Revisited it tonight. Didn’t have an issue! Hopeful.
First, after cleaning the die returned from redding, i left the expander out. Like usual, first pass in a clean die i make sure it is covered in a thin layer of imperial wax. Passed it into press and there was markedly less resistance than in the past; let’s say, “normal” amount, whereas in the past the significant resistance was an “uh oh” moment. Lowering the ram there were no issues. Did a few cases. Next put the expander back in, and lowered it way down, the button just above interior bottom of the case. I pre-graphited the button, too, instead of relying on what the case neck interior supplied after dipping in graphited bead jar. Anyway, sending the ram back up and back was also uneventful. Then did some in one-step, the die assembled and stem left a bit loose. Running fine.
So. I don’t have a clear, one-variable-identified answer. My gut said as others did, that somehow was getting an interference fit between the die wall, brass neck, and expander as lowered the ram. And that may be, but the sudden overall decrease in resistance all around makes me wonder if redding was tired of me sending the set back and they polished it out or replaced it. No idea, but pleased either way thus far.
Awaiting arrival of hornady case comparator, then will do the rest of the once-fired pile. Shooting a couple old pumps, so hoping to set die to bump just .001-.002” and realize some longevity from this brass.
