- Headspace?

[PartsMan]

I reloaded yet another round to try in my 7mm-08 this weekend.
I grabbed the gun to see if they would chamber.
The rifle would lock up but by chance I looked at it from the side.

I could see light between the barrel and breech.

[quickdtoo]

The brass needs to be full length sized just enough so the action will lock up tight with an empty case chambered, just turn the die in a little at a time and size the brass, then check the fit in the chamber, repeat until the brass is flush with the chamber face, or just a little protruding, depends on the barrel to chamber gap, you just need to get the die set right. 

Tim

[PartsMan]

They were full length sized.

I have some Winchester ammo I will compare them tonight.
BTW this rifle locks up fine empty.
I was thinking about it today. That could explain the bad grouping on this rifle.

[LaOtto222]

Just a thought - If they are fully resized then the bullet could be into the lands pushing the case back away from the shoulder of the chamber. I am not sure how the throats are cut in Handi's for the 7-08, but I know some of the bullets are long. Also, different dies have different dimensions, but all should be enough to chamber a round with.

[stimpylu32]

PartsMan

When you say light , is it just a faint line or is it real noticeable ? Can you see the light with an empty chamber when closed ?

stimpy

[jw83]

I am new to the handis and to reloading was wondering if I can neck size my cases or do I have to full length resize them in the handis? Thanks.

[LaOtto222]

Shoot a round and see if it will rechamber. If it will you can neck size, if not you will have to bump the shoulder back.

[PartsMan]

The brass needs to be full length sized just enough so the action will lock up tight with an empty case chambered, just turn the die in a little at a time and size the brass, then check the fit in the chamber, repeat until the brass is flush with the chamber face, or just a little protruding, depends on the barrel to chamber gap, you just need to get the die set right. 

Tim

I should know better than to question Tim.

Factory ammo closed up fine so did empty rifle.
Set my sizing die to Lee recommended 1/3 turn down from touching.
Resized a case. Same thing. I could see light through. Not much, maybe half a thousandth.

Turned the die in another 1/4 turn. Resized the same brass.
It chambered fine.
Double checked with another case.

I guess this was a new reloader problem not a Handi problem.

[quickdtoo]

Well, not necessarily, a bolt action may have enough leverage to close on the round where the Handi won't, so give yourself credit for noticing there was an issue and finding a solution for it.  Some members don't notice and get a pop open and the rifle gets the blame, when it's really just a handloading faux paux that anyone can make. 

Tim

[PartsMan]

I guess it's time to buy that bullet puller.

Now what do i do about the primers in these cases?
Can I resize them with the primer in?
Can I remove them without them going off?

[stimpylu32]

Partsman

Just move your decapping pin up till it does not tough the primer then another 1/4" more , you will be able to resize the case and not have to re-prime .

stimpy

[PartsMan]

Thanks stimpylu32.

Primers don't cost that much, but us reloaders are about saving and recycling.
Plus I didn't want to have to change my pants if a primer went off in the press.

[Ditchdigger]

Partsman if you'll slam the action shut 3 or 4 times with the cartridge in it,it'll usually lock up tight for you.Try that and see if it'll work for you. Beats the heck out of pulling all those bullets.   Digger

[PartsMan]

It will latch and they will go of but I was trying a new powder.
Accuracy won't be the same as a proper sized case.
I'm lucky to hit paper with loads this thing doesn't like.

[quickdtoo]

Partsman if you'll slam the action shut 3 or 4 times with the cartridge in it,it'll usually lock up tight for you.Try that and see if it'll work for you. Beats the heck out of pulling all those bullets.   Digger

Jeez, maybe that's why your Handis don't shoot consistent!!

Tim

[snapcrackpop]

I had to FL size some loaded cases and I just took out the decaping pin completely.

[PartsMan]

I had to FL size some loaded cases and I just took out the decaping pin completely.

You mean bullet, powder, and all?

[stimpylu32]

Ya PartsMan it can be done , not the way we want to do it but i to have had to do it on more than one occasion .

[Ditchdigger]

When I snap the action into place sharply,it'll push the case's shoulder back. Sometimes the action has a little play in it and it has to be shut pretty hard sometimes.The spring is a little weak on some also in the latch area,thats why FredM recommends the heavier spring in the latch area for a more stable lockup.   Digger

[snapcrackpop]

You mean bullet, powder, and all?

It was a little freaky pulling that lever down the first time.
But I resized it and it was quicker than pulling bullets...

WARNING:   ****I have no idea if this is safe.****

[PartsMan]

NO NO & NO

My die would not resize a loaded round.
It tried to compress the neck with bullet in it.
Over 1/4" of brass sticking out of die with press handle starting to give.

Resized an empty round with out decapping rod in.
Neck was too small to seat a bullet. (That's when I realized why loaded round wouldn't work.)

Put decapping rod back in and adjusted up.
Wouldn't tighten.
Adjusted some more and got it to tighten.
Empty brass would not go in again.
Pulled the die and saw that the expander was expanding as the die was compressing.

Gave up and went to bed. I will go buy a bullet puller today.

[coyotejoe]

By all means pull those bullets, you can salvage the powder, leave the primer in place and all you're out is some time. The only way you can resize a loaded round would be to resize the body and set back the shoulder of your 7mm08 cartridges in a .308 die. Trying to resize a loaded round in a 7-08 die would be swaging down the bullet.

[stimpylu32]

PartsMan

Just pick up the puller and start from scratch , coyotejoe is right about the 308 die , sometimes i forget that not everyone knows whats in my head    and not everyone has been loading as long as i have . It is a MAJOR learning curve . Sorry

stimpy

[PartsMan]

Ah Ha.
That make more sense.