Denting 30-06...advice?

[altitude_19]

I just started my first rifle loads (done lots of pistol before this). I am getting a slight dent in my 30-06 casings just below the shoulder.
1.) I'm told this could be due to too much lube...how do the mechanics of that work? How does lube dent brass?
2.) Also, do you HAVE to lube inside the neck? I noticed it makes it a lot easier on the downstroke, just wondering if it has anything to do with the denting issue.
3.) And last, are the cases safe to fire to get the dent out?

 

[918v]

Too much lube. Apply only a microscopicly thin film on the case, cuz it will build up inside the die. Yes, you should lube the inside of the necks, or get a Lee Collet neck die which does not need lube.

 

[coonbait]

#1 to much lube and very tight dies, lube has nowhere to go so it dents the case #2 you should lube the inside of the neck,make sure you clean it befor adding power, i use graffite it will not hurt the power #3 the dent will not hurt anything and will pop out when you fire it

 

[rcmodel]

Liquids like oil, water, and case lube are not in the least compressible.

That is what makes hydraulics work, like the brakes on your car.

Thats what dents your cases when you use too much lube too.
You can't compress it, and it can't get out of the way.
So the brass has to dent to make a place for it to be.

I would suggest you lube inside the necks with dry mica made for the purpose.
Or roll a bore brush on a lube pad lightly, and use that to clean the case necks.

Dented cases are safe to fire as long as the dent isn't back near the case head. If dents there, it could cause a catastrophic pressure leak and a blown up rifle.

I would just completely clean your sizing die, and start over with way less lube.

If you smear it around with your fingers and wipe off all you possibly can with your slightly greasy fingers?
What will be left is just right.

rc

 

[cfullgraf]

I use a case lube pad to lubricate my rifle cases. I hang the shoulder over the side so that the lubricant stays away from the shoulder.

There are many ways to lubricate cases and all work fine. Just keep it to a minimum and keep it off the necks and shoulders.

When using a wet lube on the inside of the case mouth, be careful to not any get on the outside of the neck. If so, wipe it off. It will collect and migrate in your die and dent the shoulder.

I generally put lube in the neck of every other or third case or so. Keeps the amount of lubricant floating around inside my die to a minimum. You will develop a feel on what the frequency needs to be.

Dry lubricants work well for inside of the neck. i have some on hand but forget about it when i sit down to resize rifle cases. Old habits die hard sometimes.

Redding sells a carbide expander button kit for their dies. i have several but really have not found them to be worth the expense. I still use lubricant with them.

If my resizing die starts denting the shoulder of my cases, I find I must do a thorough cleaning of the die before it stops denting the shoulders.

Other comments above are good as well.

 

[Blue68f100]

Yes, too much lube, we all have done it one time or another part of the learning process.

Don't for get to make sure the vent hole is open/not clogged. This a small hole toward the top of the die (in the threads) where the shoulder is.... This some times get over looked because it ends up under the locking collar.

 

[altitude_19]

Yep, easy fix. Less lube, no denting, and a quick tumble to dry them off. Thanks guys!