Denting 7-08 casses while reloading

[Macchina]

I have a RCBS full length die set, but it seems to dent all of my cases. When I press the lubricated case into the sizing die, the case holder stops about .020" from the mouth of the die. If I push the shell up that last little bit, it dents right below the shoulder. Do I need to adjust something, or did I get an improperly but die. I trimmed my brass, so it's not over lenght. Thank you.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Sounds like too much lube.

What is the shape of the dents? Sort of rounded?

Any possiblity of dirt or junk in the die?

 

[ReloaderFred]

Most rifle sizing dies, if set up so the shellholder touches the base of the die, will over size the case, causing headspace problems. You don't specify what kind of dents you're getting, but I'm guessing there is too much case lube in the area of the shoulder. If that's not the case, then you're setting the shoulder back too far and you're looking at case head separations in the very near future. If the problem is too much lube, then wipe off any lube in the area of the shoulder and clean out your sizing die of excess lube, then try it again.

It would be a rare RCBS sizing die that was built wrong, but it could happen.

To properly set up your sizing die, take a case that the bolt of your rifle closes on with some slight resistance. Unscrew your sizing die about one full turn and size the case. Put the empty case in the rifle and see if the bolt still closes with that same slight resistance. If it does, screw the sizing die down about 1/4 turn and repeat the sizing/bolt fit process again. Keep doing this until the bolt will close with little to no resistance.

This sets the die up for the chamber of your rifle. Ideally, you'll want to set the shoulder back about .002" to .003", but no more than that. If you do, you'll over stretch the case upon firing and end up with the front portion stuck in the chamber and the rear portion will come out with the bolt.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Vern Humphrey]

When I press the lubricated case into the sizing die, the case holder stops about .020" from the mouth of the die. If I push the shell up that last little bit, it dents right below the shoulder.

Back off on your die, a full turn or more. Then take a case with the neck blackened by soot or magic marker, and run it through the die. Note where the sizing stops on the neck. Adjust the die downward until the line on the neck falls on the junction of neck and shoulder. Give about a quarter turn more, and that should full-length size your cases just about right.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Remove the lock rings and look for the vent hole, clean it out with a straightened paper clip, and clean the die cavity out real good with brake, carb cleaner or Hoppes or some solvent, then start over adjusting your die, and keep the lube to a minimum at the neck area.

 

[ADKWOODSMAN]

Yipper, lube problem. Lube the case, then dip neck in white powdered graphite. Problem will be solved.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Yep! you're getting lube dents when you try to set-back the shoulder of the case.

First, use a pencil (eraser end) wrapped with a couple of turns of toilet paper or paper towel and clean out the lube after you take the decapper stem out. Replace the stem and follow some of the directions you got in previous posts about setting the die.

Not all RCBS dies have a lube flow hole like the Lee's do. In fact, none of the RCBS dies I own have a lube over-flow hole.

With my 7mm-08 I find best accuracy is to just barely touch the neck with the die as this minimizes head space on the fired cases.

 

[bigcim]

I was thinking about getting a 7mm-08 for my wife and daughter. how do you guys like the caliber for plinking and hunting

 

[Brian Williams]

Great cartridge and the dents are caused by lube.

 

[USSR]

michaelmcgo,

Ditch the lube and buy some Imperial Sizing Die wax. A much better product, and you will not have problems with dents.

Don

 

[lev83]

As previously stated your using too much lube. You only need enough to make the case slightly tacky when touched. Cut back on this and your problems will be solved.