Dented case while resizing. PICs now up!

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Just set up an rcbs resizing die as per the instructions. When I put a case into be resized they come out with a small dent in the shoulder. If I dont quite lower the handle all the way the case comes out OK.
Have I done somthing wrong in the setup, or is it ok not to lower the handle all the way. When i dont lowered the handle all the way there is maybe 1/8” between the the shell holder and the die and the cases come out fine.

EDIT: this is without using any LUBE at all.
 
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Liquid lubes are more prone to this than a paste lube like the awesome Hornady stuff in the small tub. It's more like thick lard but goes a long, long ways and I haven't seen a dented case with it yet.
 
Amazing that you can resize a case without any lube at all. Anytime I've tried to resize an case without adequate lube it has wound up stuck in the die.
 
I was thinking oil dent as soon as I read the title.
Then I saw your edit about NO lube.
So now I am with Tiriaq, wondering how you havent jammed it solid.
 
Ya, I started with lube then when they were denting I went to less and even less lube and now none at all. So maybe a bit of residuale lube but that would be it.
 
I agree that residual lube is likely the culprit. Try cleaning the die thoroughly and starting over with a modest amount of lube.
 
Clean the die and try Redding (Imperial) sizing die wax. Get in there with a brush and really scrub it.

Most dents are lube related; but they all aren't. It's quite possible to have a rifle chamber on the generous side and die that's a little tight up front. The brass will move, but under protest. I've had to send a few back with some fired cases to be honed or polished out a bit. Redding would often just cut a custom die and mail it back.

I suspect you have a die/chamber incompatibility problem or a bad die. Any chance of posting some pictures?
 
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Clean out your die. Mine were denting because of too much lube and I tried running a few through it “dry” but they would still dent until I cleaned out the die body. I used a pull through and spun it around a couple times after unscrewing the decapping pin (Redding type S bushing die). All is good now.

You could also be “ over “ resizing. I have my die set up for a .002 shoulder bump. With my die touching the shell holder it was resizing the case too much. This could be what’s happening as well.
 
You may have to abandon the setting instructions. Rimmed cases often come with grotesquely over-sized chambers which work because the cartridge head-spaces on the rim. The shoulder may not be within a mile of touching with new brass or factory ammo.

Set your die by screwing it in until it touches the shell holder; then back it out a full turn or so and see what happens. If you have an undented case that will chamber load them like that. If they chamber hard, screw the die in a bit at a time until the action closes easily. Same thing if they work for a few loading then get hard later. Just sneak up on it a bit at a time.

Not every case can be sized for every rifle, with every die and one setting method. That goes double for old rimmed cases that were cutting edge when the earth was still cooling.
 
Clean the die with some brake cleaner. There may be some factory gunk in there. Or old lube.

You must lube cases, or a case can stick in the die and be a major PITA to remove.

Here is a very fast and easy way to lube cases.

If you get lube dents, don't fuss. They cause no problems and iron out on shooting. Next time use less lube. Keep reducing lube until you can size without denting.

 
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