He is trying to size cases with a case gauge.i highly doubt case lube is his problem at this point.not that precise yet
Op not being a dick at all I promise.i guess Dave 260 thinks I am whatever.just steering you in right direction

I agree with what you’re saying. I’ve read a bunch in my manuals and as far as I know I followed all directions on my manuals and die set in order and to the letter. I’m one of those paralysis by analysis types. That’s also why I haven’t fired those rounds and am trying to figure out what didn’t go right. I appreciate what you’re saying and the advice. I’m not trying to be a know it all smarty pants.

I did my best not to lube heavy. The container says “a little goes a long way.” I didn’t dent any cases but the container on this Hornady Unique says it won’t dent cases FWIW.

I just measured from the base to the shoulder with my Hornady Headspace Comparator Kit. Measurements are all in the same range for those that fit in the gauge and those that don’t.

I also took measurements near the base of the shells that fit and don’t fit in the gauge and they were the same as close as I could tell.

The reason I’m using the gauge and not my rifle is because my rifle is at my dad’s 4 hours away where I hunt. That said, I took the shells with me over the weekend to see if they would chamber in the rifle. They will, but on some the bolt is a little tight. I didn’t shoot any and decided it would be wise to play it safe until I can figure out what the issue is. Thankfully I have plenty of factory ammo on hand! 😂

3% all good man. I appreciate your time and willingness to try and get me on the right track.

If the bolt will close it's safe to shoot. A snug fit won't hurt anything.

Always a good idea after setting up your sizing die to chamber a sized case and see how it fits.

Yeah I say send em and learn.you sound like a smart person
Reminds me of similar talks with my son.let em rip gotta start somewhere.lol
Hey message me if you are not sure about something I'll talk your ears off about handloads.lol seriously no problem

Do the sharpie trick on the whole thing open and close your bolt a few times then post a Pic of it

Cleaning the inside of the dies could be another issue

Make sure your press is setup to cam over when you are using it that could be the easy answer. I'm guessing it isn't based on the fact pattern here but I'm not there using it so I don't know.

Forest/Trees. Welcome to Aldeer. We'll decide your chamber is messed up here next and you need a gunsmith. Doh!

Haha yeah. Nothing wrong with the chamber, as my recent buck can attest 😂

I have a similar problem with my 270, I have to separate my cases. I use a RCBS case mic. on every case. Any case above +1 will not chamber in my Ruger, but will chamber in my sons Tikka No problem.