Gents, I have been reloading for the last 20 yrs. I have run into a problem lately of dented shoulders on full length resizing.I had been partial sizing but I have had stiff bolt closing so thought I'd set back the shoulder a little. However, when I do get the bolt to close easy there are these dents. So,I back the die out until the dents don't appear but then I have a stiff bolt. I use one shot lube so its not too much lube.This is in my Rem 700,6mm Rem could it be to much head space ? Thanks for you ideas.

Lube will build up in the sizing die over time. Take the die apart and check for lube buildup. I would bet that you will find some buildup inside.

I checked and cleaned the die before sizing.

i have the same problem with my 243 and 7 br dies when i full lenght them the 7 br is relly bad and ive never found a cure jason

Rob Check the "air" hole in the sizing die, if it is clogged it might cause the compression of air inside the die to dent the shoulder. Just a thought.

I'd still bet on a lube problem.

Were it me, I'd pull the stem, clean the hell out of the die, and try sizing another case with the merest trace of lube and the stem still out in case the case got stuck.

The only other thing I can think of is to check case length. I don't know how your dies are built, but a neck that butts into the die before the shoulder touches could cause your problem.

It would seem to me lube build up in the die is the reason for those dents, and possibly a clogged vent hole. Place your FL sizer die in the press with the ram at full swing screw the FL die against the shell holder and lock in place. A properly adjusted FL sizer die with just a hint of imperial sizing die wax on the case should never dent your cases. What do you use for your case lube? How often do you clean your dies? Check your case length and trim to length if needed after each FL sizing. Are you using the right FL sizer die to size your cases? The wrong die has been used accidentally to size cases. Double check everything to be certain all is as it should be.

243 easily dents the shoulders with lube and check for an air hole on the die. 243 can be a touchy pain, i use the minimum lube i can without sticking the cases.

Hornady One Shot lube if you read the first post. I cannot find any air hole in my Redding dies where is it located ?

Rob you have an e mail. Redding dies do not have an airhole! RCBS does though.

I've never seen but one thing cause this: Poor or excessive case lube.

Clean the die good inside and try again. This time don't get ANY lube on the case shoulder. You CAN get enough lube on a case for grease dents even using One Shot.

Rob1SG,
How many reloads are on the brass?
If you have quite a few, probably have an answer for you.
If this is the case, your brass has worked hardened and you are now trying to full size brass that you have been only partially sizing and not only that but with a die set that is garuanteed not to match your chamber, unless you have a custom set of dies.
What is the reason for only partially sizing the brass? Is it because full sizing sizes too much or you only want to neck size? Or...?
I have more info if you would like. It's getting late and my mind is starting to numb.
Drop me a line if you want.
OutKaste

I have to agree with the other posts that say to much lube and a blocked air vent,try useing a case lube pad and let the shoulder hang off the pad so you dont get any lube on the shoulder,I had the same problem loading 30-30 loads and I switched to the case lube pad and the dents went away

I ran into the same problem recently w/ my 8 MM F/L die. Removed collet and stem and cleaned all WELL. Problem solved.

By the way, I reduced a lot of drag on the stem by spinning the stem in a drill w/ just a touch of 4/0 steel wool.

Puncher

I ran into tne same problem. I use a metal polish(copper) for cleaning the case.I dont put any lube inside the case,and I begin applying the lube with my fingers,no pad,1/4 or so below the shoulder of the case and I make sure there is no lube above this point,that solved the problem,too much lube near the shoulder area,neck will cause that...

rej - Exactly. The lube is going to work it's way UP, so one should lube as rej suggests.

Could be the brass is old I have had it for about a year and have run loads through it 7 or 8 times.Hornady one shot is a dry lube and according to instructions you must spray all sides of the case. I'm off to the range tomorrow so we'll see how things work out. Thanks to all for your help

After I went to Imperial Sizing Wax I haven't had a dented case since. After the cleaning & air hole I'd try some Imperial. One can will last you a long time.