Marks on neck = too much neck tension?(.308)

[Creature]

I've been using a .308 neck die for years and just recently have notice picket fencing type marks on the neck. I even tried to neck size a virgin Lapua .308 case and it was extremely hard and ripped off most of the neck.

I have the press/die set so the die barely cams over right as the handle of the press reaches it's full range of motion. I'm thinking about getting a new .308 neck die but don't want to have to drop out $80 for a redding bushing neck die. Are there any cheaper dies that are easy on case necks or have controllable tension?

 

[flounderv2]

Re: Marks on neck = too much neck tension?(.308)

Redding dies have bushings for various tensions. Have you tried cleaning your dies lately.

 

[Winchester 69]

Re: Marks on neck = too much neck tension?(.308)

You may have brass embedded on your bushing. Copper solvent will remove it.

As mentioned, the bushing should be sized to accommodate the brass. Is your virgin brass a new batch?

 

[Unsichtbar]

Re: Marks on neck = too much neck tension?(.308)

What neck die are you using, when you say cams over, this is usually the action described when using a Lee collet die.

 

[5R Milspec]

Re: Marks on neck = too much neck tension?(.308)

if its a Lee collet die I would suggest that you give your die one more full turn.this will allow you to fill the recommended 25 foot pounds it takes to resize the neck.and you can all so use some 320 or finer sand papper to sand the areas where the collet closes in at.I used to get this same look on my brass but when I sanded the areas and adjusted the die it went away.just remember the 25# of pressure,to much will pop the cap right off the die.and for what its worth the Lee collet is all I use and get great results.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Marks on neck = too much neck tension?(.308)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Winchester 69</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You may have brass embedded on your bushing. Copper solvent will remove it.

As mentioned, the bushing should be sized to accommodate the brass. Is your virgin brass a new batch? </div></div>

Plus a little Imperial sizing wax goes a long way

 

[Pogo57]

Re: Marks on neck = too much neck tension?(.308)

"I've been using a .308 neck die for years "

So what changed is what I'd be asking myself rather than what new die should I buy.

Take it apart.
Clean it and inspect for damage.
Check your setup and make sure it's correct.

+1 on the Imperial on the necks as well as body. Fantastic stuff!

 

[Hummer]

Re: Marks on neck = too much neck tension?(.308)

I have had this same thing many years ago and finally figured out it was from not lubing the cases correctly and brass started to deposit on the die. Made the picket fence (good description of them) all the way around the neck.
Haven't had that in year but now I think I would soak it with ammonia based solution (Sweets etc) and see what that does. Next I would put it in lathe and polish it out.
If you have a buddy with a borescope take a looksee down in it after cleaning and I think you will find corresponding marks on the neck area of the die.