Sizing Scratches

gregoryhart1

When sizing my .38 & .357 brass I noticed small scratches all the way around. Is this brass still safe to load & shoot? I'm looking at mild target loads.
GH1[:)]

Tailgunner1954

Yes.
Be sure to clean your sizing die, and inspect for dirt/grit/metal transfer while your looking at it.

gregoryhart1

Will do, thanks.
GH1[:)]

steveaustin

I started off with carbide dies but when I switched to a steel set I did not lube the case. My sizing die now has marks that in turn mark the case, have I ruined my sizing die?

mrbruce

The scratches can be polished out with fine emery paper and a bit of honing oil..
Just don't be heavy handed and it will be fine.....

steveaustin

Roger that, and thank you Mr. Bruce

JustC

they will usually appear after sizing,...it is just part of the process.

FYI, it is also a good way to tell if someone included handloads with a gun you purchased from them,..in which case you throw them away.

jonk

quote:Originally posted by JustC
they will usually appear after sizing,...it is just part of the process.

FYI, it is also a good way to tell if someone included handloads with a gun you purchased from them,..in which case you throw them away.
I wouldn't throw them away, but would pull them down and toss the powder.

Scratches don't bother me per se, but I do clean my brass before and after sizing so they usually aren't a big issue. Once in awhile a grain of sand or grit or whatever presumably gets in the die despite my efforts, ergo a few scratches. Cosmetic only, won't hurt anything.