Smiley face cut on case mouth using Lee powder through expanding die

[Rule3]

Just loaded 20 rounds using the #10 RCBS shell holder. If I pulled the handle down too far I could feel "something happening" to the case. Upon examination the smiley face was about to occur by seeing the beginning of damage to the case mouth. But if I took it easy and pulled up just after the powder drop everything went well. I don't think the RCBS shell holder is any better than the Lee. May try the Lee expander plug with the M step. But If I go slow at an even pace I should be OK for now. I don't load in volume so gong slow is fine.

See post #39 and #49

 

[berettaprofessor]

I don't know if you always do it that way, but in your picture, the case is not fully inserted into the shell holder. That'll do it.

 

[badkarmamib]

Sorry for the bad call on the shell holder. Long range viewing is not my forte.
Slow and steady sets the pace. But it also “sounds” like (maybe) the die is out of adjustment and needs to be tweaked.

I was reading this to make the same suggestion. My father had a similar situation, where the brass was entering the die at an angle. Replacing the Lee shelholder with a RCBS solved it. Was hoping that would cure the OPs issue. @nevadabob ,have you checked the linkage bolts? Mine need to be barely loose enough to allow function, or the press gets sloppy.

 

[CQB45ACP]

I don't know if you always do it that way, but in your picture, the case is not fully inserted into the shell holder. That'll do it.

Whose picture? Post 26 is mine for demonstration purposes only.