Sizing Die Repair?

Yeah, clean the die. The method you mentioned will work. I use Flitz but only because I like the polishing effect.

Ron

You can do that or use some fine grit sandpaper to remove the fouling. I would run some copper solvent through the die and let it set for a couple hours then use the abrasive (steel wool or sandpaper). I would probably steer clear of the steel wool as it can be messy and tough to remove from the die which could cause dings in your case. You can wrap a dowel with sandpaper and attach it to a drill to help speed up the process. I would use some 600 grit or higher.

Check out the below link from Redding dies.

http://www.redding-reloading.com/tech-line-a-tips-faqs/149-scratched-cases-causes-and-cures

MattB said:

You can do that or use some fine grit sandpaper to remove the fouling....

http://www.redding-reloading.com/tech-line-a-tips-faqs/149-scratched-cases-causes-and-cures

Click to expand...

Right.

As the Redding link says, wet/dry sandpaper 400 grit, 600 grit or finer.

I've polished out my dies dry but Redding's recommendation for using a solvent such as WD-40, kerosene, or a similar fluid would be better.

Wet 1000 grit, then I use one of those cheap cotton "swabs" that come with some cleaning kits with some flitz on it.. Cleans them up like new !

I had an RCBS .308 sizing die that started scratching brass. Cleaned and lubed and it still scratched. Sent it back to RCBS and they repaired it for free. Is it worth a phone call?

Or you can contact RCBS & they'll return it to almost brand new.
(you have to send it in, but they'll return it on their dime.)

Or, you can do it this way: http://varmintal.com/arelo.htm#Polish

RCBS will take care of you, though...

Hope this helps.

Fred

Dillon told me the problem is sometimes caused by tiny flecks of brass that stick on/in the carbide ring of my pistol die. They suggested soaking overnight in a good copper solvent, cleaning, and try it.
If that doesn't work, they will polish out but I don't know the charge.

Instead of a dowel rod, I use the disposable chop sticks from Chinese restraunts. Stronger than comparable sized dowel rods.