hillbillydruggist
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are dented shoulders always the result of too much case lube?
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dented shoulders?
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Ole Joe Clark
Absent Comrade
In my experience, yes. I have had that problem occasionally since about 1975, when I started reloading. It's always to much lube.
Have a blessed day,
Leon
Have a blessed day,
Leon
Collo Rosso
Member
That has been the case for me. On somebody's recommendation I started using Redding's imperial sizing wax. Just a touch on a finger tip will do lots of 223 cases. To much of it and you'll wrinkle cases also. I pull and clean the sizing die after 500 rounds or so to keep the lube from building up in it.
If they weren't dented prior to sizing, yes.
I've switched to Imperial sizing wax. It takes very little to ensure a case won't stick, but leave excess on the neck/shoulder and it too will cause denting. Wipe your finger across the wax, rub it on, resize. It wipes off easily with a rag or paper towel also.
The neck and shoulder area needs the barest of lube anyhow. It's the case body, particularly the web area, that will bind in the die. Make sure the lower end is sufficiently lubed.
The good part is shoulder denting, unless you're packing powder in the case to the max, isn't a problem and irons out on the next firing.
I've switched to Imperial sizing wax. It takes very little to ensure a case won't stick, but leave excess on the neck/shoulder and it too will cause denting. Wipe your finger across the wax, rub it on, resize. It wipes off easily with a rag or paper towel also.
The neck and shoulder area needs the barest of lube anyhow. It's the case body, particularly the web area, that will bind in the die. Make sure the lower end is sufficiently lubed.
The good part is shoulder denting, unless you're packing powder in the case to the max, isn't a problem and irons out on the next firing.
Many/most recent (last 20 years or so) sizing dies have a weep hole in the die at the shoulder. That generally minimizes the chance of case denting but doesn't eliminate it.
The case ought to feel slightly greasy, it shouldn't have gobs of lube on it. As mentioned above, while the neck needs some lube (since I use a lube pad, I generally have at least one slightly greasy hand, I use fingers from this hand to transfer lube to the case neck), the body of the case is what needs the most lube.
The case ought to feel slightly greasy, it shouldn't have gobs of lube on it. As mentioned above, while the neck needs some lube (since I use a lube pad, I generally have at least one slightly greasy hand, I use fingers from this hand to transfer lube to the case neck), the body of the case is what needs the most lube.
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boatbum101
Member
Hornady One Shot spray lube . Light mist is all you need .
Another + for Imperial sizing wax, haven't had a dented shoulder since using it.
Yes. But when you pull the trigger the dents go away.
fredj338
Member
Depends on the dent but generally too much case lube &/or the little vent hole plugged.
rkittine
Member
+ 1 on Imperial - If you do not get dents on all your cases, it isn't going to be a die issue.
I would hazard to guess that yes, shoulder dents, especially after sizing is caused by excess case lube. I also think "too much" can be subjective as it will depend on the type of lube you use (a heavy oil like STP a wax like Imperil, a dedicated case lube like RCBS or Lee, or a spray on). I discovered Mink Oil Boot Dressing Cream quite a few years ago and have not had any dents or stuck cases, probably because so very little is needed...
nachogrande
Member
NEVER SAY NEVER OR ALWAYS
"MOST LIKELY" the culprit? YES. How's that for wishy/washy?
I Hornady one shot lube the brass after cleaning it, then rub them with a rag, it leaves plenty of lube. Cleaning/lubing the dies before use & cleaning out as much lube with a q-tip as possible has been a good combo for me, no dents or stuck cases for many years.
"MOST LIKELY" the culprit? YES. How's that for wishy/washy?
I Hornady one shot lube the brass after cleaning it, then rub them with a rag, it leaves plenty of lube. Cleaning/lubing the dies before use & cleaning out as much lube with a q-tip as possible has been a good combo for me, no dents or stuck cases for many years.
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This happens in "Rifle" cases...........
too much lube on the case. A little goes a long way but........
I rather have dented cases, than a stuck case in my die, for lack of it!!!
A Q-tip with a little inside the neck might also make expanding
the neck a little easier, or a nylon bristle brush if you have one.
A dented case looks ugly but as mentioned it will pop out, on firing.
As a note, many just neck size if used in the same rifle, to not "Over work"
the brass, so it last longer.
You will only need to "Full size" to the case shoulder, when your bolt handle does not close EASY.
Have fun.
too much lube on the case. A little goes a long way but........
I rather have dented cases, than a stuck case in my die, for lack of it!!!
A Q-tip with a little inside the neck might also make expanding
the neck a little easier, or a nylon bristle brush if you have one.
A dented case looks ugly but as mentioned it will pop out, on firing.
As a note, many just neck size if used in the same rifle, to not "Over work"
the brass, so it last longer.
You will only need to "Full size" to the case shoulder, when your bolt handle does not close EASY.
Have fun.
fredj338
Member
I have FL sized 1000s of rifle cases with several diff lubes. You really have to over do it to get shoulder dents or the die vent hole is plugged. Never seen it happen any other way.
joeintexas
US Veteran
Mine usually come from my shooting buddy that wears size 12 shoes and always shoots to my right and walks up and down looking for his brass. Actually I think too much lube is a prime culprit
Any time I've had the problem....
...tiny dents around the shoulder = too much lube. I started using Imperial Wax and the problem decreased, but I found that if I put the stuff on too heavy it still causes dents. The shoulder should not be lubed or lubed VERY lightly if at all.
They say that with I'mperial wax if you can see it, you have too much on, but sometimes I get a little liberal with it.
They won't hurt anything, but a little care won't let them form.
...tiny dents around the shoulder = too much lube. I started using Imperial Wax and the problem decreased, but I found that if I put the stuff on too heavy it still causes dents. The shoulder should not be lubed or lubed VERY lightly if at all.
They say that with I'mperial wax if you can see it, you have too much on, but sometimes I get a little liberal with it.
They won't hurt anything, but a little care won't let them form.
