These could be lube dents from too much lube. Make sure there is just a thin film of oil. If it is more than that lube can be trapped within the resizing die and dent the case, Usually this is a problem with bottleneck cases but I suppose it can also happen to straight sided or tapered cases.
I had the same thing happening to my .45 acp brass. But my dents were caused by an improper adjusted ejector. The case was hitting on the edge of the ejection port when fired. I found out it was common and the dents ironed out after a couple of reloadings. Thats a tiny dent compared to what I had.First off there is no such thing as a dumb reloading question, It doesn`t look cracked so should be fine
I would send some pictures to the die manufacturer and see what they say. If the die has always dented the case the manufacturer may replace it.I was waiting for others to comment. I have to agree that this happens from time to time and isn't a problem.
While we are on this subject; I can't load my 30-30 w/o having dimples in the case neck. Because I'm loading for a Lever Gun, I feel the need to full length size every time. (I neck size only for bolt guns and single shot rifles)
The only reason that I can think of is that the chamber in the rifle is somewhat larger than the sizing die. Sizing dies are made to the tightest SAAMI standards so the reloaded ammo will fit in "any" rifle. Every rifle has a different chamber size/configuration. Seems like cases with a sharper neck angle are more prone to this problem than cases with a more gradual angle to the neck.
I am always careful to not over lube the cases. I have also disassembles the dies and cleaned them to remove any built up residue.
The dimples vary from case to case. Here is one of the worst examples. This case has about 4 dimples with this example being the worst.
I've never considered it to be a problem i.e. the dimple goes away when it is fired. However, the extra wear and tear may shorten the case life and requires closer inspection before reloading.
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
One thing I just remembered is that you do not lube the case shoulder. Any amount of lube in that area can dent the case. Might want to make sure the shoulder is dry.I was waiting for others to comment. I have to agree that this happens from time to time and isn't a problem.
While we are on this subject; I can't load my 30-30 w/o having dimples in the case neck. Because I'm loading for a Lever Gun, I feel the need to full length size every time. (I neck size only for bolt guns and single shot rifles)
The only reason that I can think of is that the chamber in the rifle is somewhat larger than the sizing die. Sizing dies are made to the tightest SAAMI standards so the reloaded ammo will fit in "any" rifle. Every rifle has a different chamber size/configuration. Seems like cases with a sharper neck angle are more prone to this problem than cases with a more gradual angle to the neck.
I am always careful to not over lube the cases. I have also disassembles the dies and cleaned them to remove any built up residue.
The dimples vary from case to case. Here is one of the worst examples. This case has about 4 dimples with this example being the worst.
I've never considered it to be a problem i.e. the dimple goes away when it is fired. However, the extra wear and tear may shorten the case life and requires closer inspection before reloading.
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
This especially causes that and the ridges on the neck. If you can feel the lube on the shoulder and neck, wipe and redo.One thing I just remembered is that you do not lube the case shoulder. Any amount of lube in that area can dent the case. Might want to make sure the shoulder is dry.
Nope, so you have to lightly lube them. I looked, but cannot find any Lee carbide dies in .444 either. Those small dents do not hurt much. If they get deep and appear to dig into the metal, I would be worried. Don't get hinky. Cases get dents all the time.Lee don't make carbide dies for the 444 Marlin