case neck tension problem with 223

#1 · February 13, 2009, 11:32 am

I have a set of Dillon dies for my 550b. For the life of me, I cannot adjust the die to get adequate neck tenson. I can move the bullets by hand in completed rounds with a crimp. I use military and commercial brass with no difference. I have also tried winchester and hornady 55gr fmj bt bullets w/ can.. The bullets are all measuring .2335. When I try my lee die, everything is fine. Dillon went though everything with me yesterday and are sending me a new expander ball although it measured out ok. Any suggestions?

Thanks

#2 · February 13, 2009, 5:37 pm

Remove the decap assembly, size a case, then measure the inside diameter of the case neck. Should be well under .222", and a bullet should not press into the case by hand into a sized case.

#3 · February 14, 2009, 12:31 am

The Id is .208 without the decap/expander ball installed. I cannot install a bullet......

#4 · February 14, 2009, 3:48 pm

It really does sound like an oversize expander then.

#5 · March 2, 2009, 3:44 pm

I had the same thing too, all i did to correct the problem (after loss of all my hair) was a little more lube IN the neck. Dont ask why, it just went away.

#6 · November 23, 2013, 5:05 am

I am having the exact same problem. My expander ball is measuring about .222. Very light finger pressure and the bullet slips right inside the case. Using a crimp in the cannelure, push with my fingers and the bullet wiggles up and down, and round-and-round within the confines of the cannelure. I've already send notice to dillon about the expander ball being too large, just waiting on a reply. I'm using their .223 carbide dies.

PS: sizing w/o the decap I'm also getting around .200-.210 in the neck.

#7 · November 23, 2013, 12:46 pm

My expander ball measures exactly 0.220. This is what came on the carbine dies some 20 years ago.