4seventy,

I'm hoping that's the problem and that's one reason I'm going to try neck sizing only (the other reason is that I've got a separated case stuck in my FLS die).

I still fear it's not the only problem as belted cases last 8+ reloads (with the belt turned off, of course). BTW, in another post you raised the issue of wheher the residual rim was enough to allow adequate headspacing - in my rifle it is, in fact the case doesn't slip past the extractor on loading, tho it does on extraction about 1/2 the time.

thanks,

mike