I full length sized a box of weatherby 340 mag cases tonight using a RCBS sizing die. I lubed the cases but there was a lot of resistance in bringing the case back out of the die. On each case there is a mark in the shoulder of the brass that has been gouged out that you can feel with your finger nail and very visible. I don't know if this happens when the case is going in the die or coming out! Any suggestion as to the cause?
Yankee, is it an actual gouge? is the "damage" rough or burred, or is it a smooth dent type mark?
If the mark is smooth like a dent then it is too much lube on and around the shoulder. However, if it is an actual scratch, it is likely from the tiny vent hole at the shoulder, or something in the die. Look inside with a light and see if you can see what it is. A burr on the vent hole could be scratching the shoulder. If the mark is down from the shoulder than probably some foreign matter in the die...hope this helps.
Posts: 40 | Location: California, USA | Registered: 24 July 2003
If there is a guoged out place in the same location on each case,it is probably caused by grit of some kind embedded in your die.If that is the case ,the cure is to have the die polished or replaced.
The vent hole is in the threaded portion of the die. Depending on the location of the lockring you may have to move it to see the hole. IIRC you can use a paper clip to clear the hole. The hole is there to release trapped air which sounds like your problem.
Posts: 1557 | Location: Texas | Registered: 26 July 2003
Quote: Yankee, is it an actual gouge? is the "damage" rough or burred, or is it a smooth dent type mark?
If the mark is smooth like a dent then it is too much lube on and around the shoulder. However, if it is an actual scratch, it is likely from the tiny vent hole at the shoulder, or something in the die. Look inside with a light and see if you can see what it is. A burr on the vent hole could be scratching the shoulder. If the mark is down from the shoulder than probably some foreign matter in the die...hope this helps.
It is a smooth scratch at the very top of the shoulder about 1/16 inch wide. With your fingernail or by looking at it, you can tell that some brass has been removed. Thanks!
