FL sizing help needed

[lukelukeluke]

I’ve recently started FL sizing some once fired 6.5 Creedmoor brass to get some practice (wet tumbled with S/S pins and then lubed).

I’m having an issue with the Hornady Custom grade sizing die scratching the cases. I’ve used a cleaning brush with fine very wool wrapped around it + metal polish, and then a cotton polishing pad on dremel - the inside of the sizing die looks polished (but difficult to say 100% without a borescope).

I’m using a 99.9% IPA/castor oil mix for lubing 10:1 ratio, spray the mix into a ziplock bag to distribute.

I have the same issue with my .223 Lee precision FL sizing die so I’m finding it hard to believe it’s the dies causing the issue. Funnily enough my .44 mag sizing die doesn’t scratch the cases one bit and I’ve never used any lube??

Any tips where to start diagnosing the problem would really help before unleashing onto Lapua brass

 

[finnbear270]

Is the shoulder dented on that case?, or is it just the way the light is, looks just like over lubing dents to me.
Do you possibly have a bit of grit in the lube, is the scratch in the same orientation to the die position every time?

 

[Greenmist]

I'd agree with @finnbear270 , dent in case would suggest too much lube in this case, try using less lube or lube differently, I'd also give the die a good clean with brake/clutch cleaner, as metal polish is abrasive, you may have left some in there.
Just to add, I'd still use the case as it is, as it will blow out when fired

 

[Bavarianbrit]

I did some .308s sized down to .243 and fired two to see how the brass ironed itself out, well pleased with the result.

 

[lukelukeluke]

Is the shoulder dented on that case?, or is it just the way the light is, looks just like over lubing dents to me.
Do you possibly have a bit of grit in the lube, is the scratch in the same orientation to the die position every time?

I see what you mean from the photo but no it’s not dented just scratched, scratches are the same direction vertically of the die.

 

[lukelukeluke]

I did some .308s sized down to .243 and fired two to see how the brass ironed itself out, well pleased with the result.
View attachment 474842

Sorry I don’t understand the relevance to my question. I’m guessing you are referring to dents in the case. I’m specifically talking about scratches

 

[lukelukeluke]

Another image to show the scratches (no dents)

 

[finnbear270]

Dirty cases into die??

 

[finnbear270]

Is the die, or the case holder off centre in the press???