345 DeSoto
Member
I set up my .223 small base die EXACTLY the way the instructions stated. Almost all my once fired cases are dented in the shoulder or the body, just below the shoulder. What's the reason, and how do I remedy it?...:banghead:
RCBS .223 Small Base Die Denting My Brass
- Thread starter 345 DeSoto
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rcmodel
Member in memoriam
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Oil dents from too much case lube.
Clean the die, and don't use so much lube.
Just a thin film (all you can wipe off with your fingers) is all you need.
rc
Oil dents from too much case lube.
Clean the die, and don't use so much lube.
Just a thin film (all you can wipe off with your fingers) is all you need.
rc
345 DeSoto
Member
I only used a very thin coat of lube...NONE on the shoulders.
ReloaderFred
Member
The lube will work it's way up the inside of the die as the cases are sized. When enough finally reaches the area of the shoulder, there really isn't any other place for it to go, since the neck pretty much seals off the top of the die. This produces hydraulic pressure, and the only release for the pressure is to push the brass in until the pressure is relieved.
Clean the excess lube out of the die and then start over with minimal lube. You want just enough to prevent sticking a case in the die, which is another subject entirely.......
You also didn't mention whether or not you cleaned the preservative oil out of the die before you started sizing with it. If not, that oil will contribute to the hydraulic pressure in conjunction with the added case lube.
Hope this helps.
Fred
Clean the excess lube out of the die and then start over with minimal lube. You want just enough to prevent sticking a case in the die, which is another subject entirely.......
You also didn't mention whether or not you cleaned the preservative oil out of the die before you started sizing with it. If not, that oil will contribute to the hydraulic pressure in conjunction with the added case lube.
Hope this helps.
Fred
Blue68f100
Member
Check the position of the vent hole in relation to the locking ring. I had one die one time that the RCBS set screw sealed off the vent hole. Drove me nuts till I figured out what was plugging it.
If a new die clean it up real good. It may have some packing grease plugging the hole.
If a new die clean it up real good. It may have some packing grease plugging the hole.
Focus on lubing the body, if a tiny bit gets on the shoulder you'll be OK, but don't get much on it. A tad on the neck is good, but not much.
As hard as I try not to, I get the occasional small lube dent on .32-20 brass.
As hard as I try not to, I get the occasional small lube dent on .32-20 brass.
chris in va
Member
You might also want to try a different lube, such as Hornady Unique. I got dents from One Shot until I switched. It's similar if not identical to silicone grease and a tub last literally years.
And 17 Remington, and 204 Ruger, and 221 Remington Fireball, and...
I think everyone gets a dent or two once in a while.
Good information already posted.
notaglockfanboy
Member
I agree with the others here. Clean the die and start over with a bit less lube, also check relief hole for obstruction. I used to load for a 6mmBR 15 or so years back, and actually got a die with no relief hole. Don't recall the manufacturer but I ended up taking it to a local machine shop and having them drill a relief hole to prevent case dents. No matter how little lube I used, without the relief hole I always got dents.
345 DeSoto
Member
Thanks, all. It's very much appreciated...
All the info you need is in above post, but I wanted to comment on cleaning dies. I was talking with a Redding tech via email best way to store dies (oil) as I was getting flash rust where I handled the dies. Long story short he told me to always clean the dies well before each use if wax or new dies use drill with bronze brush wrapped in #0000 steel wool, alcohol or similar to remove the rest on a cloth or cotton swab. That has been my go to die cleaning regiment from then on you would be amazed at the gunk coming out of dies new or used !! I also use EEZOX now for preservative which prevents rust and no gummed up mess of oil if they have set for awhile.
Ive found that using a homebrew case lube made from lanolin oil and iso alcohol mixed at 10 to 1 is pretty dang good. Thousands of rifle cases formed and sized and never stuck one yet.
What I use:
http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Liq...F8&qid=1429719691&sr=8-1&keywords=lanolin+oil
Can be bought elsewhere, I just got mine from Amazon. Needs to be oil, not lotion or cream.
http://www.amazon.com/ISO-HEET-2820...e=UTF8&qid=1429719755&sr=8-1&keywords=isoheet
Just buy it at the local parts or hardware store for cheaper. 99% is best as it evaporates the quickest.
Mix it in a spray bottle, shake bottle, spray on cases, shake cases, alcohol evaporates in a few minutes, leaving perfectly lubed cases, that will never stick or get dents.
What I use:
http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Liq...F8&qid=1429719691&sr=8-1&keywords=lanolin+oil
Can be bought elsewhere, I just got mine from Amazon. Needs to be oil, not lotion or cream.
http://www.amazon.com/ISO-HEET-2820...e=UTF8&qid=1429719755&sr=8-1&keywords=isoheet
Just buy it at the local parts or hardware store for cheaper. 99% is best as it evaporates the quickest.
Mix it in a spray bottle, shake bottle, spray on cases, shake cases, alcohol evaporates in a few minutes, leaving perfectly lubed cases, that will never stick or get dents.
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