45-90 full length re-sizing problem - help please

[CBarnard]

I have just tried full length sizing my new Starline 45-90 cases using my new Lyman Classic 3 Dies Rifle set and the case will not fully enter the die, it sticks out about 1/2" from the base of the die, plus the ram will not go all the way, the lever does not bottom out if that makes sense, if I were to really pull down hard on the lever, it might go in very small amount but it just doesn't feel right. It is definitley a 45-90 die and I have removed the decapping rod. I have just sent a message to Lyman but thought I would ask you guys as some of you shoot 45-90 and would know if this is correct or not.
I do not normally full length size for my other rifles but as these are new cases and I am not sure how tight the chamber will be on my new Shiloh - which I haven't got yet.
Any input would be welcome.
Thanks,
Chris

[Kurt]

Are you using case lube?

[Clarence]

Have you annealed the Starline brass? It is very hard as delivered, and that shows up as heavy effort when you try to resize.

In addition to annealing, I'd wait until you have the rifle in hand. You probably won't need to resize the new brass to fit the chamber.

You might try expanding a couple of the cases; my guess is that they will exhibit the same tendency until annealed.

Clarence

[CBarnard]

Thanks, yes, lubed as usual. No I haven't annealed but will give it a try. Waiting until I get my rifle is the best idea but you know what it's like, you just want to get on with something ready for the day it arrives!
Chris

[charlie young]

I have 2 Shiloh 45-90s. Brand new Starline brass will fall into either chamber without sizing. My Lyman dies are set in a Lyman Turret press. My die doesn't extend out the bottom of the turret, it must be close to 5/8's of an inch or more from the top of the shell holder, when the ram is at the upper end of it's stroke. Absolutely no need to full length size. One of the top long range shooters in the nation give me a tip many years ago. Just resize the upper 1/3 of the case, and it's worked out for me quite well. Always anneal Starline, and if you are going to shoot competition I would suggest anneal after every firing.

[CBarnard]

Thanks Charlie for that info.. For my 40-70SS Shiloh, I don't even neck size, after inserting the bullet, I put a slight taper crimp on.
Any tips on loads for the 45-90 please? I have various moulds all 500 grain plus, Lyman, Hoch etc.. I might get some of Harlan' s (Sagebrush) .444" paper patch bullets
to try.
Thanks,
Chris

[charlie young]

I use the same loads in both rifles....75 gr. of 1 1/2 swiss behind a BACO money bullet or Lyman Postell, just touch the lands. PP shoots well, but don't have load info handy. Brooks Creedmoor with reduced top band at 79 gr. has proven to be a winner as well.

[bruce m]

could there be a question re the dimensions of the lyman die?
my experience of them is that they can be unfit for purpose this way, too big or too small.
measuring the new brass at the base could be a guide here.
pretty sure it should be saami max spec diameter or less of a 45/70 case, which can be easily checked from books or google.
keep safe,
bruce.

[Coltsmoke]

Stop sizing the brass until you have your rifle, you might not have to do that at all, that is good advise. Second, the brass does need annealing, that is good advise. I would add this, study and learn how to anneal properly or you can ruin the brass you have. If you know how to anneal, tell us what you know, if you don't, find out how and tell us how you plan to do it, before you do it. I would spend this waiting time casting bullets.

[Lumpy Grits]

Lyman dies have gone down hill in QC and material. I stopped using them.
I found the metal Lyman used scratched very easy(soft?), and undersized the case.
What are you using for lube? Get some Dillon spray lube w/Lanolin.
Look hard at RCBS.
YES-Anneal those case mouths.
FWIW: In my Shiloh .45-90. I size the case with a RCBS .45-110 FL size die. Yes-GG bullet shooter here.
You only need to reduce the case size OD .003-.004 overall for an easy rechamber, and the target said to keep doing this.
Gary

[CBarnard]

Thanks all for your help and advice, much appreciated.
I will do no more until my rifle arrives and take it from there.
Cheers,
Chris

[Lumpy Grits]

Also-Watch the case length with the first sizing.
That's another reason I use the '110 FL die.
G.

[TexasMac]

Lyman dies have gone down hill in QC and material. I stopped using them.
I found the metal Lyman used scratched very easy(soft?), and undersized the case.
What are you using for lube? Get some Dillon spray lube w/Lanolin.
Look hard at RCBS.
YES-Anneal those case mouths.
FWIW: In my Shiloh .45-90. I size the case with a RCBS .45-110 FL size die. Yes-GG bullet shooter here.
You only need to reduce the case size OD .003-.004 overall for an easy rechamber, and the target said to keep doing this.
Gary

Gary,

Interesting comment on the Lyman quality. I recently ran into problems with a Lyman .40 cal neck sizing die. For some reason I could not figure out it started deeply scratching the necks of Browning cases. Checking the die indicated it was damaged inside. I have no idea how. I've never run into a similar problem with any other dies during 40+ years or reloading.

Wayne

[Lumpy Grits]

The Lyman dies I bought 30+ yrs ago are not anything like what they sell today.
I believe they changed to some form of leaded steel, and they aren't able to heat treat the dies, like the old ones were.
G.