Sizing Die Problem

[MED]

I have a sizing die problem. Somehow, after 20 years, I managed to deposit some brass in the die resulting in scratched cases. I tried solvent and a wire bore brush but didn't remove the fouling. As an option for removal, I read that a wood dowel wrapped with wet/dry 600 grit paper should work. Before proceeding, I thought I would solicit some advice. The dies are 223 Rem carbide RCBS I purchased in the early 90s.

[Great-Kazoo]

You can use fine wet / dry on it OR call rcbs, they might replace or repair it for you no charge.

If you use a dowel, cut a slot in it from the top about 1/2' down. Put the fine grit wet dry in the slot and use it like a cylinder hone.

There are copper & lead fouling cleaners in most gun stores.

I'd still call RCBS. They somewhat slow shipping, but have always come through.

Nuclear Option :

Plan B is some hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar (used some times to clean suppressors) It's mildly caustic but will clean / remove any deposits. Well ventilated area, gloves, eye protection, and fresh water to rinse . DO NOT let it sit more than 30 - 60 sec. You can always do the process again.

with it being a small piece to clean, perhaps using cotton swabs / q-tips could be used as the applicator to the fouled area.

[Jamnanc]

Want to borrow my foul out? Might be worth a shot.

[MED]

You can use fine wet / dry on it OR call rcbs, they might replace or repair it for you no charge.

If you use a dowel, cut a slot in it from the top about 1/2' down. Put the fine grit wet dry in the slot and use it like a cylinder hone.

There are copper & lead fouling cleaners in most gun stores.

I'd still call RCBS. They somewhat slow shipping, but have always come through.

Nuclear Option :

Plan B is some hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar (used some times to clean suppressors) It's mildly caustic but will clean / remove any deposits. Well ventilated area, gloves, eye protection, and fresh water to rinse . DO NOT let it sit more than 30 - 60 sec. You can always do the process again.

with it being a small piece to clean, perhaps using cotton swabs / q-tips could be used as the applicator to the fouled area.

I called RCBS as you suggested. They said send it to them with five dollars return shipping and they would fix it for me, which sounds like the best option. I don't know how many thousands of rounds I have loaded with this over the last two decades, but I can't complain. I found a small base RCBS sizing die on midwayusa for $23 on clearance so ordered that too.

Thanks!

[MED]

Want to borrow my foul out? Might be worth a shot.

Thank you for the offer! I am sending it back to RCBS.

[Zombie Steve]

Look at it this way... if your next one lasts 20 years, the replacement cost is $1.44 / year (includes the seating die).

[eneranch]

RCBS has always been good for me on warranty issues; I'll bet they just send you a new one.