Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Unhappy Scratched resizer die/case tumbling

    Anyone have any experience with resizing dies becoming scratched from resizing cases after they were tumble cleaned in Lyman corncob media?

    Recently got a tumble cleaner and cleaned some 45ACP. Then proceeded to resize without wiping off the cases. Noted several surface scratches on the resized cases running along the long axis as well as scratches in the die itself. I checked some cases that were loaded just prior to getting the tumbler and they were scratchless. I can only conclude that the scratches were due to a residue from the tumbling but I could find nothing that indicated that post-tumbler cleaning is required before resizing. The resizing die is steel, not carbide.

    Any thoughts as to whether the scratched cases are still serviceable?

    Any thoughts on how to remove scratches from die?

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Scratched resizer die/case tumbling

    I guess "how scratched?" is the best thing to ask right now. Any pics?

    I have a hard time grasping that corn cob scratched brass and an even harder time that it scratched hardened tool steel. Were the cases still dirty? Could rocks/dirt/sand possibly have been in your brass?
    Guns are good.
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  3. #3
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    Default Re: Scratched resizer die/case tumbling

    Are you using a steel or carbide resizer die?
    If it is steel did you lube the cases?
    If you lubed them, did you spray or roll them?
    If you are using steel, I strongly reccomend carbide.

    I doubt (but I have been wrong before ) that the media is responsable for the scratches. More likely something contaminated the cases after lubing, especially if you used a roll pad. Unless they are deep, the scratched cases should be ok. The die is doubtful, but you could try a dowel rod with emory cloth wrapped around it, and twist the dowel, by hand, inside the die. hth and good luck.
    I vote the second first

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Scratched resizer die/case tumbling

    I reread your post and saw steel dies. Carbide is the way to go with handgun loading. No need to lube, less arm pressure on the press handle.
    I vote the second first

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Scratched resizer die/case tumbling

    +1 for the lack of lube theory.

    imo, carbide's the only way to go for pistol reloading.

    and, as previously stated, it about "how scratched", but i find it hard to beleive media would gouge them enough to render them useless.
    Quote Originally Posted by 1911shooter View Post
    when the world does end the 2 things that will be left are cock roaches and AK's

  6. #6
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    Smile Re: Scratched resizer die/case tumbling

    Thanks all for the comments. Finally got around to playing with the die and removed the scratches using a 7/16 dowel and 320 grit emory paper.

    I agree that carbide is best but the die have been with me for 40 years - Herter's of Waseca,MN and I hate to retire the old soldier. Probably will eventually go carbide but for now the 'ol girl is back in action.

    Thanks again

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Scratched resizer die/case tumbling

    If I have been using them for 40 years, I wouldn't replace them either.
    I vote the second first

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Scratched resizer die/case tumbling

    Quote Originally Posted by tl_3237 View Post
    Thanks all for the comments. Finally got around to playing with the die and removed the scratches using a 7/16 dowel and 320 grit emory paper.

    I agree that carbide is best but the die have been with me for 40 years - Herter's of Waseca,MN and I hate to retire the old soldier. Probably will eventually go carbide but for now the 'ol girl is back in action.

    Thanks again
    Here's something to check before you load mass quantities of ammo with that die; Make sure the cases sized after polishing out the scratches will chamber properly in your gun. My guess is that they probably will chamber and function just fine, but you need to check to make sure.When you polish something, you are removing material from it. The deeper the scratches, the more material needs to be removed to make the surface smooth again. Removing material will leave the die opening slightly larger than it was, and possibly with high/low spots or a taper. If you removed a lot of material, or if the removal was uneven, there's a chance that it could cause a problem. You're probably OK, but check it out thoroughly just to be sure.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Scratched resizer die/case tumbling

    I have a set of .32-20 dies which are missing the decapper. All three dies are in pristine condition (not in a Herter's box, regretfully).
    I'm interested in finding out what the set is worth.
    Anyone in the market please contact me and I'll gladly take and supply photos.

    shooter@artnickel.com

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