Just bought my first X-die resizing die and noticed some of the cases I've run through it have a slight scuff about 1/8" above the base of the case. It's not a scratch, just a slight scuff. Sometimes the scuff is a ring around the whole case, sometimes it's only a portion (doesn't seem to be in any particular spot), and a few times there's been nothing at all. Is this a problem or something that is normal?

Sounds like a sizing polish to me. Typical.

Forgive my ignorance, but what do you mean?

quote:

Originally posted by Jim C. <><:
Sounds like a sizing polish to me. Typical.

It is a "burnished" line around the Case at the point where Pressure Ring Expansion(PRE) occurs. It happens because the Die is "resizing" that portion of the case back to SAAMI Specs as it rubs against it. The cases that have it partially around them will eventually have it all the way around.

This is also the point on the case where Case Head Separations occur. You check for this with the chisel-edged, L-shaped Feeler Gauge inside the case. Use a Paper Clip to make one. If you "feel" a Groove on the inside of the case (at the point you are asking about) then you have Insipient Case Head Separation created by Resizing too much and creating the Headspace.

You can use this spot to your advantage by measuring PRE which is the very best Pressure Detection Method ever devised.

Best of luck to you.

Thanks for the detailed answer. So this is completely normal and I shouldn't worry about it?

OK, better detail! A FL die "rubs" all of the case but it rubs hardest where the brass is thickest. That's the web and just forward of it. The lower portion of the case is too thick to expand, where the expansion actually begins is determined by the chambers fit/support AND the load pressure.

That surface polished ring, or rub, on the thickest part of the expanded case is because of its much greater resistance to sizing down. It varys somewhat due to case wall thicness and hardness but it is normal.

It is not highly important to lube cases in the forepart but it is critical that you lube the rear part to keep that pressure ring from sticking in the die.

What HotCore and Jim C. says but, I might add, these marks on the case are almost always caused by the rings in the chamber when the chamber wasn't polished to a mirror finish. This is actually more desireable than a mirror finish as it allows the case to grip the chamber walls better at peak pressure. They don't show on a once fired case until you size it and the die burnishes the tops of this rings in the case making them visible.

quote:

Originally posted by EMK:
Thanks for the detailed answer. So this is completely normal and I shouldn't worry about it?

Hey EMK, Yes, it is normal for ALL Cartridges once they experience enough Pressure to Expand them and if they do not contract enough to be smaller than the inside of the Resizing Die.

When I Lube my Cases, it seems I'm a bit more concerned about it than Jim C. is. I don't want the Lube on the "Shoulder", because it will create "dents". But I do want it on the full length of my case walls. And a bit inside the Neck.

Just don't create excess Headspace and you will be OK. Best of luck to you.

Thanks, guys. I've reloaded straight-wall handgun cases for years but am just starting with rifle cartridges. It has been a huge learning experience.

quote:

Originally posted by Hot Core:

quote:

Originally posted by EMK:
Thanks for the detailed answer. So this is completely normal and I shouldn't worry about it?

Hey EMK, Yes, it is normal for ALL Cartridges once they experience enough Pressure to Expand them and if they do not contract enough to be smaller than the inside of the Resizing Die.

When I Lube my Cases, it seems I'm a bit more concerned about it than Jim C. is. I don't want the Lube on the "Shoulder", because it will create "dents". But I do want it on the full length of my case walls. And a bit inside the Neck.

Just don't create excess Headspace and you will be OK. Best of luck to you.

with my WSM, i just put a bit on the inside of the neck ,some on the outside and some just below the shoulder, since most of the sizing happens there. normally i only lube up the inside and outside of every second or 3rd case, but really depends on how clean the cases are and how much lube your putting on your cases! i think i put on too much, thats probably why i dont need to do every single one