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Hello,

I went 1 neck size too far with a batch of .308 and now I have lots of primed cases that need a full length resize. I know some are OK, but I know at least a few aren't. The ones that were an issue went into the straight pull chamber, didn't go off and then were a nightmare to get out. So... what do I do? I see I have these options:

1) Find someone with a bolt action .308 and see if they will fire in their rifle.
2) Deprime each case and then soak the primers in whatever it is that renders them useless.
3) Full length resize the cases with a live primer still in them.

So I guess the question is, out of 30 primed cases, how many are likely to go off if I deprime them? I just did one with ear and eye protection and it was OK, nothing happened, but I guess I can't use the primers again, but I wonder if I'll be as lucky with 30 of them. Yes I was very, very gentle. If I choose this route, I still have to make the primers safe and I'm not sure what's required. Can anyone advise on this please?

The last and if it's safe, "preferable solution" would be to full length resize the cases whilst primed. Is this safe? Is it just as safe as depriming a primed case?

Can anyone offer any experienced views on this please?

Cheers,

Craig.

I've never had any issue with depriming live primers, mind you it's not something I try to make a habit of either. I have full length sized primed brass without a problem - again not something I do often.

Also, all the primers I've reclaimed have successfully fired when replaced into brass. I was expending lots of failure to fire, but no, they all went bang.

take the decapping pin out and just resize them, you'll be fine

Alan

The short answer is most likely as near none as makes no odds if you do it slowly, just remember to wear safety goggles. Only time I've had any go off is when de-priming a batch of corroded in Berdan cases for a fellow forum member, didn't half make the cats jump!.

I'd de-prime using a de-capping die rather than the FLS as that way all you feel is the primer resistance as it's pressed out and can tell if ones going to be a problem!.

No need to soak the primers just reuse them, I had no failures with a batch I de-primed and re-seated after I forgot to FLS some 44mag cases.

You should be fine however do remember to wear some safety glasses.

Thanks for all the replies, I won't reply individually as you're swamped me, but thanks. Lots of good advice in those few posts.

OK I'll go with the resizing the cases whilst primed approach (decapping pin out of course!). Eye protection on...

Thanks gents.

Just make sure the cases are well lubed and you should be fine. Not something to do on a regular basis though. I suggest you invest in a Lee de priming die they are cheap they do not size the case and you can use the same die for most calibres.

ovenpaa wrote:You should be fine however do remember to wear some safety glasses.

+1

That was surprisingly easy. All cases resized, you can tell by the pressure it takes to push it in the die, that at least 7 of those cases would have given me trouble. All fixed now and I have to say, it wouldn't phase me to do it again, it didn't feel like there was any risk of a primer going off.

Quick question though... For the cases I had to pull, is it OK to put the propellant back in the tub or should I stick it in a separate container until I'm ready to reload the cases again?

Assuming it's the same powder as what's in the tub just chuck it in