Bent casing shoulders after the full size die.

[Sockeye]

Hello there.

Any suggestions why this could be happening?

The casings have been shot 5-6 times.About 90% now come from a press with these marks. 10% come out allright. Most of the undamaged ones are newer/less times reloaded.

I mean it does look like it could be the expected life span of the casings approaching in a hurry, but nevertheless, any one has seen this kind of damage?

No sure if they are safe to reload now.

Thanks.

[tom604]

i was going to say, too much lube. but the marks seem to go all the way around ? maybe just my eyes ? give the dies a good clean and check and go sparing on the lube, they should be good to shoot,the dents will just blow out. have a look in the dented cases and a scratch around inside as well (bent wire) and see if you can feel/see anything that isn't right

[TheDude]

When was the last time you trimmed them? Also are you full length sizing each time or neck sizing a couple of times then full lengthing?

[Sockeye]

The indentations go all the way around the neck. I did give a die a good blow with the carb cleaner and compressed air right away, but that did not help the picture.

The cases have been trimmed a couple of times already. Last time probably one or two cycles before.

And yeah, the necks look kinda long again. Will have to trim them to the specs if I decide to keep them for another go.

I use Lee equipment and unfortunately Lee does not offer a neck sizing die for this caliber. 7.62x54R. So each cycle they go through a full sized die.

Normally a little neck bend does not present a problem and gets taken care of when the cartridge is fired. However, fairly consistent circumferential dents kinda make me ask the question why.

Thank you for the input.

[TheDude]

As was said above might be too much lube. Pick up a lee 303 collet die, you can use it to neck size for the 7.62x54R

[tom604]

think you are on the money there, Dude. they could well be getting crushed a bit. just for my info, why would just neck sizing and then full length sizing be an issue? weakening the neck area?

[Sockeye]

As was said above might be too much lube. Pick up a lee 303 collet die, you can use it to neck size for the 7.62x54R

This is one awesome tip.

[Herdsman]

It's a pretty common issue mate.

Neck not trimmed enough, too much lube as already said... Give them a trim and a fine coat of L and see how the next batch goes.

Either way, it's fine to shoot them. Common as like we said. You'll see they'll just fire form back to the proper shape with no harm done.

Size them again after that with the tips above and see how you go.

[Rocker]

Yeah firing forming them again to fix the shoulder is the way to go.

Done it heaps.

[Sockeye]

Thanks guys. This is reassuring.

[Blackened]

Worth giving your dies a clean too.

In addition to too much lube it can be media debris built up in the dies, assuming your using a conventional tumbler.

And yeah, firing forming the cases again is nothing to worry about.

[Bills Shed]

As stated above this is a common excess lube issue. Again clean the inside of the dies. Lube can build up in the shoulders areas and a simple spray of carb cleaner may not be enough to dislodge it. A thorough clean and back off on the lube and you should be right to go.

Bill

[Herdsman]

I didn't think about cleaning my dies when I first got into it. Did it for the first time after a few months.

You get some serious crap built up in them body if you let it go.

[COLLECTOR 1]

Defiantly to much lube, and if your tumbling the cases before reloading the dies may have some media or rouge powder jammed up into the neck area of the die...When this stuff sets its a real bastard to get out.

collector 1

[Wes]

I suppose there is no reason you couldn't soak the die in whatever to loosen it up. WD40 or some solvent.

Just a bead of lube on the stem thread after before using and you'd have a clean start.

[COLLECTOR 1]

Pull the dies apart, and use 2 stoke mower fuel.....really......works for me

COLLECTOR 1

[Monty]

I suppose there is no reason you couldn't soak the die in whatever to loosen it up. WD40 or some solvent.

Just a bead of lube on the stem thread after before using and you'd have a clean start.

That would all work fine.

[Gun Nut Gordo]

If you have used too much lube you should take the dies apart and give them a right proper cleaning, if you have an ultra sonic give them a soak in that. If not get a fine rag with some kind of cleaner on it (kero, thinners even petrol would do in a pinch) and pull the soaked rag through until you're 100% sure all the lube in out. You don't want it in there attracting debris

[Herdsman]

You don't want it in there attracting debris

It's like pulling mud out if you let it go too long