.223 Fiocchi cases

geeguy

Bought a case of .223 Fiocchi ammo for a Rock River AR-15. When trying to size the cases found that they "all" stuck about 3/4 of the way in the RCBS die (had to remove several with case removal tool). I normally use Norma and Mil Brass with no issue, and I did check other fired brass to assure the die was proper. No problem with three other types of brass (all measurements were per the book).

I should also note that I deprimed the brass with the universal Lee deprimer, so that's not an issue. I have not yet contacted Fiocchi and don't shoot much .223.

Anyone else have this problem? Or a recommendation?

Thanks

dcs shooters

What kind of lube are you using [?]

Mobuck

I haven't had any problem sizing Fiocchi brass. Just finished a batch of 223 that had some in it and before that some 7.62x39 that was about 40% Fiocchi. Sounds like a lube failure.

geeguy

I use Imperial Wax. While I don't shoot .223 much, that relates to about having reloaded 7-10K over the last few years. Same dies, same lube. As stated, I did do some Norma and Mil just to make sure it wasn't me or the lube, no problem with any others.

I have reloaded Friocchi in many other calibers with no problem.

The head stamp on these is G.F.L. I called Friocchi, tech man was out this week. I don't think it's me (of course I've said that before and been wrong)so I was trying to see if anyone experienced this.

Thanks for the input.

Rocky Raab

If you are sticking cases using Imperial, there is something seriously wrong with the cases. Wait ten days or so and contact them again, but I think I'd be inclined to treat that brass as non-reloadable. (Their tech rep is probably at SHOT and will take some time to get things back to normal afterward.)

victorj19

Are you sure you have the correct die and not something like a 222 Rem? When was the last time you cleaned your sizer die? Was there a chance the spindle was turned in too far? Any chance you have a different caliber mixed in with the 223 brass? Suggest taking the die apart regardless of when you last cleaned it for inspection. If it isn't the case and you're using a lube, it only leaves the die.

Sorry. Re-read your posts. If the die is working with other brand brass, it won't be the die.

geeguy

Boy is my face red!!

I went back and looked at every step vs. the norma brass. Turns out I used a shell holder from a "batch" purchase I made a few years ago and it was just a little bit tight at the slot when full insertion. The Mil and Norma was just a bit (and I mean a little bit) thinner then the Friocchi and the Friocchi was not in full insertion in the holder making it tilt a bit when going into the die.

Changed the shell holder to my RCBS, wonderbar, it works fine.

Sometimes reminds me what just a couple thousands of an inch means.

So sorry to take up everyone's time. I just needed to not make an assumption before taking a long look. Never to old to learn.

Rocky Raab

Hey, you learned something and WE learned something. Sounds like a wonderfully educational post to me!