How do you polish a sizing die?

[bummer7]

I can't tell if the internal die dimentions changed due to the polishing. I use a case gauge and also recorded the case dimensions before and after polishing the die. I have resized 20 cases after polishing and die and can honestly say the die dimensions does not seem to have (signifiantly) changed. The sizing die just works that much better now. What is noticeable is how much easier it is to resize cases now. The amount of effort to resize cases is much smoother and requires less effort.

Good idea about listing the change in my load journal.

 

[lightman]

Thanks for your follow-up. Glad it fixed your problem. So many times a poster ask for advice and we never hear back from them.

 

[EricBu]

Rcbs and dillon will both replace a die that is leaving artifacts on the brass, they have for me anyway. Haven't tried any other maker.

 

[bummer7]

Rcbs and dillon will both replace a die that is leaving artifacts on the brass, they have for me anyway. Haven't tried any other maker.

I have not asked RCBS to replace the die body but I did think about asking them to replace it. This would have been my next step if I could not fix it on my own. On the other hand, is it fair to ask RCBS to replace a part that I messed up?

 

[WeekendReloader]

I have not asked RCBS to replace the die body but I did think about asking them to replace it. This would have been my next step if I could not fix it on my own. On the other hand, is it fair to ask RCBS to replace a part that I messed up?

No harm if you can call and ask. Let them say no.

 

[NMexJim]

I have glued some fine wet-or-dry paper to a piece of wood that approaches the radius of the chamber and lightly scrubbed back and forth endwise around the entire surface. No chance of measurably altering the chamber by that means. My chamber quit scratching the brass--though it's true that the scratches were very light.

By fine, I assume you're talking about 2,000, 4,000 grit. Normally you can find it at dedicated paint stores, especially those that cater to car painters.

 

[EricBu]

I have not asked RCBS to replace the die body but I did think about asking them to replace it. This would have been my next step if I could not fix it on my own. On the other hand, is it fair to ask RCBS to replace a part that I messed up?

All they can do is say no;-) Worst case, they'd probably sell you just a body as a replacement. It's pretty hard to scratch a sizing die though, so it's probably not your fault. I mean, I started loading in the 80s and didn't even clean my brass, just shook in a strainer and nocked the dust off. Those were old school steel dies, and I still use them, no sign of wear, and they must have loaded thousand upon thousands of 38 and 357 by now.

 

[bummer7]

Yes. I can always ask and they can say "no". But it goes against my values. I shouldn't ask if i messed up the die. Thats on me. Especially if the die came from the factory in good shape and not damaged to start with.

FWIW, i started reloading with RCBS equipment since 1970. The company has been good to me over the years. Even under different owners, RCBS has been good in honoring their warranty.