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Split case stuck in 223 sizing die

If you have access to a vibratory cleaner, such as a jewelry cleaner, just drop the entire die into the holder with standard jewelry cleaner and let it run. Go to bed, wake up with the case hanging out! Easy as pie!

Other wise, the Easy-out should work as long as you don't touch the sides of the die wall. Use lots of Kroil or other penetrating oil. Even WD-40 will help. The vibratory cleaner is the easiest and has fewer headaches unless your wife catches you using her jewelry cleaner!

If worst comes to worst, you can return it to RCBS and they will either remove the case or send you a new die. They will do this for free and no purchase receipt is required. RCBS is a good company with excellent customer service!

If you have a size die that is scratching cases, first clean the die out with Flitz or some other metal cleaner (JB non-embedding cleaner, stainless polish - available from aircraft supply houses since it works on aluminum, too, etc). Use a nylon brush and cloth patch & hook the brush up to a drill motor. Don't let the die get hot, if you do, you're overdoing it! If that doesn't work, return the die to RCBS and they will polish it out for free! I usually have several size dies for each caliber (over 50 years of collecting them!) And when I get enough to fill a die set box, I just send them back to RCBS for care all at the same time! This repair/replace also holds true if you're one of those guys that like to use your inertia bullet puller like a framing hammer... they will replace those for free as well. Personally, since I found out how they are actually supposed to be used, I've had the same one for over 30 years now and have pulled lots and lots of bullets with it without breaking it! It's all in the wrist, which is all you should use!
Cheers,
crkckr
 
Might try a separated case extractor. Often used on rifles when a case head separates in the rifle. They make then for m-16s. It may not work if it's really stuck. I've used the tap method as well but it helps if you can cool down the brass as much as possible . Expansion contraction rates of the brass is more dramatic than the steel die. I use electronic cooling spray. Stick the nozzle in the broken end of the case and it will freeze the brass pretty quick, causing it to contract. The head of the stuck/broken case remover will fit in the shell holder, Run it up into the broken case and give a pull on the reloader handle. Start easy then give it a quick jerk. Good luck!
 
By the way, RCBS still makes stuck case extractors for just this purpose---disregard, I just remembered the case needs to be intact.
 
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