Sizing die problems

[BradyT88]

I'm sizing once fired by me 500 Auto Starline brass cases with an RCBS carbide die. The first time I set up the die I tried running it with no lube since these are straight wall cases and a carbide die. I was met with lots of resistance and messed up a few cases like the ones in the pic. After lubing the cases I was able to size them easily but was getting odd scratches in the cases. Upon inspection the carbide ring was broken. I suspected that was the cause of the problems. I spoke with RCBS and they sent me a new die.

Installed the new die and just ran some cases through it. Trying both light lube and heavy lube. The ones below were heavily lubed. I am about to do some research on what 500 S&W is supposed to be sized down to and if this die is sizing them too small or if my rifle chamber might be too large. I suspect the die is too small because I recall it doing the same to brand new Starline cases. I don't want to run a new one through yet just to find out it's the die and ruin a case.

I scoured my town and all anyone carries is the same RCBS die I have.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[BradyT88]

Lubed new case goes right through with normal resistance. My die is sizing them down to .530" which I believe is the SAAMI spec. The fired cases are measuring. 536"-.537" before sizing and chewing it up.

New case on the right. Fired on the left.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[tabascoman]

I always put a little lube on the straight wall dies. I use a little spray or some graphite in the die. I know you’re not suppose to need it. But I do it for the same reason you’re having.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BradyT88]

I always put a little lube on the straight wall dies. I use a little spray or some graphite in the die. I know you’re not suppose to need it. But I do it for the same reason you’re having.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

These are lubed. I tried both lightly lubing and heavily living. Made no difference other than a little easier to run the case through the die.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[BradyT88]

Lee die showed up. Ran the cases through it and they sized just fine. Not only did the Lee die size lower down the case, but it also sized them 5 thou smaller. I even ran a damaged case through it and it went right over that lip the RCBS die made, knocking it off and sizing it down without shaving anymore brass. I do not plan on loading those cases though. They are going in the bad brass pile.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[Muddydawg75]

interesting.... I've never had that type of issue.

[BradyT88]

interesting.... I've never had that type of issue.

I assume it has something to do with the shape of the carbide ring but looking at them I'm not completely sure why. Unless the brass is catching the steel before the carbide ring in the RCBS.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[Muddydawg75]

If I were you, I'd have to figure it out... I'd have a hard time letting it go.

I'm curious by nature like that.