checked out my rounds and said they looked good. Everything is seated properly, primers are flush, and the rounds are balanced.

Here is a handy tip I learned long ago. Whatever die set, loosen the decapper so it will come out with the stuck case. Simply turn the die upside down in the press clamp a pair of vise grips on the stuck case and twist. Then cut the case in half with a tubing cutter or hack saw, avoiding the decapper of course. Remove the decapper. I have a kit I made up long ago, it works but is not as fast or easy as a pair of vise grips and a tubing cutter. Two tools anyone should own.