Divot in the shoulder

[Rutter]

So I am reloading some brass, that I bought new. It has been fired three times. I did the Redding neck die the first time reloading and a full size Redding die the second time. This time is the third time to resize them. I am noticing that a few very few are getting a divot a small divot in the shoulder. I have cleaned my dies everything is great there. I’m wondering what the problem is. Out of 150 cases I noticed this happen to about six cases. Is this a problem that can be fixed with annealing? Or is this something else? Any and all help greatly appreciated.

 

[Howland]

So I am reloading some brass, that I bought new. It has been fired three times. I did the Redding neck die the first time reloading and a full size Redding die the second time. This time is the third time to resize them. I am noticing that a few very few are getting a divot a small divot in the shoulder. I have cleaned my dies everything is great there. I’m wondering what the problem is. Out of 150 cases I noticed this happen to about six cases. Is this a problem that can be fixed with annealing? Or is this something else? Any and all help greatly appreciated.

Pics would help, but my first guess would be too much lube.

 

[Tnc]

Excess lube? I have had this happen with too much lube

He beat me to it

 

[Rutter]

Excess lube? I have had this happen with too much lube

That is one thing I did wonder about. I did start using less of that. I just wasn’t sure on the reasoning so I really appreciate the advice. Thank you.

 

[427Cobra]

Too much lube

 

[squirrelsniper]

In addition to using too much lube, be careful about getting the lube too far up next to the shoulder. I always look at the cases before sizing and if any lube is on or near the shoulder, I wipe off a bit in that area.

 

[Steel head]

Lube over load.

Important place for lube is below the shoulder nearer to the base.

 

[Howland]

I just wasn’t sure on the reasoning so...

Even with dies having vent holes, case lube has volume. With excess lube that volume has to go somewhere so it displaces case volume, usually right behind the shoulder.

 

[John Glidewell]

I always wipe the case necks before running in die to prevent this and get better / more consistent shoulder bump.