Willis sizer?

[barnabus]

can a willis sizer for mag calibers be used on loaded ammo or must they be disassembled?

[jaguarxk120]

If you go to the web site you will find it is not recommended.

[1hole]

Okay, you got me to web search the Willis die and now I remember about it. It has been so long since I heard anything about Mr. Willis' collet type body sizer for belted magnums that I had totally forgotten about it. (That die seems to be the perfect answer to very few questions!)

Anyway, IMHO, it should be perfectly safe to body size a loaded round in that die; I can't see any way for it to set off a primer and it can't possibly affect a seated bullet. BUT, I agree with the maker's advisement to not do it because it would be such an interesting (and possibly messy) event if a cartridge did go off inside a die.

[MUSTANG]

Okay, you got me to web search the Willis die and now I remember about it. It has been so long since I heard anything about Mr. Willis' collet type body sizer for belted magnums that I had totally forgotten about it. (That die seems to be the perfect answer to very few questions!)

Anyway, IMHO, it should be perfectly safe to body size a loaded round in that die; I can't see any way for it to set off a primer and it can't possibly affect a seated bullet. BUT, I agree with the maker's advisement to not do it because it would be such an interesting (and possibly messy) event if a cartridge did go off inside a die.

If a cartridge "Went Off" in the die one would have a very "Short Barreled" firearm. Round would go ^ UP ^ from the die; die holder would keep brass from expanding. If one were looking down at the projectile would probably be Fatal. If it "Went Off" from a standard Bench mounted press - there would be a hole in the ceiling. Potential penetration into a 2nd floor if in basement or 2 story house. Range and energy would probably be short/low as the gases escape when projectile leaves the neck and prevent a good burn of powder in the case.

Being older - and - wanting to live longer; I would use a bullet puller then reassemble the round after resizing the brass around the belt.