Brass head damage

[sharkbait]

I've not long been reloading and am finding that when closeing the bolt (which can be quite difficult) it is marking the case head. Anybody shed some light on this. Thanks

 

[charadam]

I'd be a little concerned by both facts.

Stiff bolt on closing indicates case sizing issues for one.

Marked brass, if it is after firing, is a good sign of excess pressure from your load recipe.

​Tell us more, with pictures if you can.

 

[phaedra]

Have you trimmed the cases to the correct length?, what happens if you load an empty case, is it still stiff to close the bolt and leaving marks?.

 

[8x57]

Are you just neck sizing by any chance or are you full length resizing?
Also have you trimmed the cases and are the cases ones that have been shot since new in your rifle?

 

[Brithunter]

May I suggest you go back and read how to set up your dies again. I am thinking that you have not got them correct.

 

[Arbshot]

May I suggest you go back and read how to set up your dies again. I am thinking that you have not got them correct.

+1, you may only need to turn your sizing die down a fraction.

 

[8x57]

May I suggest you go back and read how to set up your dies again. I am thinking that you have not got them correct.

+1 That would have been my next comment if the OP had replied regarding how he was sizing his cases. Probably the most common mistake and something that most of us forget to check on times.

 

[paul o']

+1
2p worth as above it sounds like
head space prob and your shoulders are to high . you may see like a smear on the head after forcing the bolt closed if indeed you can don't force it !! but after fireing it close's with the fired case with no problems .try this, grab a case size it place this in your chamber will it close with no force Y= ok N=1/4 turn your die down until the case and bolt fit close with no problems then make a dummy to your size and then try again Y=happy N= try again drop your bullet back 5tho.
happy loading life a leaning curve.

+1, you may only need to turn your sizing die down a fraction.

 

[deeangeo]

I'd be a little concerned by both facts. Stiff bolt on closing indicates case sizing issues for one. Marked brass, if it is after firing, is a good sign of excess pressure from your load recipe. ​Tell us more, with pictures if you can.

May I suggest you go back and read how to set up your dies again. I am thinking that you have not got them correct.

​+1 Good luck. ATB

 

[sharkbait]

Thanks fellas will give your thoughts a try. Will let you know how I get on

 

[lister]

I have some ppu new brass that is too wide at the head and full length sizing die could not reduce due to the case holder backing off the case from the die I turned a die on my lathe that just targets the last part of the head which is pressed in then knocked out works for me
​cheers lister